This is about as far south in California that you can go without adding Baja to the address. Here in the rolling hills east of San Diego, there is an excellent opportunity to examine the ride, handling and power of a new car, with roads ranging from Interstates toi mproved cow paths. Just about every vehicle we pass is a green and white Border Patrol truck, but this is one Mexican immigrant that is freely waved across the international boundary. 

A lot of folks are asking if the PT Cruiser is a car, or a sport ute, or a minivan or maybe a station wagon. According to Chrysler, the answer is, “Yes!”

With the excellent weather and facilities in this area, it is no wonder that we spend lots of time here previewing new products, and this is a very familiar road. Chrysler insured a memorable trip when we stopped for lunch at an unexpected but highly welcome spot, one of the few truck museums in the country. Just as the Cruiser, people will love or hate this place, some considering it a treasure trove of memorabilia, while others will find it an eyesore full of rusting hulks. Still, where else are you going to find a fleet of dump trucks that helped build the Boulder Dam, and pre-WWI open air, wooden wheeled transit busses. The styling of the PT fits right in, but the flowing lines are a contrast to the stark utility of the trucks.

From inside, the Cruiser continues to please and surprise, from the easy entry (not too tall . . . not to low . . . Just Right!), to the spacious room in all five seats, especially the head room even with tall and upright seating, and finally the wonderfully accessible controls that exude the retro design. As a final delight, we found that the foil wrapped package nestled under each hood contained seasoned Portobello mushrooms, another little advantage to the engine layout. Was this really a design goal?

Chrysler’s PT Cruiser has yet again changed the way people view the Chrysler brand; creating an image as important as the vehicle itself. Even before the all-new Chrysler PT Cruiser hits the markets, it’s creating unprecedented interest around the world. The two-door ProntoCruizer started it all in Geneva in 1998. Cruizer blended American spirit and passion for automobiles with efficient packaging for both passengers and cargo.

Again the company that brought us the minivan, the four door sport ute, the Viper and the Prowler is creating a new segment with no direct competitors in North American markets, and few in Europe or Asia. Other markets are more demanding, requiring vehicles that provide function with styling secondary. The talented designers from Michigan have broken the mold again, and while the retro New Beetle confused the Europeans,they are lining up to order the Cruiser. Not since the Mustang has an American car had such acclaim overseas.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser will be sold in more than 40 markets around the world.

The PT Cruiser is a small car with nimble handling, yet its interior volume (119.8 cubic feet) rivals full-size sedans. Despite its bargain price, the Cruiser features standard features that include air conditioning, tilt steering, variable intermittent windshield wipers,AM/FM radio with cassette player and six premium speakers, quad halogen headlamps, solar tinted glass, 15″ wheels and covers, dual black fold-away mirrors, front and rear floor mats, liftgate wiper and washer and touring tuned suspension.

The new advertising begins this month, but the launch process started with the show cars, with interest expressed from more than a quarter million potential customers. Since the first showing of the PT Cruiser, Chrysler began fostering a relationship with a growing group of consumers who couldn’t get enough information about this segment defining vehicle. Interested consumers received a series of fun and informative pieces that included product details. Everyone who participated in this program will receive an invitation for a special PT Cruiser test drive.

The contemporary and cutting edge PT Cruiser’s road presence meldshot-rod attitude with present day flare. “Chrysler PT Cruiser is acelebration of automotive heritage coupled with innovation, efficiency and a twist of rebellion,” said Bryan Nesbitt, Chrysler PT Cruiser youthful exterior designer. “However, there is a level of refinement through the Chrysler brand design signature of ornamentation such as chrome door handles, winged badges and chrome wheels, the PT Cruiser reveals inspired refinement.”

The large fenders provide a key nostalgic element, bringing back memories of classic designs from the 1930s and 1940s. This is further emphasized through the flared sills, reminding us of forgotten running boards. A “wheels to the corner” stance and proportion enhances stability and handling characteristics, while creating a confident visual stance.

The slant of the roofline gives the vehicle its “hot rod” posture, and in the process provides much more head room for rear passengers. I witnessed a bulky 6’9 guy easily get in back, with adequate knee room in the bargain.

The headlamp design and bullet-shaped tail lamps provide a link to the present, while the revered Chrysler winged medallion is featured prominently on the front, and is incorporated into the rear door latch. There is a full variety of colors including Aztec Yellow; Bright Silver Metallic; Black; Inferno Red; Patriot Blue; Aquamarine Metallic; Taupe Frost Metallic; Stone White; Deep Cranberry; and, Shale Green Metallic. While a lot of cars appeal in certain colors, the PT looks great in the mall. It has enough shape and character to assume a different image in different colors, but all are appealing.

For North America, the front-wheel drive PT Cruiser is powered by a new 2.4-liter, DOHC, 16-valve engine, available with an automatic or manual transaxle. The engine produces 150 horsepower and has more than ampleacceleration and load-carrying ability while delivering excellent fuel efficiency under a wide range of uses. We are becoming used to good four cylinder engines and anyone who drives the Cruiser will find it more than adequate. Those looking for a V6 will be disappointed as they won’t fit.

A high degree of stiffness helps limit road noise and engine vibration in the interior and aids in handling and safety. There is a full complement of airbags and all five seating positions have shoulder harness. Side bags are optional as are disc brakes and ABS.

The interior can be rearranged to do anything from hauling a foursome away for a weekend, or flip, fold and remove all but the driver’s seat to haul the accoutrements of modern life. Unique product features like the five position tailgate table are going to make it popular for fall football games. Already more than 375,000 people at 10 college football games have viewed the Cruiser.

In true Chrysler fashion, it is filled with cupholders, a coin holder designed to accommodate North American and European coins, large map pockets with “see through” holes and a flexible storage bin that has a movable tray in the left quarter panel.

Even before the car appeared in showrooms, we have been given a glimpse of the future with a more powerful and spirited ‘GT Cruiser’ plus anostalgic ‘Panel Cruiser.’ One of the poorer kept secrets is the adaptability of Mercedes inspired All Wheel Drive systems. Just wait til the November Specialty Equipment Manufacturer’s Show and any fantasy will be fulfilled.

Currently the Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Chrysler Stratus and Chrysler PT Cruiser are assembled in the Toluca, Mexico plant. As the aggressive production launch continues, the number of PT Cruisers will steadily increase, as the number of other cars decrease. The new 2001 Dodge Stratus and Chrysler Sebring sedans, coupes and convertibles will move to US plants, giving Toluca the capacity to produce about 180,000 Chrysler Cruisers annually.

Better get on the list soon, as it’s filling fast.
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Price Range – $16,000-22,000

Engine – 2.4 liter, 150 hp I4

Front Engine/Front Drive

MPG (city/hwy) – 20/26

Airbags – DP (side opt.)

ABS – opt.

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