2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review

Chrysler Town & Country sedans and convertibles with wood side panels were among the classiest cars in the 1940s. So no wonder that DaimlerChrysler is offering its popular Chrysler PT Cruiser with a definite "woodie'' appearance option. The last Chrysler with genuine wood trim was the fabulous big 1950 Chrysler Town & Country Newport hardtop, which was one of the first cars to have all-disc brakes. Like other automakers, Chrysler turned to phony wood trim in the 1950s because it was too hard to keep genuine wood looking good on a car. But Chrysler never forgot the allure of its wood-trim models and introduced "Sportsgrain'' simulated wood panels for its 1968 Newport coupe and convertible. The option was a flop and dropped after that year largely because glitz--not class--was popular for cars in the late 1960s.

However, Chrysler convertibles and station wagons successfully were offered with good looking simulated wood trim in the 1980s because the automaker was desperate to make its mediocre cars distinctive in as many ways as it could. Also, it was finally possible to produce easily maintained fake wood trim that almost looked like genuine wood. The 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser is being offered with woodgrain body appliques because DaimlerChrysler wants to keep this versatile hybrid vehicle popular. The convertible version of the PT Cruiser won't arrive until early 2004, and a hot rod PT Cruiser isn't scheduled for release until later this year. So what DaimlerChrysler calls the "Woodie edition'' of the PT Cruiser is expected to keep sales high despite the fact that this vehicle has been virtually unchanged since its introduction in March 2000.

The PT Cruiser has a retro hot rod body that lends itself to customizing, and DaimlerChrysler noted that aftermarket wood paneling has been used by PT Cruiser owners who want their vehicle to look more distinctive--and classy. The woodgrain exterior trim option adds $895 to the price of all PT Cruiser models--the $16,450 base, $18,165 Touring and $20,515 Limited. My test PT Cruiser with the option was a Limited Edition model and really turned some heads. With the option, a simple, flowing wood-grained graphic appears on all doors, quarter panels and the tailgate. The graphic is a linear medium oak woodgrain framed with light ash surround moldings.

The woodgrain option gives the PT Cruiser even more of a 1940s look. But this vehicle is quite up to date. For instance, while it has available four-wheel disc brakes like that 1950 Town & Country Newport hardtop, the brakes have a far more advanced design, along with an anti-lock system. Newly standard for all 2002 PT Cruiser models are a passenger side armrest, AM/FM/CD sound system and front passenger underseat storage bin. The five-passenger PT Cruiser is exceptionally versatile. While shorter than some small cars such as the Dodge Neon, its interior rivals that of a big sedan or some sport-utility vehicles. The fold/tumble/removable seats allow more than 25 seating configurations, although cargo room is modest with all seats in place.

The rigidly built PT Cruiser is easy to get in and out because it has the tall body and chair-like seating found in 1940s cars. The dashboard is attractive, but the recessed gauges should be easier to read quickly. Oddly, power front window switches are on the dashboard and those for the back windows are in the front console. Some major controls are a little notchy. Climate controls are large, but sound system controls are small. Also, front cupholders are too low and the sun visors are too short to block sun coming in side windows.

The PT Cruiser has a stout 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 150 horsepower. But more power would be appreciated because the PT Cruiser weighs about 3,100 pounds. Add occupants and cargo and the need is felt for at least another 40 horsepower and more torque. Actually, the hot rod model due later this year is said to have 215 horsepower.

The best acceleration is with the smooth five-speed manual transmission. While responsive, the $825 four-speed automatic slows acceleration a bit and allows just average 65-75 mph passing times. With the manual, downshifts are needed to fourth or third gear for quick 65-75 passing times. But the engine is only doing 2,700 rpm at 70 mph, so relaxed, long-distance steady cruising is no problem. Fuel economy is an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 on highways with the manual, 19 and 25 with the automatic. And only regular-grade gasoline is required.

The PT Cruiser is as much fun to drive as it is to look at. The power steering is rather heavy and the turning circle is wide, but this vehicle reacts quickly to steering inputs. The ride is supple and handling is nimble. The brakes do a good job--although the $790 anti-lock system is recommended for the best stops. The classic 1950 Town & Country Newport wood-panel hardtop in top shape is valued at $31,975. It is anyone's guess as to what a PT Cruiser with the woodgrain option will be worth 50 years from now, but it promises to provide many years of driving enjoyment and practicality.

CHRYLSER PT CRUISER

Prices
$16,450-$20,515
Likes
New "Woodie'' option. Distinctive styling. Roomy. Good handling.
Dislikes
More power needed with automatic transmission. Odd power window control location.