2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Finally, A Stylish Image Car That Is Both Useful And Affordable

By Bob Storck
Photos By Brian Leshon

Price Range -$16,000-22,000 Pricing And Options

Engine - 2.4 liter, 150 hp I4

Front Engine/Front Drive

MPG (city/hwy) - 20/26

Airbags - DP (side opt.) ABS - opt.

Features – Some are drawn to the Cruiser by its retro styling; some find its economy of space appealing; Why decide . . . it provides both.

(Potrero, CA) This is about as far south in California that you can go without adding Baja to the address. Here in the rolling hills east of San Diego, there is an excellent opportunity to examine the ride, handling and power of a new car, with roads ranging from Interstates to improved cow paths. Just about every vehicle we pass is a green and white Border Patrol truck, but this is one Mexican immigrant that is freely waved across the international boundary.

A lot of folks are asking if the PT Cruiser is a car, or a sport ute, or a minivan or maybe a station wagon. According to Chrysler, the answer is, "Yes!"

With the excellent weather and facilities in this area, it is no wonder that we spend lots of time here previewing new products, and this is a very familiar road. Chrysler insured a memorable trip when we stopped for lunch at an unexpected but highly welcome spot, one of the few truck museums in the country. Just as the Cruiser, people will love or hate this place, some considering it a treasure trove of memorabilia, while others will find it an eyesore full of rusting hulks. Still, where else are you going to find a fleet of dump trucks that helped build the Boulder Dam, and pre-WWI open air, wooden wheeled transit busses. The styling of the PT fits right in, but the flowing lines are a contrast to the stark utility of the trucks.

From inside, the Cruiser continues to please and surprise, from the easy entry (not too tall . . . not too low . . . Just Right!), to the spacious room in all five seats, especially the head room even with tall and upright seating, and finally the wonderfully accessible controls that exude the retro design. As a final delight, we found that the foil wrapped package nestled under each hood contained seasoned Portobello mushrooms, another little advantage to the engine layout. Was this really a design goal?

Chrysler's PT Cruiser has yet again changed the way people view the Chrysler brand; creating an image as important as the vehicle itself. Even before the all-new Chrysler PT Cruiser hits the markets, itās creating unprecedented interest around the world. The two-door Pronto Cruizer started it all in Geneva in 1998. Cruizer blended American spirit and passion for automobiles with efficient packaging for both passengers and cargo.