Overview:
Well – what a joy to drive this PT Cruiser from Chrysler. It didn’t take long to warm up to this relic of my youth and my fond recollection of the rods we’d restore with a few changes. We’d “hop up” the engine put 40 coats of lacquer paint and in many cases we’d “chop and channel” and put it on a mean “Rake” to really be “bad” (rad, in today’s vernacular). Our renditions of the old cars were as good as today’s PT (for personal transportation) Cruiser, which, by the way, I mean as a compliment to this daring release from Chrysler.
We were better than Detroit and it only took 50 years for them to realize it. I often wondered why automakers didn’t take more signals from the youth who’d be driving their cars. In some respects they did. For example they recessed door handles, “shaved the hood” (removed the emblem) and put cars on a “rake” (lowered in front), and so on.
Perhaps even more the automakers have waited until that 50’s and 60’s generation grew up and now have the money to buy their dream years cars.
It’s true, as some say; you’ll either love or hate this remake of days gone by in our love affair with cars of nearly 100 years now. But we’re the new centurions and have that gladiator verve for life. We want to be different as we walk “Forward” into the new millennium. We have busy lives of travel and work unparalleled since Marco Polo trekked the globe. Few did it then, but many do it today because we now have the disposable income to have nearly anything we want.
Today’s generation is made up of independent young people who have wanted for nothing. They can afford to buy a replica of what grand daddy put together with “bailing wire and chewing gum”. The 2000-generation knows what chewing gum is but few will know what bailing wire is. That’s not a put down, by the way. Every generation has pet sayings and I wouldn’t have a clue as to the origin or meaning of some of today’s jargon.
Well, this PT Cruiser will remind many of a panel truck of the late 1930’s and early 1940’s. Perhaps that’s why a gentleman (about 50) commented to me that everyone his age wants one of these Cruisers. That was my experience too. But this is more like a 2000 SUV with 1935 styling. It doesn’t have 4-wheel drive, so it gets much better gas mileage. I found it extremely comfortable, with a great ride, good handling and adequate power. The manual shifter is topped by a white “cue ball” for that effect of hot rods of the day. My 1930 model A sedan had a Budweiser draft handle knob, which was really cool.
Just like show business, you won’t want to buy one of these if you want to remain anonymous. Everyone, ten to 100 will want to take a look.
Handling & Performance:
Built solid and handles well. The 150 horsepower engine is adequate but most will find it sluggish. Manual trans will make a positive difference.
Styling:
Mid to late 1930’s.
Fit and Finish:
My friend Mark says, “this interior is better than my BMW”. I agree.
Conveniences:
With the addition of the optional equipment package for $4,580 you can have most every gadget you’ll get in any other luxury car of today.
Cost:
How do they do it? Base price of $15,450. Well, you guessed it – the supply is limited and the price may be double the base price if you must have one now.
Recommendation:
Wait for supply to catch up with demand.
The competition:
Ford Focus $12,125-15,260, Honda CR-V $18,650, Subaru Forester $20,295-22,895, Suzuki Grand Vitara $18,299-20,499, Toyota RAV4 $16,888-18,298, VW Beetle $15,900-21,075.
Good News:
Well priced, fun to drive, roomy SUV-like, good gas mileage, oodles of headroom, good maneuverability.
Bad News:
High demand – low supply drives price up, poorly placed power window controls (center of dash and rear controls mounted on the rear portion of the center console – poor access for the driver.
Standard Equipment:
2.4 liter 150 horsepower 4 cylinder engine, 4-speed auto trans, front air bags, child seat anchor, power front disc with rear drum brakes, stabilizer bars, air conditioning, tilt steering column, power windows, fold down rear removable seats, AM/FM six speaker radio with cassette and CD, power driver seat and more.
Gas Stats:
20 City and 25 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $15,450.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2003 – An Automotive Love Affair
