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ABT Review: 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
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| Too much is never enough |
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| Updated |
Mar 17, 2005 19:41:50 |
| Rating |
 87 ( -14 -16.09% ) | | Author | Brian Chee |
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Description:
2001 PT Cruiser
Is it possible to be too cool? Too good-looking, too trendy…too much of what everybody wants? After all, no one likes a show off, and if there is such a thing as car that struts, it’s the PT Cruiser. Good looks, comfortable interior, hauling power…like that kid in your 8th grade math class who knew all the answers, all the time. Chances are you didn’t think he was too cool. The trouble is that it’s so hard not to like the PT Cruiser. It’s what happens when a car is designed from the heart and not a marketing 101 playbook. No detail is overlooked; from its classic Americana style to the new age front beams, the look is bold, graceful and head turning. If you don’t want people to notice, don’t drive this car. There’s always the older Chrysler Model K car. tAs with most stylish cars, choosing the right color is important—-with the PT Cruiser, it’s crucial, due to its shape and height. I like the dark blue, and the cherry red is smokin’—stay away from the too-trendy silver and black. The Pt Cruiser is available in 9 colors: Black Stone White Aquamarine Bright Silver Shale Green Taupe Frost Deep Cranberry Patriot Blue Inferno Red Tinted
I’m not sure what Deep Cranberry is, and Stone White has me a bit confused. Is it named after a 60s’ hippie flick? Does it mean that it’s too cool to be plain and simple white? I suppose it does. When you look this good you can call yourself charley-horse purple if that fits your mood. And the PT is all about mood. The swooping lines, the retro feel with just a hint of new age design…like the great American cars of old, this car makes a statement. And like those cars of old, the PT isn’t just pretty in the face. It’s got a little chutzpah under the hood—enough to keep you at least one winged emblem ahead of other cars in its price range, such as the 4-cylinder Accord. Think of the Pt Cruiser as sort of a Dodge Neon with a big roof and a mini-van engine. Trim the 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine a bit to improve the ride, give it sedan-quality handling and what you get is one of the most consistent performers on the road. Granted, it’s not a sports car, but a car that can kick up its knickers (Horsepower is 150 with 162 foot-pounds of torque) and stay on the road better than your typical SUV boat. The manual transmission offers more spirit and an easy drive--the automatic is a little stiff off the line but soon gets up to speed. The interior design maximizes the PT’s vertical shape—consider that the PT has as much or more interior space as the typical luxury car. By placing the front seats on blocks, Chrysler engineers have given tall people a reason to rejoice: they can finally sit comfortably in the back of a car. But best of all is the view--you sit tall and proud in a PT, showing off your trendiness and getting a big eyeful of the road ahead. So it’s the perfect car? Well, no. It is a bit top heavy on the handling, but not as much as you’d think by looking at it. Just don’t go slalom racing, and watch those really sharp lane changes. And it’s not as quick as some would like. But the great thing about the PT is that it gives all us mid-range car buyers a chance to buy something special—a vehicle that makes a statement and fits all the practical needs of a car. The PT Cruiser: a well-engineered, good looking example of what American cars used to be…and what they could be again, with a bit of clever thought and imagination. --By Brian Chee
Standard Equipment:
Standard amenities include air conditioning, an AM/FM stereo and cassette player with six premium speakers and CD changer controls, a folding/removable rear seat, and a rear multi-position shelf for added storage utility.
What’s New
The all new 2001 PT Cruiser is the latest addition to Chrysler's line-up. The PT Cruiser offers several optional upgrade packages. The Limited Package includes side airbags, an overhead console with compass and outside temperature gauge, keyless entry, a theft deterrent system, power heated outside mirrors, and leather seats. A Luxury Touring group is also available. It features a bright exhaust tip, touring suspension, fog lamps, and chrome aluminum wheels. |
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