Background: Chrysler’s good-time PT Cruiser four-door wagon is ready for more fun. The four-cylinder, front-wheel drive vehicle broke onto the automotive scene in the summer of 2000 as a 2001 model-year product sporting a relatively low cost (it starts under $17,000), and measuring somewhere between a compact and mid-sized vehicle. The retro-inspired wagon was an instant hit, imploring the Chrysler division of DaimlerChrysler to crank up production at its Toluca, Mexico assembly facility and add production at a Graz, Austria plant for increased world-wide production. Demand has outstripped supply during the vehicle’s two-year reign, a good problem to have if you’re an automaker. One way Chrysler is keeping interest from burning out too quickly is by adding limited production, special trim or “Buzz Models” into the product fold every six months or so. A half-dozen Buzz models have been introduced or announced during the past couple of years, including the Flames Package, Dream Cruiser Series 1 Package, Chrome Accent option, a two-door convertible, a turbo edition and our test car of the week, the Woodie Package.
The $895 “Woodie” option is available in all three 2002 model trim levels: Base, Limited and Touring. A medium oak woodgrain pattern encompasses all four doors, the liftgate and quarter panels against the solid body-colored fenders, pillars, hood and roof. The Woodie paneling is available with any color in the PT Cruiser lineup. Simulated wood paneling was utilized in late 1960s Chrysler station wagons and later in the ‘80s and ‘90s in Chrysler’s segment-busting minivans. In the 2002 model year, Chrysler will build 7,000 Woodie editions. By the fall of 2002, Chrysler will increase capacity to build PT Cruisers at a rate of 310,000 per year, up from its current limit of 180,000 annually.
Engine: During its first two model years, the sole powertrain offered was a 2.4-liter, 16-valve, double-overhead-cam, in-line, four-cylinder engine cranking out 150 horsepower. A major criticism of the PT Cruiser during its first years was its lack of power, especially with more than one rider aboard. Chrysler is addressing this need by offering a turbo-charged model arriving on the scene this fall as a 2003 option, jumping horsepower to a more respectable 215. When coupled with four-speed automatic transmission, the PT Cruiser generates 20 miles per gallon in city travel and 25 m.p.g. highway with the standard engine. Editions with five-speed manual generate an extra mile of highway travel. The tank holds 15 gallons of unleaded regular fuel.
Interestingly, because of its relatively flat floor and other underpinnings, PT Cruiser is considered a truck by some government agencies, an important distinction because this vehicle helps increase the average fuel economy of Chrysler’s entire truck line. The fuel-efficient PT Cruiser helps offset the relatively poor fuel readings of such vehicles as the V-8 powered Dodge Durango, which generates 13 miles in city travel on a good day. Automakers are mandated by the government to meet certain minimum miles-per-gallon averages for cars and trucks. Three 2002 trim levels (Base, Touring and Limited) replace equipment groups available in the 2001 model year. Five-speed manual transmission comes standard while four-speed automatic is a $825 option across all three 2002 trim levels.
Standard equipment: All three trim levels include as standard equipment: rear window wiper, AM/FM stereo with single-feed compact disc player and six speakers, power steering, air conditioning, power windows, tilt-adjustable steering column, rear window defroster and intermittent front wipers. Touring and Limited editions add power locks and power mirrors. Limited models add cruise control and power sunroof standard. Optional in all models are roof racks and cassette tape players.
Pricing: Chrysler supplied the Daily Herald with a top-of-the-line Limited trim level with the $895 woodgrain accent. Base price was $20,465. After factoring in other options including anti-lock brakes ($790), heated seats ($250), automatic transmission ($825), roof rack ($175) and compact disc player, the bottom line added up to $23,900 including a $590 destination charge. Base PT Cruiser models start at $16,200 while Touring models check in at $17,915.
Interior: The PT Cruiser’s overall length is five inches shorter than the compact Dodge Neon, while total passenger volume is only one cubic foot less than the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee. It’s very versatile with many variable configurations for transporting “stuff.” In the rear cargo area, Chrysler designed a two-tier structure utilizing a sturdy panel/sunshade that can be easily removed and stowed when larger items need storing. Second-row backrests with a 60/40 split fold flat onto the seats once buttons on top of the backs are depressed. With the passenger front seat and second-row backrests folded, PT Cruiser can transport an eight-foot ladder. For more options, the folded back seats flip forward, opening up more space. Finally, second-row seats are completely removable for transporting even bigger cargo.
In front, both driver and passenger seats are more the captain’s chair variety rather than true buckets with individual arm rests that fold up and out of the way when not needed. Headroom is more than plentiful no matter where you’re positioned. Ceiling handles adorn the area above all four doors, which have looped, chrome interior handles and sturdy map pockets. This is a very easy vehicle to slip in and out of. While this is marketed as a five-seater, two adults fit most comfortably in back. Near the rear view mirror in front are two interior map lights and convenient green-lit digital readouts of time and outside temperature. The instrument panel consists of three, deep-set analog gauges with fuel, speedometer and tachometer readouts. Toggle switches operating the four power windows are found high atop the center dashboard.
Below are three dials monitoring fan speed, direction and temperature. The stereo center, with single-feed compact disc player, is below. In between the front seats are two permanently-molded beverage holders in front of the long-handled transmission shifter. Also in the area is the hand-operated parking brake.
Headlights turn on and off via the turn signal stalk while windshield wipers operate from a right-side stalk. Power mirrors are controlled from a circular push panel on the dashboard’s far left side. In the second row, power window buttons are found near the floor along with a single beverage holder between the front bucket seats. It’s not unusual for a person sitting in back to inadvertently hit these buttons with their foot and open a window. Cloth seats come standard in Base and Touring editions while a suede/leather combo is a Limited trim level staple.
Exterior: Currently, PT Cruiser is a four-door exclusive vehicle until the convertible version debuts in a year or two sporting two doors. Contributing to the distinctive exterior is a front end that narrows as it approaches the long vertically inspired grille. The tall roofline helps define this vehicle which some say resembles a gangster get-away car from the 1930s. Both headlights and taillights are relatively diminutive.
In front, small cat’s-eye shaped lights adorn both flared side fenders that groove into the tall grille. In back, teardropped-shaped tail lights hug the lower portion of both flared rear fenders adjacent to the cargo hatch door, which is hinged at the top and opens as one unit. The opening is high enough so those 6-feet 3-inches and shorter have plenty of clearance.
A molded cup embedded into the door’s bottom crease provides a grip area useful when closing the hatch door. Chrysler’s retro winged logo looks impressive against the woodgrained door. Chrome door handles operate via a spring-loaded thumb button, reminiscent of an earlier era. A whip radio antenna is found on the front right fender while the non-locking, circular fuel door adorns the right rear fender. Base editions come standard with relatively small 15-inch all-season tires and steel rims. Touring and Limited models have bigger 16-inch tires. In 2003, 17-inch tires become available.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 103.0 inches
Overall length: 168.8 inches
Overall width: 67.1 inches
Overall height: 63.0 inches
Ground clearance: 6.5 inches.
Warranty/Incentives: Chrysler’s big news this week was the announcement of an extended seven-year/70,000 mile powertrain warranty program (covering engines, transmissions, transfer case and axles) for all Chrysler vehicles, replacing the existing three-year/36,000 mile powertrain warranty. This new warranty is good for vehicles purchased or leased after July 9, 2002. Chrysler hopes the extended warranty gives them a sales edge against domestic competitors Ford and General Motors.
The corrosion warranty remains at five years with unlimited miles. Consumers in the Chicagoland area thinking of buying a 2002 PT Cruiser may be influenced by special cash back incentives or APR financing unique to this marketing region. All three 2002 trim levels are currently eligible for a $1,500 cash rebate. Those opting for special financing can qualify for 1.9 percent financing for 36 months, 2.9 percent financing for 48 months or 3.9 percent financing for 60 months.
Safety features: Front driver and passenger air bags and rear-door child safety locks come standard. Traction control and four-wheel anti-lock brakes are optional in all three trim levels. Front side air bags are standard in Limited and optional in the other two levels.
Final thoughts: PT Cruiser is a fun little car to tool around in. Make no mistake; this is no performance vehicle capable of traveling from zero to 60 in 4.3 seconds. It’s a large compact or small mid-size frame (take your pick), four-cylinder wagon-like vehicle with lots of cargo room. The soon-to-arrive turbo edition adds more than 50 horsepower and should be in high demand. The turning radius of this vehicle is very wide (as with many trucks), so give yourself amble room for such maneuvers. The $895 Woodie package adds another visual dimension to the ever-growing lineup. |