The 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser offers great handling; it fits in a small parking space, and holds full-sized adults and their cargo with ease. The PT Cruiser also has attractive pricing and high reported reliability, the 2010 'Cruiser is a great car for a great price. 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. 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.
New For 2010
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.
Design of the PT Cruiser
The exterior of the PT Cruiser features 16" alloy wheels, fog lights, deep tint and a rear spoiler. The PT Cruiser isn't especially competitive compared to other compact wagons and convertibles, but consumers looking for a roomy vehicle with distinctive styling will find the PT an affordable choice that stands out in a crowd. 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.
Inside the '10 Crusier
The 'Cruiser is known for being versatile, with a maximum cargo space of 76 cubic feet, and there is ample seating space and headroom. Standard equipment now includes four-wheel disc brakes, cruise control, an Electronic Vehicle Information Center and other items that were previously optional. Up to five people can fit inside the PT Cruiser. 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. The interior features low-back cloth bucket seats, air-conditioning, a satellite radio system with four speakers, power windows and remote keyless entry. 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. Headroom is just adequate for tall drivers, despite PT's high-body build. Chair-height seats are comfortable. Wide doorways allow simple step-in entry. Sight lines are clear, though rear headrests are minor obstructions.
Power and Handling of the Chrysler PT Cruiser
A 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a four-speed automatic is the only choice. While the 'Cruiser handles well, its lack of available curtain side airbags is evidence that PT Cruiser has fallen behind the times. Nonetheless, this tall wagon is adaptable, affordable, and reasonably comfortable. It is solid and stable on the road. This 2010 Chrysler model 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.
Conclusion
The only options for the 2010 models are a moonroof and a Convenience Group that includes heated front seats, a power driver's seat and a fold-flat front passenger seat with stain-repellent fabric. Chrysler's PT Cruiser was scheduled to go out of production at the company's Toluca, Mexico plant by this summer, somehow this unqiue and 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 more details visit the official '10 PT Cruiser site.
