Road Tests: Long-Term Test

Pulling up in front of the boyhood home of Walter P. Chrysler one evening this summer, we couldn't help wondering how the great automaker would feel about our newly acquired 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser long-term test vehicle. Could Walter P. have envisioned a vehicle like this when he started cranking out cars back in 1925? And, if he was looking down on us at this moment, did he share the smile we had as we drove this neat little retro design that has motorists across America talking?

But first, let's back up a few paces and tell you how we got here.

We knew the PT Cruiser had a place in our long-term fleet as soon as it was unveiled last year at car shows around the world. First, its popularity meant our readers would be curious to see if there is any substance in the hype. Second, the styling was a terrific blend of the old classic American panel truck and newer, sleeker street rods. And finally, the Cruiser seemed to be initiating a new class of vehicle—neither a hulking SUV nor a lumbering minivan nor a bland family sedan.

OK, but the question remained, would our infatuation with the Cruiser be a brief fling or could it lead to a stable relationship? Sure it would be fun to go out for ice cream in this car. But how would it handle the more mundane duties of a so-called Personal Transportation (PT) vehicle? Commuting, grocery shopping, taxiing kids around? How would it fare?

Our initial attempts to lease a Cruiser in the Los Angeles area inspired belly laughs from California dealers with waiting lists stretching out the door. We were instructed to place our name on the list and pay a $500 deposit. Problem was, we didn't want to wait. We wanted a Cruiser now, now, NOW! And we didn't want to pay thousands over sticker price as many of the dealers were charging.

After several days of phone calling we reached Bertera Chrysler Plymouth in West Springfield, Mass., where the salesman told us a delivery of Cruisers was expected in two weeks. Sure enough, the shipment included just the model we wanted: a silver, Limited Edition, with taupe pearl/beige leather seats and a five-speed manual. After some wrangling, we were able to lease the car for a mere $22,718, or about $2,600 over sticker—a far cry from the $5,000 over sticker typically charged in California. However, it looked like the savings would be gobbled up by the cost of shipping our car to the West Coast. But then, features editor Miles Cook stepped forward, offering to drive our PT home after attending a Subaru press event in Maine.

So the journey began that led to—among other cool places—the home of Walter P. Chrysler, in Ellis, Kan. How appropriate that the sign for his boyhood home caught Miles' eye as he tooled down Interstate 70 that summer evening.

Our PT Cruiser was tested extensively before it even reached our doorstep. Beginning with only five miles on the odometer, the 3,000-plus mile trip, with Miles at the wheel, bisected the United States in a shaky diagonal line from Maine to Southern California. Along the way the Cruiser was buffeted by high winds, slammed by rain and hail, and its top speed was tested on a lonely stretch of highway outside Santa Fe, N.M. Flat out the car reached an indicated 115 mph.

Fun is the word most often associated with this car. It's fun to drive, fun to ride in, fun to be seen in. Countless thumbs up were given to us along the cross-country trek. But the car also performed. Miles reported the Cruiser was "rock solid" at 80 mph with confident braking and sure-footed handling. At highway speeds (well, maybe even a little higher) the little 150-horse, 2.4-liter four-cylinder "was singin'," Miles said.

After so many hours behind the wheel, the only complaint from Miles was the limited seat support; the cushion seemed to cut him off at mid-thigh leading to some driver fatigue. This probably wouldn't be noticed during around-town hops or on shorter trips. Another minor complaint was that the moonroof air deflector vibrated at highway speeds and its aerodynamics caused ear-thumping pulses at speeds above 40 mph.

A more serious concern was the Cruiser's power—or lack of it. With the slick, hot rod styling, a driver takes the wheel with expectations of being able to get serious rubber. But low-end torque is sadly lacking. With the five-speed, the car shifts nicely through the gears, and pulls adequately at mid-range. But the visceral thrill of being thrust back into the upholstery just isn't there.

Less of a problem was the lack of cargo space. From the ads, this looks like a beefy panel truck. But wait! Why are humans never pictured alongside the Cruiser? Because it is more compact than the styling suggests. True, it comfortably holds four adults. But not four adults with their suitcases.

These shortcomings can be shrugged off by remembering that the Cruiser isn't—or shouldn't be—an expensive vehicle. Base prices start at $16,500 and will probably return there once production is ramped up and the car-buying public calms down. How much can you expect from a car springing from the Dodge Neon platform? Well, whatever your expectations, they are likely to be surpassed by this trendsetter from Chrysler.

Walter P. would be proud.

Total Odometer Reading: 6340
Best Fuel Economy: 24.7
Worst Fuel Economy: 20.56
Body Repair Costs: $0
Maintenance Costs: $0
Problems: None