2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review
The PT Cruiser first debuted in the 2001 model year.
The turbocharged GT debuted for 2003 as an answer to critics who
complained that the base engine was not powerful enough. It was
originally rated at 215 hp and received subsequent updates to reach a
230-hp output. It was discontinued after the 2007 model year. 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. The sedan is available in four trim levels: base,
Touring, Limited, and GT. The convertible comes in Touring and GT trim
only. Consumer love the PT Cruiser for its blend of unique, retro looks,
and modern flair and technology. The cabin offers plenty of passenger
space and cargo room alike.
PT Cruiser Trim Levels
The basic PT Cruiser for 2007 offered features such as
a AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo; fabric bucket seats and floor console; tilt
steering; power windows; speed-sensitive power locks; engine
immobilizer; tinted glass; rear window defroster, wiper, and washer;
65/35 split folding rear seat; remote keyless entry; power liftgate; and
15-inch steel wheels.
The next trim up, Touring, adds air conditioning,
power mirrors, a fold-flat front passenger seat with storage drawer, and
other interior features. The Touring Convertible adds a power top with
soft boot cover, 50/50 split rear seat, fog lamps, and 16-inch painted
aluminum wheels.
The upper Limited trim, offered only as a sedan, comes
with side-impact airbags, cruise control, six-way power seats with
upgraded cloth upholstery and manual lumbar adjustment; leather-wrapped
steering wheel; security alarm; HomeLink universal garage-door opener;
power glass sunroof; and a unique Touring suspension on 16-inch aluminum
wheels.
The high performing GT sedan adds four-wheel disc
brakes with ABS, a performance-tuned suspension, traction control, and
all-season performance tires on 17-inch chromed aluminum wheels. The GT
also comes with side-impact airbags, a power glass sunroof, and most of
the Limited's luxury goodies. Leather sport seats are also standard.
Handling of the Chrysler PT Cruiser
While some critics claim the base ‘Cruiser does not
offer enough power, this is an all around enjoyable vehicle to drive.
The high-output turbocharged GT, on the other hand, is praised for
excellent performance. The standard engine gives enough to propel the
Cruiser from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds. Throttle response on the
2007 PT Cruiser is rapid. The PT Cruiser's terrific handling is
confident and nimble. This wagon maneuvers crisply and takes corners
well. Body lean in curves is noticeable, but the otherwise-stable PT
Cruiser is exceptionally easy to drive.
2007 PT Cruiser Exterior
The PT Cruiser is short and tall, being shorter in
overall length than most compact sedans, yet nearly as tall as a
minivan. The PT Cruiser GT differs in a number of ways; it features
larger, lower grille opening for its air-to-air intercooler,
large-diameter chrome exhaust tip and all-season performance tires on
17-inch chrome-clad wheels. The PT Cruiser pulls its exterior styling
themes into the cabin, although the retro theme is tempered a bit by a
very modern-looking center stack that visually splits the vintage-styled
dashboard. Bulging fenders, fender-mounted headlights and taillights,
and a tall, wide eggcrate grille help give the PT Cruiser its unique
look.
PT Cruiser Engines
The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder produces 150
horsepower. The 180-hp engine comes only with a four-speed automatic
transmission, but the other engines can mate with either the automatic
or a five-speed manual. The automatic in the 230-hp PT Cruiser GT
incorporates AutoStick manual gear selection. While the standard engine
in Touring and Limited versions gets 150 horsepower, a 180-horsepower
turbocharged version of this same engine is optional on Limited sedans
and Touring convertibles. The turbo charged engine is mated to an
automatic transmission; a manual gearbox is not available with this
engine The turbocharged version of the 2.4-liter four-cylinder is
standard on the GT. This engine comes with a heavy-duty five-speed
manual transaxle made by Getrag.
2007 ‘Cruiser Interior
The PT Cruiser can hold five people comfortably. Two
bucket seats are installed up front and a 65/35-split, folding rear
bench holds three. Removing the rear seat expands cargo volume from a
moderate 21.6 cubic feet to a sizable 62.7 cubic feet. With both rear
seats out, the Cruiser provides 64 cubic feet of cargo volume. The load
floor measures 40 inches between the wheel wells. Folding the front
passenger seatback flat forms a table next to the driver, or makes room
for an eight-foot stepladder or a load of two-by-fours. Window switches
are high in the center stack, inconvenient for quick operation, forcing
the driver to search for them. The cabin of the PT Cruiser sedan can be
configured 26 different ways. This flexibility stems from three
features: a 65/35 split rear bench that can be folded flat, tumbled
forward or removed, a movable parcel shelf in the cargo bay, and a front
passenger seat that folds flat.
Conclusions
The Chrysler PT Cruiser blends the retro look of a
late-1930s or early 1940s American sedan with new-age styling cues such
as dual-beam flush headlights and teardrop-shaped taillight lenses. The
Chrysler PT Cruiser first caused buzz when it was first released in
2001. Continuing on to 2007, the Chrysler PT Cruiser receives remote
keyless entry and optional stain-resistant fabric. The ‘Cruiser comes in
two body styles: a five-door hatchback/wagon, which Chrysler calls a
sedan; and a two-door convertible.