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Retro car gets new look

The popular PT Cruiser sedan is joined by a cool convertible for 2005.

Amid all the frenzy when PT Cruiser first arrived for 2001, I interviewed one of the people on the mile-long waiting list to get one. And ready to pay top dollar plus premium for the privilege.

“One thing that kind of bothers me,” said Sally Jones of Phoenix. “It’s so unique in the beginning, but I know that before long, they’ll be everywhere.”

And so it went. Cruiser sightings evolved from “oh wow” to “ho hum” as they proliferated like pet bunnies. And with good reason. Inexpensive, practical and retro hip, the little Chrysler hatchbacks that looked like 1930s gangster cars really hit the spot until they became too common.

PT wants to be noticed again. And nothing gets you noticed as quickly as going topless.

Recently unveiled as a 2005 model, the Cruiser convertible has rekindled some of the excitement of the original, just as a convertible did for Volkswagen New Beetle. And at a base price of $20,000, Cruiser also becomes the least-expensive way to put four people under the open sky.

Top down, Cruiser was a consistent head-turner and conversation starter and a ton of fun to drive. Everything is new from the windshield back, transformed from a four door into a two door, yet the hot rod look remains intact and strikingly cool.

What it is

The hip new version of the ever-popular retro sedan, PT Cruiser convertible looks like another hit for Chrysler stylists.

There are three versions: base, Touring Edition and GT, each offering a different level of equipment and engine power. The Touring model was tested here.

Performance

In Touring trim, the test PT gets an optional 180-horsepower turbocharged four, a welcomed notch up from the 150-horse base engine. Cruiser has gained weight in the transition to convertible but is still a fairly svelte 3,381 pounds.

The GT gets a high-output, 220-horsepower engine and sport suspension, which would certainly be appreciated.

With the 180-horse engine, Cruiser accelerates nicely, even with four people on board. Freeway driving is quiet and composed, with plenty of power available for passing or merging.

The transmission shifts seamlessly, though the throttle has to be pushed hard for downshifts. A five-speed manual is available.

Drivability

The same secure ride and handling of the sedan carries over to the convertible.

The rack-and-pinion steering feels quick and precise, but the brakes, discs in front and drums in rear, could be more effective. Four-wheel discs are optional.

The ragtop Cruiser drives well, feeling firm and solid with no discernible shakiness, which can happen when a hardtop turns soft. Part of the chassis stiffness is derived from a thick targa bar that spans the car from side to side.

The To uring suspension provides a decent ride, though body sway is pronounced in turns. The GT suspension would be stiffer.

But the Cruiser isn’t about performance, anyway. It’s a cruiser.

Styling

The hot-rod look survives the ragtop treatment, with PT continuing to be a unique expression of classic style.

Though functional, the targa bar looks like the handle of an Easter basket.

The bar includes interior lighting and helps thwart some of the wind buffeting in the rear, and it would be a safety factor in a rollover, but it makes the Cruiser look too cute and stubby.

Top up, PT looks sharp.

Interior

Ah, a convertible with a back seat that’s actually usable by regulation-size humans. This is a major bonus for, say, my family of four, which includes three too-tall guys. We took a comfortable day trip in the balmy spring weather without anybody feeling squished.

The sharp style and convenient features of the sedan carry over, though the convertible isn’t nearly as versatile as the five-door. The trunk is fairly big with rear seats that fold down to create a pass through for oversize items.

The nicely tailored top fits securely with only a whisper of wind roar at 75 mph. The powered top folds down onto the rear deck.

The interior is commendably snug and quiet with the top up. The side windows, made of thicker glass than the sedan, have a feature usually found in more expensive convertibles: They slide down a notch automatically when the doors open, then pop back up when doors close for a tight fit.

Pricing

The Touring Edition, which starts at $22,900, fits in between the base model at just under $20,000 and the GT at about $27,000. The Touring comes with a full bevy of power and convenience features.

Options on the test Cruiser were the 180-horsepower turbo engine and appearance package, $1,280 ; antilock brakes and traction control, $825; automatic transmission, $825; side air bags, $390; driver’s seat height adjuster, $100; upgraded audio system, $100; and shipping $590.

The total price was $27,010, which is still a lot of style and substance for the money.

Bottom line

It’s hard to beat top-down fun in the sun or under the stars, especially in the sharp PT Cruiser.