2005 PT Cruiser Convertible Test Drive

The 2005 PT Cruiser Convertible deviates from the base PT Cruiser that won over hordes of buyers when first introduced. In order to create a convertible, the Cruiser had to lose two doors. Its windshield was lowered an inch. A mid-body brace that looks like a roll bar was needed to retain rigidity. The trunk lid had to be redesigned. And the entire car was lowered an inch - just to look even cooler. Oh yes, it's cool. US $22,900 base; as tested, $25,985. Warranty 7 years/70,000 miles powertrain.

First Glance

The PT Cruiser was the project of a single designer, since hired away by General Motors. From its 2001 introduction, the Cruiser was a hit for DaimlerChrysler. It was based on a Neon chassis, looked like a retro hot rod, but, with its anemic four-cylinder engine, was certainly more cruiser than performer. It was utilitarian and could duplicate most of what is desirable about a station wagon, minivan or sport utility. Best of all, it could be bought for about $16,000. Chrysler saw a money cow for future models! So, in subsequent years, higher-priced models were introduced, including one getting more power from a turbocharged engine. A woodie version with fake wood side panels became a hit. There was a fancy-painted "Dream Cruiser." But where was the convertible? Well, it wouldn't be easy to create one from this delivery-truck body. To do so, Chrysler had to drop two of the Cruiser's four doors and make up for the lost roof with an Easter-basket handle atop the middle of the car. But here it is at last. The top is power operated, dropping at the push of a button. It rests atop the rear of the car, much as the one in its chief competitor, the Volkswagen New Beetle convertible, does. And it has renewed appeal.

In the Driver's Seat

A funny thing happened to Chrysler's expectations. The automaker, and most auto writers, thought the funky looking 4-door would become a favorite of the young, who would festoon it with aftermarket goodies as they did those little "Fast and Furious" screamers from Japan. Not so. Instead, it was women who fell for the PT Cruiser; demographics never tell the true story, since many husbands buy and thus "own" a vehicle bought for and driven by their wives (it's almost never the other way around). Women love the high seating in a PT Cruiser, the way the controls fall within easy reach, the quick-to-read black-on-white instruments. They have no problem with power window switches located on the dash. Women love how the seats fold for more cargo space. They like the easy entry. They like push-button exterior door handles that won't break their nails. And they will love the attention the 2005 PT Cruiser Convertible will bring them. It was the subject of conversation wherever I drove. I was even asked about it at traffic signals. To a person, the comments were positive. It's a fact that individuals tend to disappear in a crowd; let's say for certain that the driver of a PT Cruiser Convertible will not be invisible on the highway.

On the Road

The 2005 PT Cruiser Convertible comes in three price ranges. Our tester was a Touring Edition, the middle model. Under its hood was an optional 180-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder that is ideal with this chassis. The engine doesn't overpower the drivetrain - a 4-speed automatic sending power to the front wheels. There's just a light tug on the steering wheel under hard acceleration. The snug-fitting top keeps most noise outside the car when up. Safety features do not include side air bags, which add $390 to the sticker. The automatic transmission adds $825. The gear selector is a chrome cue ball with a push button atop it. Cruise control is standard, as is air and a so-so stereo. It's easy to adjust the driver's seat for comfort, but the door sill is very high. Visibility to the rear is only fair, top up or down. When dropped, the top folds atop the rear instead of disappearing into a well. Rear seat comfort is good for children, a bit tight for adults. It's too bad Chrysler didn't create a two-seater with a rumble seat. Instead, the rear deck lid slides down and out, yielding a small trunk you'll have to bend way over to access. It's one of the very few design mistakes - women don't like doing that in public!

Journey's End

Frankly, this writer had a tough time wrestling the 2005 PT Cruiser Convertible from his wife so he could put miles on it. A PT Cruiser is her dream car, her next car for sure. The convertible model will not be her chosen model, however. Much of what she likes about a four-door PT Cruiser is its versatility and utility. Those are lost with the conversion to a convertible. Gained is a fun factor of motoring under blue skies with wind tousling your hair. This is not a sports car, and not a normal convertible either. It won't compete with a Ford Mustang convertible, Chrysler Sebring, Mazda Miata or Toyota MR2. Different buyers will seek those. It's only real competitor is the VW New Beetle Convertible. Both manufacturers took their time in issuing a convertible, and the wait was worth it in both cases. They have similar pricing structures and both feature a retro look many find desirable in today's cookie-cutter car world. In terms of practicality, the 2005 PT Cruiser wins. It has more room, more power, and better interior ergonomics. No doubt, when the wife buys one, I'll spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Hey, I look forward to it. In any configuration, the PT Cruiser is a fun vehicle.