New Car Review of the 2006 PT Cruiser Compact Station Wagon and Convertible

Base MSRP Range: $14,235 - $28,860

Base Invoice Range: $13,454 - $26,838

MSRP As Tested: Not Available.

Versions: Base, Touring, Limited, GT.

Vehicle Category: Compact Station Wagon and Convertible.

Engine Location: Front Engine

Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive .

Standard Engine: 2.4-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valves, ">I-4, 150 -horsepower at 5,100 rpm and 165 lb-ft torque at 4,000 rpm.

Optional Engine: 2.4-liter, Turbocharged, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valves, I-4, 180 - horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 210 lb-ft torque at 2,800 rpm.

Optional Engine as Tested (GT only): 2.4-liter, Turbocharged, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valves, I-4, 220 - horsepower at 5,100 rpm and 245 lb-ft torque at 2,800 rpm.

Transmission: Four-speed automatic, Five-speed manual.

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): Four-speed automatic 19/25 - 20/25, Five-speed manual 21/27 - 21/29.

Standard Safety Features: Dual front airbags.

Competition: Chevrolet HHR, Ford Focus, Mazda 5, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix.

Review

If it’s true that this is a woman’s world, then the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser is her car. The PT Cruiser has always been about character - it’s fun, funky, and distinctly different than most other cars on the market (though Chevy’s HHR is practically its counterpart). It’s a throwback to days gone by, a “cute” little compact with the cargo space, safety features and versatility that women today demand.

Good Housekeeping Institute’s “What Women Want” survey for 2004 put the PT at the top of the Automotive Satisfaction list for its class. But it has garnered other awards, as well. It was rated a Best Buy by Consumer Guide, as well as one of the Top 10 Cars Under $15,000 by Edmunds.com.

The 2006 PT Cruiser has been restyled both inside and outside, offering more innovative, personality-displaying options. Two main models - the five-passenger four-door hatchback and the four-passenger two-door convertible - also come in a variety of trim levels. The wagon is offered in a base, Touring, Limited and GT; the convertible is offered as a Touring or GT only.

PERFORMANCE

Engines in all trim levels are the same: a 2.4-liter 16-valve four-cylinder. It is tuned to put out 150 horsepower (at 5,100 RPM) and 165 lb.-ft. of torque (at 4,000 RPM) in the Base, Touring and Limited edition hatchback wagons.

It jumps 30 horses (180 at 5,200 RPM) and 45 lb.-ft of torque (210 at 2,800 RPM) with the Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) and turbocharger. This engine is standard on the Touring convertible, and is available as an option on the Limited wagon. The turbocharged DOHC GT model takes a big step up to 220 horses (at 5,100) and 245 lb.-ft. of torque (at 2,800 RPM).

The PT comes with MacPherson struts in the front suspension. It has a high roll center, meaning better responsiveness and reduced body lean. Keeping the suspension under control is a twist-beam axle (guided by trailing arms) and a Watt’s linkage (which eliminates rear wheel intrusion for increased cargo space), all combining to help keep the car on the road around corners. The GT offers a tighter sport-tuned suspension and a stabilizer bar in front for increased road feel for people who prefer more enthusiastic driving.

Both a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission are offered at every level with the exception of the 180-horsepower engine, which is offered in automatic only. The GT again kicks it up a notch with the AutoStick, an automatic with manual shift options. This is a great feature - one can play with her car’s manual mode but can easily shift into automatic when Mom needs an extra had to separate her warring children in the backseat. Not that we’d recommend taking one’s hands off the wheel, but sometimes, a mom’s gotta do what a mom’s gotta do.

SAFETY

Moms, and indeed everyone who drives the PT, will be happy to know that it offers “next-generation” front airbags as standard for driver and front passenger, as well as a LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). But there’s not a whole lot other than that, unless one moves out of the base model range.

Standard on the Limited and GT and optional on the base model are supplemental side airbags. An Antilock Braking System (ABS) with four-wheel disc brakes and traction control is standard on the GT, and can be had on the Touring convertible and Limited wagon (it can also be had minus the traction control on the base model). Front disc and rear drum brakes come standard on the Base.

The GT takes the airbags a step further with advanced multi-stage front airbags, which will deploy at different intensities depending on the severity of the accident. Its occupant classification system works together with this, using weight-sensors to determine whether or not there’s a front passenger. If there is, it deploys the airbag according to the weight it senses.

There are, thankfully, longitudinal steel door beams to absorb the impact of a collision and push the passenger cabin up and out of harm’s way. Sentry Key engine immobilizer is standard on all PT Cruiser models for 2006, and it comes with an encoded key so that no one can make a copy of your keys. Even if they do, it won’t start the engine. Available is a remote keyless entry system which unlocks doors and the hatchback, and also has a panic button for additional security.

RIDE/HANDLING

We drove the PT Cruiser GT and liked the AutoStick, which shifted easily and smoothly - a big thumbs-up over so many other vehicles equipped with a similar transmission setup. The base models, especially those equipped with automatic transmissions, are seriously lacking in the acceleration department, however. With 50 more horses, the PT would be adequate, but 150 just doesn’t quite do it for anyone who loves to drive. But the “Cruiser” should explain that pony discrepancy - it’s not meant to go fast. It’s meant to roll around town like the throwback that it is. It’s meant to bring up Baby Boomer memories.

A little shaky and creaky, the ride on all models isn’t fantastic, but that’s really not what the PT is all about, anyway - it’s about style. That style has the potential to attract a few new potential buyers, but ultimately, the PT’s 15 minutes of fame is fading quickly (which may be why Chrysler decided to add all those neat little customizing options to begin with). Overall, the PT has lots of pros and cons, leaving it up to the driver whether she can handle the trade-off.

Interior

Chrysler has recognized America’s desire for a car that is truly their own, and it is using the PT’s already-unique shape as a sort of blank canvas on which owners can create their personalized masterpiece.

The interior is where this is most evident. For years, having color-keyed accents inside that match the outside body color has been popular in the show circuit and with serious car enthusiasts. Chrysler wisely picked up on this, and is now offering instrument panel color-keyed inserts to match every exterior color on the PT. Chrysler makes a good point on their website: “After all, why should the people on the outside have all the good views?”

This option is very hip - and perfect for today’s interior design freaks - but a little cheap-looking. But then, so are cell phone covers, and millions of Americans still cover their mobiles with a crappie plastic shell because they feel it separates them from the rest. A little lame, but again, sacrificing high quality products for trendiness and style is one of America’s favorite pastimes. That said, we expect this snap-on instrument panel option to be huge in the U.S. Also a popular option, the moonroof is standard on the GT and optional on the Touring and Limited editions (obviously not available on convertibles).

Coming standard on every model are: D-rings for keeping grocery bags in place; a rear quarter-panel storage compartment a center console with cupholders, storage area and a coin holder; power windows and door locks; a rear windshield wiper and defroster; and 65/35 fold-in-tumble rear seats (for additional cargo space).

Four levels of seat covering is available from a tan cloth to a tan or grey leather (in the GT). Preferred Suede accents are available in the Limited model. Seats are comfortable but don’t provide a huge amount of support around turns or on long trips.

“A crankin’ sound system is a must,” says Chrysler. The base models feature an AM/FM stereo with CD player, six speakers and an auxiliary input jack. Step it up a notch with the optional 6-CD changer with MP3 capabilities, or a Boston Acoustics system that includes six premium speakers, a subwoofer and 368-watt amplifier. Both upgraded systems are offered only on the Touring, Limited Edition and GT. Sirius Satellite Radio can be had on all models.

The cargo space is what will put smiles on moms everywhere. We’re talking 21.6 cubic feet of cargo room with the seats in place, and 62.7 cubic feet with the seats removed. There are also 160 seating configurations, and those seats 65/35 fold-down seats are very handy, as well.

But things really get interesting with the Malibu Maxx-like multi-position cargo shelf (optional). It has two surfaces - one carpet, the other plastic - and can be used as a cover for the cargo area. It also has a fold-out leg that turns the shelf into a table - perfect for tailgating or picnicking.

EXTERIOR

Matching those color-keyed instrument panel snap-ons are eight exterior paint color choices. With a rear spoiler, slanted roofline, great head- and tail-light shape and a uniquely-PT grille, Chrysler has been able to maintain a fun exterior shape that still attracts huge sales.

The base model and Touring editions have 15-inch steel wheels with painted bolt-on covers (and 95/65R15 tires; convertibles have 205/55R16 tires). The Limited edition’ G package moves up to 16-inch, nine-spoke wheels that are painted silver and are cast aluminum; the K package adds a chrome look (205/55TR16 tires come standard on all Limited editions). The GT is king of them all with 17-inch 15-spoke chrome-clad aluminum wheels and 205/50HR17 tires. Add the Chrome package for additional glints of light and an even cooler look (Limited and GT only).

CONCLUSION

The PT’s website has a fantasy “Customizer” page that allows would-be buyers to further individualize their vehicles, although Chrysler does not make the additions themselves. Play with everything from blazing skull paint to chrome hood stacks to fat urban tires and rims. Just more propaganda for the PT, but hey - it’s fun to dream about the PT’s possibilities.

And that, my friends, is exactly what Chrysler wants. A car with lots of pros and cons, the PT is a lot of fun to look at and personalize, but as far as serious power goes, only the GT has it. Drivers should test drive all the cars in the PT’s class to make sure they can live with what the PT does - and does not - bring to the table.

Pros: Great styling.

Cons: Low on horsepower. Mediocre handling. Cheap interior parts.

Ratings (1-10)

• Style: 9
• Performance: 6
• Price: 8
• Handling: 7
• Ride: 4
• Comfort: 7
• Quality: 6
• Overall: 6.7

More Data

Where Built: Mexico

Major Options: Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition, Chrome Accents Group. Front side airbags, Antilock brakes, Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, Air conditioning, Power sunroof, Boston Acoustics sound system, Satellite radio, UConnect, Leather upholstery, Heated front seats, Cruise control, Universal garage-door opener, Rear privacy glass, Engine-block heater, Chrome alloy wheels.

Seating: 4-5.

Number of Rows: 2

Length in Inches: 168.9

Warranties: 3 years/36,000 miles Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles Extended powertrain, 5 years/100,000 miles Corrosion protection, 3 years/36,000 miles Free roadside assistance.

Weight in Pounds: 3,076 lb. - 3,303 lb

Cargo Capacity in Pounds: 865 lbs.

Gross Maximum Vehicle Weight in Pounds: Not available.

Towing Capacity in Pounds: 1,000 lbs.

Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 15.0

Destination Charge: $640