*** Specifications and prices contained in
this article are based on US products ***
this article are based on US products ***
It takes a special person to buy a compact convertible these days with skin cancer, driver rage, and SUV drivers meandering between lanes while talking on cell phones. But for those that love the smell of diesel exhaust, the feel of the sun on their lap, and enjoy taking three friends along to share the moment the PT Cruiser convertible with the must have turbocharged engine is as relaxed and funky as you're going to get for well under US$30,000.
Mom's view: The interior is adorable. The bright paintwork, strange power window switch position, and high seating give it a feel unlike any other automobile. Even with the top up it is unworldly, almost cocoon like inside. You don't feel cramped, the ride is borderline sporty, and with the turbo charged engine acceleration is better than adequate. I was able to
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The rear seat is easy to access through the long front doors and provide good leg and foot room considering the overall size of the Chrysler. What suffers is trunk space, although the front seats do fold flat to at least provide you some place for larger items if you don't need the seatage. The heater is a tad slow to warm to the task, but the round dash vents move a lot of air and can be closed to give the dash a unique, rounded look. This roundish design is carried over to the door inserts and the two-tone nature of the colors and the leather make if look very expensive. It looks both modern and retro at the same time, but more importantly, it is easy to use and functional.
Overall, what I liked best was the versatility of the interior and its cute look and well thought out features such as a trunk pass through. Even the back seats are slightly raised to prevent the cave like feeling for rear passengers. And, with all the many interior and exterior colors and options you truly are going to be able to make this vehicle a personal statement. It even has a funky roll bar that adds considerable to the looks of the Cruiser and its ride quality. Very cute and with its four-wheel disc brakes, ABS, additional airbags, as standard on the upscale GT model it did quite well in the crash tests.
Dad's view: Order the turbocharged version in the GT for the best ride, acceleration, and handling combination. The GT's 230-horsepower turbocharged is needed to move this convertible when equipped with an automatic transmission and they work very well together. In fact, this is the only reasonably priced vehicle we have tested that was able to master the difficult task of the boost of the turbo with the kick-down of the transmission without hesitation or neck snapping consequences, especially in slow moving traffic. The ride itself is nearly Porsche like in feel
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Although the PT Cruiser no longer draws looks like it used to, the convertible does get double takes. Some consider it a babe's car, but I think the appeal will spread as more people realize how handy it is. For about US$22,000 or less you have a good performing, very versatile, and distinct vehicle that has a good ride, gets above average fuel mileage, and brings a smile to your face every time you see the sun. Indeed, it only takes a second to turn the top hatch release lever, push the down button on the dash, and convert the convertible. Unfortunately, you are never really sure the top is all the way down unless you look, as there is no buzzer to indicate that the unit has retracted. The layered top is fairly quiet, but as all convertibles, there is a large blind spot on the sides of the car caused by the thick nature of the top. There is a detachable cover for the top once it is in the down position, but since it rained nearly everyday of our test we never used it.