Classic styling and modern utility were the guiding forces behind Chrysler's PT Cruiser. Based on the Neon platform, Chrysler expects the PT Cruiser to serve as the ideal "city car" with its combination of compact exterior dimensions and spacious interior layout. Although shorter than a Neon in overall length, the Cruiser sports 120.2 cubic feet of interior space.With the second seat gone, 76 cubic feet of cargo-carrying capacity await your load-hauling needs. Jumping from the standard model to the Chrysler pt Cruiser 2001 Limited Edition Value PT Cruiser gets you a Touring Suspension, leather front seats, fog lamps, a chrome exhaust tip, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for front occupants, overhead console, power moonroof, speed control, fold-flat front passenger seat, power heated fold-away mirrors, remote keyless entry, power locks, and 16-inch chrome alloy wheels.
Originally conceived as a Plymouth model, the PT Cruiser received the Chrysler nameplate on introduction in anticipation of the 2001 discontinuation of the Plymouth brand. The PT Cruiser was designed by Bryan Nesbitt, who later also styled the Chevrolet HHR.[2]A four-seat convertible model was added for 2005. The convertible officially ceased production December 21, 2007, but the last 2007 convertibles were marketed as 2008 models. On July 9, 2010 the PT Cruiser ended production.[3][5] A turbocharged GT model was introduced for the 2003 model year.
The PT Cruiser was manufactured at Toluca Car Assembly in Toluca, Mexico. In 2001 Car and Driver acknowledged the PT Cruiser on its Ten Best list and the PT Cruiser also won the North American Car of the Year.
The PT Cruiser was originally conceived as a Plymouth model, before Chrysler's merger with Daimler-Benz.[citation needed]At the time, Chrysler had planned a new look for Plymouth, previewed by the Plymouth Prowler "hot rod". Consequently, the PT Cruiser appeared in public only as a Chrysler.
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The PT Cruiser also resembles the 1997 Chrysler CCV prototype—which would evolve into the styling of the PT Cruiser.
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Models included the Classic Edition, Limited Edition, Touring Edition, "Dream Cruiser", "Street Cruiser", "Pacific Coast Highway Edition" and PT Cruiser GT. Non-GT Turbo (180 hp) edition models (introduced in 2004) were identified by a "2.4L Turbo" badge on the lower right hand corner of the rear lift-gate. The turbocharged 2.4 L four-cylinder engine was available in 180 hp (130 kW) or "High-Output" 230 hp (170 kW) versions.