In defense of the PT Cruiser...

Without a doubt the Chrysler PT Cruiser is one of the most hated American vehicles there is. I’ve yet to see a “top ten worst cars ever” list without the car in at least the honorable mentions. Yet almost every time I see/meet/talk to someone bashing on them I always ask them “Have you ever ridden in one, owned or driven one?”. The answer is always an aghast variation of “I would never be caught dead in one” or something involving “lel kil urself”.

However in the past year or so my Dad actually got one, and I’ve driven it. It’s a 2005 limited edition with the high output turbocharged 2.4 liter (it’s liter in ‘Merica) I4. Our version is an automatic with the optional autoshift. To prove it, here’s a pic of both our mugs.

I have to say, I like it…

Yep, I like our PT cruiser. Now, I don’t love it and I certainly do agree it’s got it’s flaws. So I’m going to go over several common points of criticism and pick out some valid criticism (Why the F* are the window controls on the dash?) and bandwagon bashing.

#1. It’s Slow!!!

Depending on the engine selected the PT Cruiser can be slow, it’s base I4 makes about 150hp and weighs 3,000 pounds. It’s not going to win any races. However, there exists a turbo version that makes 180 and a high-output version of that making more at 220. This is the same engine that is in the SRT-4 Neon, and as anyone who’s ever driven one of these can attest to, the turbo I4 makes a HELL of a lot more horsepower than 220 and can MOVE when the go pedal is mashed. While I haven’t put the Cruiser on a dyno(as it’s not mine), from feel I would say the Cruiser makes a little closer to 275 hp and as far as we can tell it’s stock. This is impressive for an ‘05 that gets 20-25mpg combined. Today that’s hardly astounding, but for a car that’s 10 years old (and considered a sloth) it’s not bad.

The top tier motor also comes with four wheel disk brakes that can take the vehicle from 80 to a complete stop in less than 150 feet (Or a little less than two telephone poles). Again, hardly an industry breaking record but definitely not bad for a fwd hatchback.

#2. It has a weird driving position!

Somewhat, it’s more like the upright driving position of a truck.
As someone who prefers the upright driving position of a truck over the slightly reclined position of a car, the Cruiser was a natural fit for me. Admittedly I can see why people might find it wonky and un-enjoyable. As someone who prefers driving a truck, it’s hard for me to drive a “normal” vehicle like an Altima or Sonata (my family’s other cars) without tweaking the seats considerably.

There are other complaints as well, the switches for lights and wipers are backwards from most other cars. And for some stupid reason the window controls are on the dash.

WHY!? WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!!

#3. It’s a miserable sea of plastic!!!

Yes, like almost every other less-than-luxury ‘Merican car made after the 70’s. Next point…

#4. It’s ugly!

Looks are a matter of preference and even I’ll admit that it’s not something I’d fall in love with. That being said I would prefer it to the new Prius, the ram Promaster van that sorta succeeded the PT or any Lexus with the Predator spindle grill.

#5. There isn’t enough space inside!

This is a common complaint I hear against the PT cruiser, and while it is somewhat cramped on the inside it’s important to keep in mind that the PT Cruiser shares it’s platform with the Dodge Neon. This effectively makes the PT Cruiser a hatchback Neon, and not an SUV like many erroneously categorize it to be. While I can’t move a house with it, there is some space inside to compete with most hatchbacks and the backseats do fold down.

A fair knock against the PT is the somewhat cramped driver’s seat which is almost too small for me. I’m also not that big at 5’10” and about 210lbs. There is no reason why an average size person should have trouble fitting in any vehicle that isn’t a smart car.

Also, the engine bay is seriously cramped. While the front end panels are designed to come off to grant more access, it’s still frustrating when you need to do something.

WHY IS IT SO SMALL IN HERE?

#6 It’s unreliable!

Calling a car unreliable can be a two way street, since a well maintained vehicle can still be a lemon of a car and a poorly maintained vehicle may run for years before giving up. One of the most unreliable vehicles our family has ever owned was a ‘85 Jeep Cherokee, no matter what we did it constantly broke down. Our neighbor owned an almost identical ‘85 Jeep Cherokee and never ever had any problems with it. This person was also useless with a wrench and thought brake fluid lasted forever. Could we have said ours was just a bad model? Maybe. The PT Cruiser also falls under the same umbrella.

I’ve seen some in horrible condition that still soldier on, sputtering and smoking for years. This is especially true where I live, where everyone and their cousin’s uncle know a little somethin’ somethin’ about cars. As most of us know these backyard mechanics often make things worse instead of better.
I’ve also seen some on the side of the road that looked showroom new under the hood but just wouldn’t run. I know that PT’s are definitely considered on average to be less reliable than most. Ours has put 20,000 miles on since we got it and with regular maintenance we haven’t had any major problems.

I have always subscribed to the idea that while some models are less reliable than others, regular maintenance will keep most cars on the road and irregular or poorly done maintenance will keep most cars off the road. I also believe that some cars were just put together poorly and will run like a drunk pig no matter what you do to it.

#7 I just don’t like it!

Fair enough, there are cars that I will never like as well. For example, I will never like the Toyota Prius, or any V6 muscle car. I know it’s irrational, but eh.

So there you have it! A car guy who likes the PT Cruiser. Admittedly it’s not perfect and if it didn’t have that Powertech Turbo I4 I’d probably like it a whole lot less than I do. Anyone else drive a car that is universally hated that they liked?