Originally meant as a mainstream continuation of the Plymouth Prowler roadster, the unconventional compact wagon called the PT Cruiser entered the marketplace with Chrysler badging in 2001. Securing a loyal following, more than 1.3 million of this retro-themed vehicle have sold. Despite a valiant attempt to appear relevant to a younger vehicle buyer with a entry-level price tag and a variety of customizable choices for exterior accessories, Chrysler records the median age for PT Cruiser buyers to be 58 years of age.
For 2009, a most radical change comes with the removal of the PT Cruiser 2-door convertible from the model lineup. Trim levels relating to the PT Cruiser's four-door wagons remains the same as the previous model year. Starting with the LX before proceeding to the Touring, the upscale trim level is the Limited model. A fusion of the past and present, the Chrysler PT Cruiser's future is currently in limbo (but not without protests coming from various PT Cruiser clubs).
2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser Exterior
Even after spending eight years with little to no changes to the exterior, the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser remains a refreshing departure from everyday three-box automobile design. A design so captivating that it certifiably sparked a styling revolution leading to a copycat competitor from General Motors, the Chevrolet HHR. Mock fender and side steps are gently contoured for a 1930s sedan shape over top of a platform that was once shared with the Dodge Neon. As expected from the higher priced Limited-trimmed PT Cruiser, chrome accents are added along with 17-inch aluminum wheels centered in Goodyear tires.
2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser Interior
A four-spoked steering wheel and the long-armed shifter continue to serve as stylistic reminders to the retro theme of the PT Cruiser. However, the standard equipment list includes a modern assortment of technologies such as a MP3-ready CD stereo system, power door locks, along with front and side air bags.
The PT Cruiser's cabin features numerous ergonomic touches which allows the vehicle to almost act as a micro-minivan. Motorists driving the Chrysler PT Cruiser have long admired the car for offering numerous interior solutions for ample cargo and specialized storage space. The largest bits of cargo can be shoe-horned into the PT Cruiser thanks to a 65/35 split rear seat which can be completely removed from the vehicle if desired. Behind the rear seats, the PT Cruisers cargo area also features a innovative cargo shelf unit which can be positioned at two levels for double-decker storage. Smaller, more novel storage spaces are positioned inside the front center console including a coin holder and a deep bin for storing compact discs.
Newly optional on the PT Cruiser Limited for 2009, Chrysler's UConnect multimedia connection provides communications through Bluetooth phones and WiFi web access inside the car.
2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser Engines
Nailing the appearance of a modern day street rod, the base model Chrysler PT Cruiser has always lacked the punch of a throaty, powerful engine. A 2.4 liter double overhead cam four-cylinder engine is the source of power for the front-wheel drive transaxle and produces 150 horsepower. Started in 2008, a turbocharger was added as standard equipment for the Limited trim level. Adding 30 horsepower, acquiring this power through forced-air induction comes at only a nominal reduction in fuel economy.
2009 Chrysler Dream Cruiser
For one day in August since 1996, a popular motoring event called the Woodward Dream Cruise unites up to 40,000 classic cars for a 16 mile trip down Woodward Avenue in the tradition of guilt-free times when carbon footprints and $4.00 a gallon gasoline were nonexistent thoughts. Since 2002, Chrysler set aside a limited number of PT Cruisers for a specially-equipped series called the Dream Cruiser to commemorate the spirit of the event. The previous series of the Dream Cruisers featured unique interior and exterior features with exclusive paint colors and larger SRT-styled wheels.
For 2009, the Chrysler Dream Cruiser Series 5 sports a customized street rod look that blends with two-tone coloring over the body panels as well as accenting the cabin. On the outside, midnight white clear coat dominates the exterior accompanying black along the upper roof section. Inside, black combines with gray dash pieces dress the interior around specialty fabric seats. Restricted to only 1,750 of the 2009 PT Cruisers release, the Dream Cruiser Series 5 will retail for $22,700.