2003-2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT

Pros :
- A whole lot more horsepower than the standard PT.
- The most practical seating this side of a Grand Caravan.
- Stand-out styling.
- Decent ride quality.
- Stiffer suspension reduces body roll.

Cons :
- Tall design hinders handling.
- Stand-out styling.
- Limited cargo room with all seats in place.
- Easy-to-see scratches on mirror-finish aluminum wheels.
- Novelty getting old.

Interior :

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Press Coverage :
The Chrysler PT Turbo capitalizes on the hot rod character of the Chrysler PT Cruiser, which redefined small domestic vehicles with its introduction in 2000. The PT Turbo’s High Output engine will more than satisfy the interests of those customers who want more power, but don’t want to sacrifice cool styling or day-to-day utility.
Designing the turbocharged engine specifically for the Chrysler PT Turbo allowed Chrysler Group engineers to tailor it to customers’ performance expectations. A redesigned engine cylinder block assembly, cylinder head assembly and crankshaft add to the Chrysler PT Turbo engine’s reliability. Racing-style oil squirting mechanisms also cool the pistons, which allows for higher output. Oil and water cooling for the turbocharger was optimized from the start of development, adding to the engine’s reliability and durability. Proper calibration of the turbo’s wastegate and integrated turbo/exhaust manifold resulted in quicker boost, while providing better control of the turbo for reduced emissions and improved driveability. Additionally, special acoustic dampeners on the turbo’s intake system all but eliminate the whine historically associated with some turbocharged engines.
The Chrysler PT Turbo’s standard heavy-duty five-speed manual Getrag transaxle provides the same quality, reliability and precision that customers in Europe have enjoyed for years.
The Chrysler PT Turbo will be offered as a four-speed automatic model, complete with AutoStick®. For the first time, performance-minded PT Cruiser drivers in North America will enjoy the feel of a manual transaxle with the convenience of an automatic.
In addition to the powertrain enhancements, a specially tuned suspension will enhance the Chrysler PT Turbo’s on-road performance. A performance-tuned exhaust system with a large diameter chrome exhaust tip and a pronounced exhaust note add to the vehicle’s sporty character. Performance four-wheel disc brakes, ABS, 17-inch painted five-spoke cast aluminum wheels and all-season P205/50HR17 tires round out Chrysler PT Turbo’s standard suspension equipment.
The 2006 model gets a makeover inside and out with updated front and rear fascias, a new grille with Chrysler winged badge, new headlights, redesigned taillights and round fog lights. Engine output increases to 230 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque. The interior receives a new instrument panel with larger gauges, new seat materials, a Chrysler signature analog clock, a new center console with sliding armrest and MP3 play capability for all audio systems. The audio controls are mounted higher in the center stack and a passenger grab handle is added for easier entry and exit. Standard features on the Chrysler PT Cruiser GT include a new six-way power driver’s seat, two-tone sport leather seats, a liftgate spoiler, 17-inch chrome-clad wheels with a new 15-spoke design, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and low-speed traction control, 140 mile-per-hour speedometer, a large chrome exhaust tip, bright pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel with Satin Silver spokes, AM/FM radio with CD player and MP3 input jack, Satin Silver shift knob and a unique instrument?panel center stack bezel with a Mini-Carbon technical design.
Optional equipment includes a new Boston Acoustics premium sound system, automatic transaxle with AutoStick®, AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer and MP3 play capability, heated seats, UConnect hands-free communication system, which includes an auto day/night rearview mirror, SIRIUS Satellite Radio with a free first-year subscription and Chrome Accents Package.
Daimlerchrysler Media

The turbo engine got such things as redesigned cylinder block and cylinder head assemblies. Also, the crankshaft is stronger and new pistons are cooled, racing style, by oil jets. The turbocharger promises to have a long life because it is oil- and water-cooled.
The performance-tuned exhaust system has a large-diameter chromed exhaust tip and exhaust note that is pronounced but not annoying enough to make older buyers seem like hot rodders.
The small, low-inertia turbocharger is integrated into the exhaust manifold and allows smooth, linear performance with no annoying turbo large or torque steer. There also is no turbo "whine." The unknowing might feel that there is a good V6 under the hood.
Entry and exit are easy with the tall body, low floor and chairlike seats. But the recessed dashboard gauges often are hard to read. And power windows controls are awkwardly placed; those for the front windows are on the dashboard and those for the rear windows are in the front console.
Front cupholders are too low, and some major controls are notchy. Climate controls are large, but sound system controls are small.
MSN Autos

The PT Cruiser getting the nod for best consumer of Interstate miles. Chalk that up to an absorbent ride, its high seating position and a solid structure that's remarkably devoid of those squeaks you notice most when covering considerable distances in a straight line. And Chrysler's powertrain engineers should all high-five each other, because the turbo 2.4-liter offers up its considerable torque with little hesitation. Coupled with a reasonably quick-reacting kickdown of its 4-speed automatic transmission (a 5-speed manual is standard), it's just the ticket for those critical 70-90-mph bursts of speed to blow by a big rig.
The PT was composed in the bumpy bits but it was also queasy in transitions, in that No Man's Land between turn-in and the suspension fully taking a set. Once the outside tires are loaded, the PT corners with predictability and decent grip, and anything given away to the Mini and VW through the turns was compensated for by the easily tapped thrust from the powertrain — a strong, even pull that made quick work of the short chutes.
If the PT feels out of its element being flogged around orange cones, it excels in day-to-day use. With five doors, enough front and rear head room for 10-gallon Stetsons, and rear seats that are easily removed (they're fitted with handles and rollers for this purpose), the PT is configurable for just about any combination of humans and gear. And a load-area package tray can slot into one of five positions to compartmentalize the space, even serving as the perfect table for tailgate parties.
Imperfections are few, but worth noting. The main instruments are too deeply recessed in the panel, burying the gauge faces in shadow despite their silver color. Fabric on the door panels and comfortable seats (the fronts have those fold-down "captain's chair" armrests on their inboard sides) looks very synthetic...probably easy to clean, but a little too shiny. Yet we all appreciated the honesty of the dash and the simple rotary controls for temperature and fan speed. "Interior design is straightforward," said Baron, "'sano,' as the hot-rod guys would say."
Road and Track

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History:
2001-2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
2,429 cc / 150 hp / 162 lb-ft / 3123 lbs / 0-60 mph 9.5 sec.