2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser

The PT Cruiser is Chrysler highly recognizable wagon, due to its very unique looks and retro flair. The model was scheduled to go out of production at the company's Toluca, Mexico plant by this summer, but somehow this much loved vehicle was saved for one more year. Originally the PT Cruiser was supposed to have a 5-year run when it was introduced in 1999. However, when Chrysler ended up producing 205,000 units in 2001 alone to keep up with demand, they kept the model going through the whole decade. For 2010, the PT Cruiser adds a body-color grille with chrome accents, chrome body-side molding, chrome interior accents, silver shift knob and a leather wrapped steering wheel. The 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser lineup shrinks to a single trim level. The five-passenger, 4-door wagon now comes in a single, Base trim level. The Touring and Limited have been discontinued. Chrysler has streamlined the lineup from three price levels to one, the PT Cruiser Classic, and eliminated the turbocharged four-cylinder and five-speed manual transmission.

PT Cruiser Power and Drive

There is one engine option for the 2010 PT Cruiser: a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a four-speed automatic. The PT Cruiser handles well, but nothing exciting. Nonetheless, this tall wagon is adaptable, affordable, and reasonably comfortable. It is solid and stable on the road.  This Chrysler wagon has good grip in turns, though body lean is noticeable in fast turns. Steering feel is responsive and appropriately weighted. A wide turning circle frustrates low-speed maneuverability, but it is fine for around-town cruising. The automatic transmission is responsive, despite some lurching during downshifts. Its small size is a bonus when parking in tight spaces.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Exterior

Famous for its retro styling, Chrysler's PT Cruiser combines an unmistakably classic look with modern performance, efficiency, and practical features. The retro-styled, front-wheel-drive PT Cruiser received a stay of execution in July 2009 when Chrysler reversed an earlier decision to cease production after a nine-year run. The PT Cruiser doesn't fit within existing automotive marketing segments, but competes on some levels with the Chevy HHR, the Scion xB, and the Mini Cooper. Like them, it is essentially a car: The PT Cruiser is based on the Dodge Neon, a compact car noted for sprightly performance. Exterior dimensions indicate the PT Cruiser is quite compact. It's shorter in overall length than most compact sedans, but it's relatively tall. Measuring 63 inches from the pavement to the highest point of its roof, it's nearly as tall as a minivan. That height is a crucial element of the PT Cruiser's design.

2010 'Cruiser Interior

Inside the PT Cruiser there is great head room, sufficient passenger space, and a good amount of cargo room. What makes the Cruiser's cabin so great is its versatility. Cargo room is generous and versatile. A fold-flat front-passenger seat is handy for loading long objects. Space is modest behind the rear seat, but a 65/35 split rear bench folds or removes to create a tall, wide cargo bay Standard equipment now includes four-wheel disc brakes, cruise control, an Electronic Vehicle Information Center and other items that were previously optional. The interior features low-back cloth bucket seats, air-conditioning, a satellite radio system with four speakers, power windows and remote keyless entry. Up to five people can fit inside the PT Cruiser. A bonus of the Cruiser's tall profile is its upright seating position, with a fairly high view ahead, somewhat like a sport-utility vehicle or minivan. The front seats have a reasonable amount of bolstering to keep driver and passenger from sliding side to side. Outboard passengers have adequate space, but the center rear position is cramped. Standard equipment includes remote keyless entry, power windows and a CD stereo with an MP3 jack. The instrument panel carries on the exterior's retro theme but is contemporary for its ease of use. -height seats are comfortable. Wide doorways allow simple step-in entry. Sight lines are clear, though rear headrests are minor obstructions.

Summary

The 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser gives consumers an opportunity to have an affordable but unique vehicle with decent handling and cabin room. But it's the interesting body design that likely attracts many of its drivers. The PT Cruiser fits in a small parking space, and holds full-sized adults and their cargo with ease. The reverse-Watts suspension packs a lot of cornering and ride quality into a small space but with more cargo space than many mid-sized cars on the inside. The PT was launched with great fanfare, a 2006 redesign reduced wind noise but increased vent noise, and while some appreciated the larger gauges many disliked the interior changes. Sales of the PT Cruiser fell dramatically in 2008 and 2009, and it was a common thought that the PT Cruiser would not survive another year. Yet, this retro looking vehicle is back for 2010 with minor improvements and one more chance for consumers to purchase a new PT. The PT Cruiser, to go along with the Chrysler/Fiat restructuring plan, will officially be axed after 2010. Visit Motortrend's 2010 PT Cruiser page to take another look and get more information about this mode. Standard four-wheel disc brakes, tire pressure monitoring system, traction control and a full compliment of airbags provide occupant protection.  After Fiat gains more access to Chrysler plants and dealers, the model will be replaced by Fiat based models.