Chrysler PT Cruiser
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a compact car that was built by the American company Chrysler from 2001 until 2010. Introduced as a five-door hatchback wagon, a two-door convertible variant was also made from 2005 until 2008.
| Chrysler PT Cruiser | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Chrysler |
| Model code |
|
| Production | 2000–2010 |
| Model years | 2001–2010 |
| Assembly | Mexico: Toluca (Toluca Car Assembly) Austria: Graz (Eurostar) |
| Designer | Bryan Nesbitt |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact car |
| Body style | 2-door convertible 4-door hatchback wagon |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Platform | Chrysler PT platform |
| Related | Dodge SRT4 Dodge Neon |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 4-speed Ultradrive 40TE automatic 4-speed Ultradrive 41TE automatic 5-speed Getrag 288 manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 103 in (2,616 mm) |
| Length | 168.8 in (4,290 mm) |
| Width | 67.1 in (1,704 mm) |
| Height | 63 in (1,600 mm) Convertible: 60.6 in (1,539 mm) |
| Curb weight | 3,123 lb (1,417 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Dodge Neon (Japan) |
| Successor | Chrysler Delta (UK) |
Originally planned as a Plymouth model, the PT Cruiser was ultimately marketed as a Chrysler when Plymouth was discontinued. Intended to invoke 1930s aesthetics, the exterior of the PT Cruiser was designed by Bryan Nesbitt. The model received an intermediate facelift for the 2006 model year. Interior packaging was noted for its high roof, high h-point seating, and flexible cargo and passenger configurations enabled by a multi-level rear cargo shelf and rear seats a user could fold, tumble, or remove.
The PT Cruiser was produced in Mexico and Austria at the Toluca Car Assembly and Eurostar Automobilwerk factories. By the end of production in July 2010, worldwide production had reached 1.35 million.
In its nameplate, PT stands for "Personal Transport" or "Personal Transportation". PT was the PT Cruiser's product code for the Mexican-made units.