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Putting a
turbocharger on Chrysler's PT Cruiser is like wearing a push-up bra. It is
meant to attract new admirers, but in reality nothing has changed. That
said, we could find nothing to warrant paying a lot of extra money for
the turbocharged GT for three reasons.
First, it
doesn't need it unless you haul heavy loads or insist on an automatic
transmission. Secondly, it requires the use of premium fuel and the gas
mileage fall ten percent. Finally, they load the GT up with lots of nice
options, but it comes with a price increase that pushes this Cruiser into
a different category.
Now, don't get
me wrong, I liked the turbo and felt it gave the PT a little life. But,
the 4 speed automatic drained much of the 215hp. In other words, the
turbocharger makes this Chrysler a little more playful, but it's going to
cost you.
However, the GT
is not just about 65 more horsepower for the extra thousands. It also
offers better braking, shocks, lots of extra standard features and a more
elegant interior.
Mom's
view: The
ride is stiff, the seats aren't the most comfortable and the adjustments
are difficult to reach, and the price is difficult for me to accept.
Thus I can't
justify the extra cost of the GT model. In fact, I prefer the standard 150
horsepower engine with a manual transmission. As for using the PT, I can
only marvel at its exceptional ability to transform itself into nearly any
configuration.
Dad's
view: The
new turbocharged GT is truly loaded. It handles better, stops faster, and
has such features as antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, sport
seats, and a more modern interior look to go with the more potent engine.
The problem with the 3182 pound GT is its pricing.
It
is not that the turbocharger is not worth a little extra, but you have
little choice of options if you want the more energetic power plant. Thus
despite the versatility of this vehicle, you are looking at some serious
money.
For example, the
wonderful Chrysler van with power everything costs nearly the same. The
souped up Dodge SXT Intrepid with 244 horsepower is also similarly priced.
So you really have to like the GT version to want one, although you
certainly get a much more exciting Cruiser to drive.
I enjoyed the
superior handling of the GT with its stouter suspension and wider tires.
It clearly is a better driving car, but parking it is another matter. It
has a whopping large turning radius making three point turns at malls a
certainty if you don't tack before entry. Finally, the deeply set gauge
clusters are difficult to read and the chrome door handles are slippery.
College
going male's view: Wait for the PT convertible. The GT is nice, but you
still can't tell it from a base model and the turbo and automatic
transmission don't always do a good job of talking to each other.
The GT only got
19 mpg on premium and with a tank that holds just 15 or so gallons long
trips require more planning. The non-turbo gets almost four miles per
gallon more on unleaded. Good stereo and easy to manipulate seating
arrangements make it fun to use. I consider myself creative, and so I
liked the idea of the more base model so I could use the extra money to
personalize it. With the GT your money is already committed to more
performance.
Young
working woman's view: A dandy car. It
has positive vibes, drives easily, and atones for its bashful nature by
trying to please you with its ability to adjust to your mood.
It is not too
noisy, vision is good, and Chrysler dealers are doing there best to find
these Cruisers good homes. Look for some lower priced turbocharged models
coming soon without all the options. Now that would leave no excuses not
to own one of these Jack-of-all-Trades mobiles.
Family
conference: If you carry
heavy loads, the 65 more horsepower the turbo add is well worth
considering. But beware that even with 215 horsepower this is not a hot
rod. For that try Chrysler's Neon SRT-4 with the same engine. Now that is
a hot rod, and it costs less than the Cruiser.
Written by The
Car Family
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