2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review
The retrowagon gets a facelift.
2006 PT Cruiser Review Summary & Specifications
The Chrysler PT Cruiser appeals to people of all ages and lifestyles with its whimsical, retro design. Its affordability increases its appeal. And its practicality often closes the deal with a roomy, versatile interior that makes the price easy to justify. It isn't particularly refined, however. The GT models deliver strong acceleration performance and bring hot-rod credibility to the Cruiser's hot rod image. The convertible offers genuine open-air fun and is great for carrying four people, but isn't practical for hauling cargo. The lower-priced models offer the best value and we think they make the most sense.New Car Test Drive editor Mitch McCullough filed this report from Los Angeles, with Jeff Vettraino and Phil Berg reporting from Detroit.
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| Vehicle Category | Compact Cars |
| Editor | Mitch McCullough |
| Model Lineup | Chrysler PT Cruiser sedan ($13,405); convertible ($19,405); Touring sedan ($15,530); Touring convertible ($23,175); Limited sedan ($17,405); GT sedan ($23.030); GT convertible ($27,930) |
| Engines (standard) | 2.4-liter dohc 16-valve High Output turbocharged inline-4 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 4-speed automatic with AutoStick |
| Engines (optional) | 150-hp 2.4-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4; 180-hp 2.4-liter dohc 16-valve turbocharged inline-4; 230-hp 2.4-liter dohc 16-valve High Output turbocharged inline-4 |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 5-speed Getrag manual; 4-speed AutoStick automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | front airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners, LATCH child-seat anchors |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | front side-impact airbags, ABS, traction control |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Toluca, Mexico |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-CHRYSLER |
| Manufacturer URL | www.chrysler.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 13405 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Chrysler PT Crusier GT Convertible ($27,930) |
| Standard Equipment | power windows, power locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, air conditioning, rear window defroster, power side mirrors, AM/FM/CD/MP-3 stereo, fog lamps, center console with sliding armrest, 50/50 split fold-and-tumble quick-release rear seats, ABS, low-speed traction control, performance tuned suspension, 17-inch painted alloy wheels and all-season performance tires |
| Destination Charge | 590 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | AutoStick transmission ($550) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 29070 |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 230 @ 5100 |
| Torque | 245 @ 2400-4500 |
| Fuel Economy | 19/26 |
| Wheelbase | 103.0 |
| Length/Width/Height | 168.9/67.1/60.6 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 40.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.7/49.6/40.6 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 36.4/41.1/40.9 |
| Trunk Volume | 7.4 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent, MacPherson struts, asymmetrical lower control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | twist-beam axle, trailing arms, transverse Watt's linkage, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance | 5.8 |
| Curb Weight | 3468 |
| Stock Tires | 205/50HR17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/solid disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.0 |
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