No fanfare, no taps, like death comes a-callin,’ Chrysler snuffed out the Pacifica (but who amongst us really shed a tear over this decision). Chrysler then ceased production of their Crossfire sportscar and gave Aspen the old heave-ho as well (good riddance to these losers). When the Dodge Durango got kicked to the curb, I could have sworn I heard cheers but when the Dodge Magnum station wagon ceased to exist, quite a few urban hearts were TOTALLY shattered! The ragtop version of the PT Cruiser was phased out about a year ago and now, what remains of the PT line will be sent to its final resting place this summer.
I remember when the PT Cruiser first hit the scene big time back in 2000. It was just too cool to be categorized. For me, personally, it was love at first glance. I devoured countless auto mags and knew, when the PT was actually going to hit the dealerships. I could not wait to see this baby in person; I actually counted down the days before its arrival. Since I am a bonafied, card-carrying, old movie buff, for me, the PT brought back that getaway cars era of the 40’s with its design blend of retro meets new-age. I longed to sit behind the wheel of this boxy-like headliner and be transported back to the days when Betty, Joan and Virginia reigned supreme on the big screen.
Like it or loathe it the PT was voted North American Car of the Year in 2001. It was easy on the pockets, a fun drive, a head-turner and not bad on gas. The PT was an overall practical economy car. For those who wanted hot rod credibility, Chrysler added the GT model.
Unfortunately, Chrysler's reliability problems would hamper the PT's reputation in subsequent years. U.S. sales of the PT Cruiser plunged 49 percent last year to 50,910 units, outpacing Chrysler’s 30 percent slide and the 18 percent tumble in the domestic auto market. Deliveries peaked at 144,717 in 2001, according to Autodata Corp. in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. Word on the street is that next on the ole chopping block might very well be the Dodge Viper (I will probably shed a boat load of tears over this decision) and the Jeep Commander SUV (no real love lost here).
Oh PT Cruiser, you will be sorely missed, adieu old friend….
--Car Chick
for more info.
Comments
Examiner.com is becoming my homepage for news. I might be biased. Anyway, this is the first I've heard. My reasons for liking the car are roughly the same as yours. I'm not a car-guy, but if I ever get another car, I want a PTC. Do you think an aftermarket will exist?
Thanks Harry for checking out my column! Only time will tell, I believe that there are quite a few PTC lovers out there! So stay tuned....
Ruth, Members of my family love this car and some own it. I'm so sorry to see it go. Nice article and thank you for your warm comments. Angela
Oh no!!! The PT Cruiser has bit the dust! I remember when the Cruiser first came out my son was OBSESSED with it! I took him to his first car show that year just so he can sit in it (I have pictures of course). I will be sorry to see it go, I always thought it was a cool car.
I am truly sorry to see this car go. I too loved it when it first hit the streets. I even considered buying it but the headroom was too short for my tall stature. I will definitely miss it.
The PT Cruiser will live on thru the hearts of it's current owners. There are dozens of PT Cruiser clubs across the nation and internationally. We take our beloved cruisers and customize them, there are thousands of PTC's out there that are truly one of a kind. Just this weekend our little independent PTC club drove up to visit with another club in Orange County. The last time I counted there were at least 35 different PTC's and each was unique. Some people love the PTC, others hated it. The PTC was a unique crossover vehicle, part car, part station wagon, part minivan. But it's stylings allowed for something even greater, a blank canvas for the owner to make their PTC their own. How many vehicles inspire their owners to customize them to such a degree? If you search the internet, you will find these clubs, you will find flickr groups, you will find youtube videos and you will even find a podcast devoted (unfortunately not in production anymore) to our beloved PTC. The aftermarket is alive with customization options. Because of the PTC I have developed friendships and relationships that transcend the car. The PTC will always live on in our hearts, in our minds, and in our garages and driveways!
The PT Cruiser will live on thru the hearts of it's current owners. There are dozens of PT Cruiser clubs across the nation and internationally. We take our beloved cruisers and customize them, there are thousands of PTC's out there that are truly one of a kind. Just this weekend our little independent PTC club drove up to visit with another club in Orange County. The last time I counted there were at least 35 different PTC's and each was unique. Some people love the PTC, others hated it. The PTC was a unique crossover vehicle, part car, part station wagon, part minivan. But it's stylings allowed for something even greater, a blank canvas for the owner to make their PTC their own. How many vehicles inspire their owners to customize them to such a degree? If you search the internet, you will find these clubs, you will find flickr groups, you will find youtube videos and you will even find a podcast devoted (unfortunately not in production anymore) to our beloved PTC. The aftermarket is alive with customization options. Because of the PTC I have developed friendships and relationships that transcend the car. The PTC will always live on in our hearts, in our minds, and in our garages and driveways!
What a great car and I am an enthusiast! I love my PTC! I cannot understand why Chrysler has decided to give up on this brand. There are countless of us who love our vehicles and think the PTC is a wonderful car. I accessorized my vehicle and whenever we hit the streets, people just stop and give me nods of approval or thumbs up. These vehicles will definitely be collector's items. I am a true car lover and have quite a collection and the PTC is one of my star vehicles. It is such a shame that the vehicle's days are numbered but she will continue to have a presence with those of us who are collectors. Thanks Ruth for appreciating a classic vehicle.
God Awful & Good Riddance.
Hello from a fellow Auto Examiner!
The PT Cruiser was indeed a styling sensation when it debuted at the beginning of the millenium. In fact, a colleague was telling me today how his wife wanted one when they moved down to FL in 2000, but weren't willing to pay the $3000 dealer markup!
However, let's not forget that the PT Cruiser was built on the Neon platform, which was replaced three years ago by the Caliber. The retro feeling that made it such a hit when it came out eventually bled down into its underpinnings as it was surpassed by more modern chassis.
We also must take into account that the PT Cruiser received two 'poor' crash test ratings in the small-car crash tests done in December.
It was time.
Godspeed, Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Ruth, I love your stuff and read you all the time. You make me laugh girl. My mother bought this car 3 years ago and the car is her boyfriend. She loves him to death. She was talking about getting another one this year and now it is not going to be available. I don't understand. It is such a nice car, really good looking. So many people at my church has this car as well and love it. Why are these nice cars no longer being sold? So many of them are no longer being made. It really makes me so sad. My mother is going to be devastated Ruth. I don't think she likes anything else out here! She might have to keep her car forever.
I went to the L.A. Auto show and saw the Cruiser when it first was shown and it was love at first site. I waited until the turbo came out because I wanted better performance and then the following year I bought my 2004. I am 77 yrs. old and have had many cars in my lifetime. I have never lost the joy I get from looking at and driving my Cruiser.
Another Chrysler product that is no longer with us is the Plymouth Prowler.
2000-2009 The ERA of the Chrysler PT Cruiser. So sorry to see it end. It came to me in the mail one day back in 1999,the brochure with the Chrysler symbol, I fell inlove with it.. I told my family's I would love to own that neat little car, I wanted one. One day, out of the blue, my darling said he was going to give one to me for Valentine, OH boy, the tears came a rushing, I was so so happy, to finally have my cute little PT, Got the 04 Dream Cruiser two tone, the full package deal with Manual and Turbo. Chrysler, I Love My PT, It's a winner. Then joined a club and met some awsome people and made some neat friends, and have been to alot of neat places with them, we will continue, even thow production will stop. We love our PT's, Thank you for making it.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!