The Retro Styled Cruiser

Anthony Fontanelle
June 4, 2008

The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a retro styled station wagon built by Chrysler. It draws its style from vehicles of yesteryears. It was launched in 2001 as an entry for the retro market. The "PT" may stand for "Personal Transportation. Unofficially, the name may stand for "Plymouth Truck", as it harks back to the 1930s line of Plymouth Trucks. It may also stand for "panel truck".

Over the years the basic shape of the PT Cruiser remained the same, though Chrysler have introduced a number of different versions with it. In 2006, Chrysler redesigned and improved the engine of the car. For the model year 2008, The PT Cruiser is available in the small wagon or convertible body forms.

The 2008 PT Cruiser Convertible is a 2-door, 4-passenger convertible, available in one trim only, the Base. “It is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 150-horsepower engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.” With this engine specification, reviewers advise that lack of boost doesn't mean it isn't fun to drive. Just don't expect to go as fast as a sports car.

This car is perfect for those seeking not only space and utility but also a unique styling statement. Style has always been one of the PT Cruiser's major selling points. It has the retro looks of a car from the 1930s or '40s. Base wagons come with 15-inch steel wheels, keyless entry and power windows. Exterior dimensions indicate the PT Cruiser is quite compact. It's shorter in overall length than most compact sedans, but it's relatively tall. Its car parts like bulging fenders, fender-mounted headlights and taillights, and a tall, wide egg crate grille help give the PT Cruiser its unique look.

Reviewers are impressed with the spaciousness of the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser's interior. Taller drivers will find plenty of room to get comfortable. A bonus of the Cruiser's tall profile is its upright seating position, with a fairly high view ahead.

It has the standard features which includes a sliding sun visor with covered vanity mirrors, a tachometer, an AM/FM stereo with CD player, four speakers and auxiliary input jack, cruise control, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, remote power door locks and front reading lights and power windows.

To induce safety, it has a standard driver and passenger frontal air bags which made it receive four out of five stars in frontal crash test (according to usnews.rankingsandreviews.com), but additional air bags as well as anti-lock brakes are extra-cost options.

Source:  Amazines.com