What do the Guide Rating stars mean?
Cruising's what it's all about and the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Edition Convertible offers a chance to cruise Detroit's Woodward Avenue or your local equivalent. The Touring Edition I rented for this test gets 180 turbocharged horsepower from a 2.4 liter four (the middle child of three available engines) that behaved more like the base model's non-turbo 150 hp unit. EPA fuel economy estimates 19-22 MPG city, 26-29 highway; mine sipped gas like a teenager sucking the last dregs of a shake through a straw. Ignore the stats and have fun for $20,605 base, $26,475 as tested.
First Glance: A soft spot for soft-tops
Larger photos: top up front/back -- top down
Let me explain right off the top that I've got a soft spot for soft-tops. So even if the PT Cruiser was a piece of junk, which it isn't, this would be a favourable review. There's nothing nicer than driving down the proverbial country lane with that big blue sky above and the smell of flowers drifting into the cockpit. Or, inasmuch as I dwell in paradise, driving by the sea smelling... the sea. My soul is not in need of a sports car; I've had many of those in my seven-plus decades so cruising in a PT Cruiser is now my idea of a good time. If only those pretty girls who were smiling at us would join me, I'd give this car 5 stars. Unfortunately I overheard their conversation:
"Nice car!"
"Yeah, but look at the old guy driving it."
The PT Cruiser has been a success story for Chrysler from the beginning. I liked it from the moment I saw the concept at the Detroit Auto Show and still do. The retro styling hasn't lost its appeal and Chrysler has wisely avoided messing around with it other than adding some mild performance versions plus the Convertible that is the subject of this review. The interior has been upgraded since I last tested one, the base engine delivers a decent 150 hp, and the Touring Edition adds some nice flourishes to a classy, yet affordable car. Regrettably, maintaining body stiffness when chopping the roof required the addition of a rollbar and she's not so pretty with her top raised (link goes to photo). But once inside you'll forget all that. Read on.In the Driver's Seat: Simple and handsome
The first thing I did upon entering the PT Cruiser Convertible was lower the top, which was a simple process. Turn the large handle in the header, press a button on the dash, and down it goes, windows first. It does not, however, disappear below a metal lid as doing so would have added complexity, increased the price, and further reduced the relatively small trunk space. Nor is there a cloth or plastic cover to fit over the lowered top. Chrysler must have figured that since most people are too lazy to snap one on it may as well save a few more bucks. I'm one of those folks who place aesthetics first so I'd gladly put up with a few dzus fasteners to get a cleaner look.
The cockpit is surprisingly spacious, at least in front. Rear seat passengers will get a bit of a squeeze but it's not intolerable for adults and a fine place for kids. I think Chrysler's designers have done a wonderful job with the interior styling, which is not only functional but friendly and handsome and retains some vintage design touches in both dashboard and instruments. Even the door panels have been styled with a little extra flair. There's no fake leather or fake wood or fake titanium to mar the metallic finish, which matches the exterior. The control panel is elegant, topped by an old-fashioned analog clock, and so utterly devoid of unnecessary switches and buttons that I wonder why all cars can't be this simple.
On the Road: Wind management
Convertibles have traditionally suffered from an aerodynamic flaw that sends a small hurricane into the cockpit from the rear, turning every ride into a really bad hair day. That's why some roadsters feature "wind blockers." For reasons unknown to me my PT Cruiser caused the wind to flow nicely past the seating area with the result that only a small amount of breeze entered the cockpit, even less with the windows raised. Obviously vision with the top dropped is excellent, aided by the tall seats, but with the top raised the view to the rear is impeded by a narrow back window and high body shoulders.
The ride is surprisingly quiet with top up or down; engine noise doesn't intrude except under hard acceleration (a good thing as this power unit sounds coarse), and tire rumble is minimal. For my taste the steering could be more lively but Chrysler probably tuned it for the intended market: buyers who have no idea what "turn-in" actually means. What makes this lack of response a shame is that the Convertible's handling is unexpectedly good; not sports car precise but flat enough through the turns to be almost fun to drive. During my highway runs I drove the car at expressway speeds to assess its passing ability and had few complaints, though I'd have preferred an extra gear in the 4-speed automatic for both performance and economy. Manufacturers are now fitting 5-speed autos in smaller cars and so should Chrysler.
Journey's End: Cruiser is an apt name
The PT Cruiser Convertible is well-named for it is truly a "cruiser" in the grand old tradition. Perfect for cruising open highways, through leafy laneways, along your local equivalent of Woodward Avenue, stopping at the drive-in for a shake and burger. It is not a sporty car except in appearance, although responsive steering could change that perception. Nor is it ideal as a car because it has its flaws, mostly in the drivetrain as well as in its safety spec (antilock brakes and side airbags are optional, though many of the PT's competitors now offer them as standard). If there's to be a next-generation PT Cruiser my fondest hope is that it will have a European or Asian engine and transmission. The "World" 4-cylinder engine jointly being developed by Chrysler, Mercedes and Mitsubishi would be an ideal candidate, along with a Mercedes-sourced 5-speed automatic.
But heck, friends, I'm getting too serious with such comments when the PT Cruiser is all about having fun of a different kind. In spite of my criticisms I'd be more than happy to own one, particularly here on Vancouver Island with its benign weather and gorgeous scenery. As for recommending a PT Cruiser to those who simply want a 4-seat convertible that fits a modest budget, buy it with my blessings. It may not be perfect but it's unique and so, I'm sure, are you. -- Philip Powell
Next page: Pros, cons, who should buy it, and specs
