Well, I had a recent trip to LA and there we (my GM and I) were put into a PT Cruiser (we avoided a Kia Minivan).
So I began this excursion on the 405 & the 101 in California with having to figure out how to open the hatch of this thing. We looked everywhere for a lever - on the floor on the driver's side, under the front left dash, on the dash, in the glove box and even into the multi-compartment center console/arm rest. No luck. Then out of sheer desperation I looked for a lever on the hatch handle itself (which is a large, chrome crysler symbol) no lever, but I pulled up on it an lo & behold it opened! It seems you just need to unlock all doors and the hatch automatically unlocks - it doesn't pop open, but it unlocks. Then I had to really put some force into lifting it above my head - seniors beware if you have any form of arthritis or muscular problems, this won't be an easy feat to open for you.
The cargo area - plenty of it & with the high ceiling clearance not a problem to get into and out of if you had to use the whole length of the cargo area by folding down the rear seats. We loaded up the luggage and then hopped in.
The seats are very similar to the captain type in a mini van sans the arms. I had a great view of most everything until I tried to look out the rear to back up. there are some MAJOR blind spots in this vehicle in the whole hatch area and you're fooled into thinking you have a short front end. You can't see it from where you sit in the driver's seat, but it's longer than the Focus and as I said - deceptively long.
The seat was comfortable, but obviously Crysler did not put much thought into the materials it was made with. It's a firm seat with little flex when you sit.
The dash set up took a bit of getting used to. It was in the 70's when we arrived and we wanted to open the windows to let in the beautiful California sun and air (cough, cough - L.A - just kidding) and I looked on the door for a window switch - nothing. Next, the console - nothing. As my GM and I are searching for a way to open these windows we're getting a bit frustrated. Finally - right there in front of us, in the middle of the center dash (where all of the instrumentation controls are) are all 4 window controls. Now, it should have been obvious, but I can't tell you the last time I would have thought the window controls would be anywhere other than on the door.
Now I have to drive - my GM doesn't like the 'big cities & Freeways' I'm cool with that and actually welcome a challenge. I was looking around for the rest of the controls before I took off. Lights - check, wipers & windshield washers - check, Radio & HVAC controls - check, Cruise control - no check. I guess because we're in LA they decided I'd have no need for cruise considering the traffic - ugh, the L.A. Traffic, that was next.
We're off - I immediately can feel the weight of this vehicle - it's an automatic - of course because it's a rental. I don't know how many of you have been to LA, but there are some strange set ups on the roads here and then you have to deal with the drainage systems that cut along the curbs and cause a fairly large dip in the road when you pull out of or into a driveway or side street. This car kept hitting the under the front end (air damn or shield or whatever it is) - that was a bit unnerving. Yes I was going slow enough to avoid it, but it just wanted to bottom out.
I'm getting onto the 405 to get to the hotel and as those of you know who have dealt with them there are what we call 'Pacer Lights' to get you onto the highway "one car per green" they say. Well I got my green and this car revved right up, but there was lack luster response. I was nervous at first and then I saw that the traffic wasn't moving that fast, so I was relieved. How I wished I had my trusty little 5speed to down shift into. The overdrive kicked in on this car, but there is just far too much weight for this little 4cyl engine to get any type of good reaction. My GM noted that fact too.
All in all, if you want a grocery getter this is fine, but I would never consider purchasing the base model without the turbo. I'd be very interested in trying out the PT Cruiser with the Turbo just to compare notes and if I do, I'll be certain to update this review.
so out of 5 stars being the highest rating I would give this car for all points - this gets a 3.
Crysler really needs to re-think the amount of weight it puts behind this car's engine - it is, after all a Neon with a different body. Just not impressed with the way the controls are or the fact that there just was not power where and when I needed it. Cargo area is a plus - mileage - not so great either.
See you all around later!
____________________ Get in, Sit down, Shut up and HANG ON!
My father has an older one so I know it well. Good to see they havent changed all the little strange things about that car (window controls, hatch, ect) nor have they done anything with that WONDERFUL ablitity it has to get out of its own way (note the sarcasim there).
But just so everyone knows, Dad has a 5 speed and the little bastard doesnt move either. Had an auto when the PT was getting fixed from the hail here and it drove just about the same... like a ton of bricks!
____________________ Its all fun and games until someone gets poked in the eye with a dick
I have never liked the PT Cruiser and now I know that I never will. My Godmother has one and absolutely loves it. She has ranted and raved since she got one when they first were introduced and I tease her everytime. I have never driven one, but have alway said that they look to heavy to get out of their own way and I guess I was correct. Reading this review I would take one if it was given to, I'd turn around and sell it...LOL
____________________ Lovin' My ZX3!!!! I finally gave it a name
SMKNS2!!!!
The PT was one of the cars I looked at when I bought my ZX3 in 2002. I liked a lot of things about the car. I need considerable carrying capacity, I like the way they look, and the suspension/ride was all right. Their price is also very reasonable. Performance was the deal-breaker, though. I drove both the auto & the 5 spd. There wasn't much difference between them. Then there were the funky controls. Needless to say, you all know what I'm driving now.
____________________ If you can't read this, you're illiterate.
I've driven quite a few Daimler-Chrysler vehicles over the past few years. Rental company that we have a contract with is mostly DC cars. I agree with most of what you said about the PT Cruiser. Only, I'd say that you are being charitable about two things. Power is far too low. Fuel consumption is out to lunch for a vehicle this size. DC either gets the power side to perform really well as in the 300, surprisingly good fuel consumption and responsiveness, or pathetically badly. Had a Jeep grand Cherokee for a few days and the only thing that it couldn't pass was a gas station.
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A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams...John Barrymore
ProjectFocusFast wrote: The turbo's are fun.
See, now I may modify my review had I had a turbo...I'm sure that would make a HUGE difference in the power to weight ratio on this car. But as it stands I would not purchase, or recommend a PT cruiser if someone is looking for more than a grocery getter or a show vehicle.
____________________ Get in, Sit down, Shut up and HANG ON!
