Although the PT Cruiser was expected to be dead by the end of 2010, Chrysler has announced that the small car will live on. But for how much longer? Chrysler didn't mention how long the PT Cruiser will survive in its current state or if a redesign is in the future. It will most likely remain in production until the new Fiat based cars are ready to hit Chrysler dealers.
Related Stories:
Chrysler PT Cruiser Will Stay in Production Until End of 2010
PRESS RELEASE:
Cruisin' On
Chrysler PT Cruiser will continue production
Chrysler Group LLC announced today that production of the Chrysler PT Cruiser will continue. The Chrysler Group Toluca (Mexico) Assembly Plant-the exclusive home of Chrysler PT Cruiser-will continue to build the quality-proven, versatility packaged and "too cool to categorize" small car.
"The heritage-styled Chrysler PT Cruiser continues to be a global success story," said Peter Fong - President and Chief Executive Officer - Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, Chrysler Group LLC. "With more than 1.3 million PT Cruisers sold in more than 60 countries since 2000, we're excited to announce we're re-energizing the iconic and award-winning PT Cruiser."
The Chrysler Group changed the landscape of the automotive market when it introduced the segment-busting Chrysler PT Cruiser nearly 10 years ago. Its one-of-a-kind exterior styling and Swiss Army knife-like interior flexibility, offered at a compact car price, redefined the small-car segment and became an instant hit with consumers.
High-quality, craftsmanship, performance and functionality continue to give the award-winning Chrysler PT Cruiser a leg up on the competition. For years, leading consumer magazines and third-party studies have recommended the PT Cruiser for its consistently high levels of quality and refinement-tying for first place in J.D. Power's Initial Quality Survey (IQS) this July.
Some of the Awards the vehicle has won are the following:
• 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Consumer Reports "Recommended"
• 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Consumer Guide, "Best Buy - Compact Cars Category"
• 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Consumer Reports, "Recommended"
• 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Edmunds.com, "Most Significant"
• 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, AutoPacific, "Top Vehicle customer satisfaction"
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, North American International Auto Show, "North American Car of the Year"
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, African Americans on Wheels and Latinos on Wheels, "Car of the Year"
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Strategic Vision, "Compact Car Segment"
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Industrial Design Excellence, "Gold Award"
• 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Automobile Magazine, "Best Small Car"
Since production of the Chrysler PT Cruiser began in February 2000 (as a 2001 model), the PT Cruiser lineup has been a continuous hit. The latest flavor, the 2009 Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser 5 marked the 14th customized version of the segment-busting small car. The Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 joined the Flames, Woodie, PT Dream Cruiser Series 1, 2, 3 and 4, PT Turbo and Chrome Accents models, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, the refreshed 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, the Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Route 66, Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Edition and Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Editions.
| « Previous | Next » |
Comments (11)
I've never been a fan of the PT Cruiser and after sitting in one I still haven't been swayed. I know Chrysler was going for a retro look when it was designed but it's going on 9 years with no real redesign. I was glad when they said they were cutting the car but now that they're apparently keeping it I hope they at least update the looks a bit.
And if they do, please, no side vents. They look stupid on just about every car (Chevy Aveo, I'm looking at you)
Posted by l3admonky | July 31, 2009 9:27 AM
Posted on July 31, 2009 09:27
trash.
Posted by gilly | July 31, 2009 11:04 AM
Posted on July 31, 2009 11:04
I was reading that they might redesign it and it will be based on the Dodge Caliber platform.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | July 31, 2009 3:37 PM
Posted on July 31, 2009 15:37
If Chrysler was smart, which they aren't. They would convert it into a cube van to compete with the Japanese and Koreans. More space efficiency and usability over retro-styling. For the size of the vehicle it just doesn't have enough interior room for hauling.
Posted by Billo | July 31, 2009 3:48 PM
Posted on July 31, 2009 15:48
I've always tried to understand the idea of constantly creating new "updated" models. Take Honda as an example, most models are refreshed every 3 years. Most American car companies follow a 5-6 year plan. Hell if it sells and is iconic then what's the point? If might get better, or it might turn to shit and no one will buy it (Mazda 3, Acura, ect..) Or in the vein of the Cooper, sure it's been "refreshed", but really it looks pretty similar from year to year. Unless you seriously know what to look for the average person couldn't tell year from year.
I say go with what works.
Posted by Brian | July 31, 2009 8:46 PM
Posted on July 31, 2009 20:46
Everyone keeps saying Chrysler and GM need to make cars people want to buy.
So they continue to make PT Cruisers which, judging by how many are on the road, many people are buying.
Yet the same people who say Chrysler needs to make cars people want to buy would like to see the PT Cruiser, one of their most popular and hottest selling vehicles, discontinued...
Posted by Chris | August 1, 2009 3:42 AM
Posted on August 1, 2009 03:42
Everyone keeps saying Chrysler and GM need to make cars people want to buy.
So they continue to make PT Cruisers which, judging by how many are on the road, many people are buying.
Yet the same people who say Chrysler needs to make cars people want to buy would like to see the PT Cruiser, one of their most popular and hottest selling vehicles, discontinued...
Posted by Chris | August 1, 2009 3:44 AM
Posted on August 1, 2009 03:44
I don't understand it either. I still see a lot of them on the road. 22 mpg. Roomy inside. Accelerated slow like an electric train. The Cruiser I had was an old folks way to get from point A to B, without any fuss or excitement.
Maintenance schedule recommended the timing belt changed at 125K. I'd worked on it most of its life, changing the water pump once, radiator replacement once, oil changes, etc, and decided I wasn't about to tackle a timing belt change under that cramped hood. Had an appointment made with a shop to get it done.
Never made it there. I believe it was around 125,100 miles on the clock. My daughter was waiting to pick up the kids at school, idling, and the thing quit without warning. The timing belt broke. Bent valves, trashed the head, cracked 2 pistons. Cost more to fix it than it was worth. Ended up in a wrecking yard.
Posted by wvo | August 1, 2009 8:53 AM
Posted on August 1, 2009 08:53
The only people who buy retro cars are those who want to re-live the past. Thats the reason why the PT cruizer sold so many, It the baby boomers that buy them. But genX and genY dont care for them unless they were brainwashed by their parents. Think about it, after years of hearing their old man talking about their 67 chevy and showing a old photo of their cars, of course they go out and buy a new version of the once popular PT cruizer, challenger, mustang, impala.
Posted by 2flow | August 1, 2009 11:40 PM
Posted on August 1, 2009 23:40
Ice cream delivery business is here to stay. Yes!!
Posted by Manney | August 2, 2009 7:53 PM
Posted on August 2, 2009 19:53
Time to short Fiat stock
Posted by Dave | August 3, 2009 8:22 AM
Posted on August 3, 2009 08:22