The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a "retro"-styled wagon from DaimlerChrysler. It was designed as a modern interpretation of the Chrysler Airflow with Dodge Neon components, but the final product used a separate platform. It is a front wheel drive 5-passenger vehicle, classified as a truck by the EPA for CAFE fuel economy calculations but as a car by most other metrics. A convertible was introduced in 2004. A turbocharged GT model was introduced in 2002.
The PT Cruiser was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2001 and won the North American Car of the Year award that year.
Design
The PT Cruiser was meant to be a Plymouth, before Chrysler's acquisition by Daimler-Benz AG of Stuttgart. At the time, Chrysler had planned a new look for Plymouth, previewed by the Plymouth Prowler "hot rod". The Prowler's grille was aped by the PT Cruiser.
The new DaimlerChrysler firm did not have much faith in Plymouth as a separate entity, and began steps to rationalize and cancel the marque. Consequently, the PT Cruiser only ever appeared in public as a Chrysler.
