Chrysler Thinks About Next PT Cruiser

What happens when you have to redesign retro? We asked the question earlier this year, and one expert said retro redesigns should maintain some retro styling cues while offering a fresh design for buyers. To some extent, Chrysler's 2006 PT Cruiser attempted to do that – but it was a mid-cycle update, and now it's high time for a redesign. As Chrysler considers its options for the next PT Cruiser, Automotive News reports the automaker may build the next car in conjunction with a small crossover car from Dodge.

It's not clear whether the next PT Cruiser will share components with the Dodge Caliber – or even retain the name PT Cruiser. One analyst expects the replacement car to be quite different, dropping much of the current car's retro flair, Automotive News reports.

The PT Cruiser is a strong seller, perhaps the reason Chrysler has delayed a redesign for so long. Leave a note below on what you'd like to see in the next PT – including a new name.

[Dodge to Share New Cruiser, Automotive News – registration required]

Comments

[Bob]

They could make it really cool if they play their cards right. How about something along the lines of a 55 chevy or similar?

[M3]

I'd REALLY love to see the option of a two-door wagon. That would give DaimlerChrysler a unique body style that no one else offers, and hasn't for many years. I'd buy one in a heart beat! A while back Chrysler did a 2-door PT Cruiser show car that I loved, but they never brought it to production.

Please Chrysler, don't pull a "GM" and make all the cars from Dodge and Chrysler the same. Please! Look what happened to GM and how long it's taken them to recover. And Bob Lutz is already at GM so he can't fix another disaster.

[Dan]

What happened to the California Cruiser Concept, it had a nice squared off look to the current Cruiser and I feel a good design direction.....that is why I held off on buying in hopes it would go that way....
Dan

[ido]

i'd like to see something along the lines of the current one, the same curvy topp, but somehting more flairy, more agressive but with the same versatitlity of the Chevy HHR. Id be fine with the PT Cruiser name i really cant come up with anyhting else.

[Wyce]

I really liked the California Cruiser from 2002. Sure, the updated incorporated some of the design cues from that concept, but not enough. Something along the lines of the California would fit in well with the current look of the Chrysler lineup.

I doubt that Chrysler will just rebadge the next Cruiser as a Dodge. If you look at the 300/Charger/Magnum triplets and the Compass/Patriot/Caliber CUVs, it's obvious that Chrysler tries to differentiate the offerings as much as possible.

[The Dales]

We feel that you should leave the Cruiser alone, only keep working on the retro concept. Suicide back doors with the handles shaved is a must. Put a V6 in it. Look at all the Cruisers that are now Show Cars, take all the great ideas and put them into one beyond belief retro car. Then when you have a good thing don't keep trying to revent the wheel.

The Dales

[Nita]

I would like to see them keep the name and style and update it, and also bring back leather seats on the Limited, as well as ABS. They also need to greatly improve on its realiability. IMO they have downgraded its appearance since the 2004 model.

[D Man]

The PT Cruiser Name should be KEPT! Its very difficult for manufacturers today to get consumers to identify their model names due to the proliferation of names out there.. Look at Toyota and Honda.. Camry and Accord are household names. Sebring and Stratus, not so much. American manufacturers change the names of their vehicles too much. Consumers know what the PT Cruiser is and many like it. It should remain retro, practical, and should be more fuel effiecient. That is Chrysler's keys to success!

[Nita]

FYI - Here's what I just read on Automotive News, October 18, 2006: "Corporate Cousins -
Dodge will share platform with new PT Cruiser.

The Chrysler group is forging ahead on a replacement for the PT Cruiser and a Dodge crossover on the same platform, say analysts and suppliers.

The Dodge version, code-named JC49, is due first, possibly as early as 2008, says John Wolkonowicz, a forecaster for Global Insight Automotive in Lexington, Mass. He calls the Dodge a "sport tourer."

The PT Cruiser's replacement, code-named JZ49, will appear in 2010, he says. The sheet metal will be quite different from the current PT, with the retro elements toned down.

One supplier source said the name "PV Cruiser" has been discussed. Wolkonowicz said the positioning will be slightly different from the Dodge. He predicts it will be an "entry CUV."

Says one source: "They got themselves into a box doing the second-generation PT Cruiser. The PT was supposed to be done at the same time they did Caliber. But it was taking a tremendous amount of energy to figure out how to handle it."

Chrysler isn't commenting."

[J.S. MacCutcheon]

My gosh, it looks like someone left the PT out when the volcano erupted. It looks as though it melted and lost its wonderful shape. They need to get back to what they had or they're gonna be in real trouble. They need to make it a diesel or able to burn almost pure ethanol; this will allow them to square it up some instead of having its butt in the air like all modern cars in order to improve gas mileage.

[Shintsu]

Eww, even uglier than before. Why doesn't Chrysler just give up, the HHR is definately better looking than this little Practically Trash Cruiser.

[Ed Santiago]

I own an 01 LE in black, and it has won over twenty trophies. It has gone from flames to
2 tone. I have re-named it the P T X. I am
thinking of adding a wide body kit and choping
it 2". I think the next PT should be choped
loose the cruiser and add the X. Make a 2 door & throw in a HEMI. Remember this is a heavy car and with a small block HEMI it will be right up with the 350Z,WRX,Honda and maybe add all-wheel drive.

[chris mason]

If chrysler go away from the retro style then I will just keep my 2002 diesel for ever.

[Dawn Belveal]

I love the PT and want Chrysler to bring back the Plum (purple) color that they had in 2005. Also would like to see them put in a hybrid engine that would give it better gas milage.

[Tommy]

The next PT Cruiser should have round headlamps and a front end like the 1950s Dodge Highlander.

[shana]

I love the PT Cruisers! They are sexy! I own a Black 2003 2.4L Turbo Charged Cruiser, she is HOT! I am about to have the grill and front end of my car expanded about 5 inches on each side and I am going to have a 6 cylinder dropped in my car! Chrysler may need to try that if that want to change anything about the PT! The Chevy HHR has nothing on these cars. These cars are sweeping the nation. If Chrysler let Dodge over rule them, then they are in serious trouble. I LOVE PT's!!!!!

[Chris]

I am an avid PT Cruiser fan and am on my third one. I have had an 02 Limited, 03 Dream Cruiser and currently have an 05 GT Convertible.
I really think Chrysler should enhance the current model or continue to develop its weaker points, i.e, Fuel economy, turning radius and other things that could use some refinement. All of my PT's have been reliable and I have never had ANY issues. I would hate to see it change into a run of the mill car and become just like everything else. In my opinion I think the interior/exterior changes for 2006 are a joke!! "Whats up with the towel rack, the new console rings "GT" Look Cheap and even the seat pattern design looks cheap. Go back to the 05 style and develop it further without trying to create a new vehicle. The California Cruiser concept is an awesome concept "SO BUILD IT"! I think there is still an untapped market that could be developed....More than likely a younger customer. I am 31 and from stats I have seen online most cruiser buyers are over the age 45. I get more looks in my GT convertible then in my 02 Limited but I certainly still have people stop me and ask me questions/comments about the cars, etc. It always makes me feel good. I dont know that Toyota, Honda, etc have built cars that cause people to stop and ask about it afer almost 7 years of virtually being unchanged!!

[OneLady]

I have dreamed of having a PT Convertable since they first rolled out with the hard top. I finally made my dream come true with a Vanilla w/ Black Convertable Top. I literally cried when they brought it to the door.

I LOVE MY CAR.

She has lived up to her expectations. I bought her for 'flossin' not for performance although I would love to see her built with a 6. A 4 is not for performance obviously...so those who expected more...?? She is simply a 'cruiser'.

I would love to see her get:

1.) A 6cyl.
2.) Standard cruise control. (Dumb as an option)
3.) Better sound system
4.) Lot less brake dust. (I HATE THAT!!!)

In saying that...color is everything in cars and my baby got plenty of stares and I got plenty of compliments.

Plus---it's all in how you 'style' in it. You don't just get in and drive her...you got to make her look good.

Even from 2006 ESCALADE owners I got props cuz I keep her clean. Why I bet in my city alone I bought the car sales up. For some reason the hard tops were seen the most...go figure.

One more thing though---Those of you running around with filthy PT's....u should be 'pimp slapped' wit tha' back of uh big hand.

PT's...they just to precious for that.

GET CHU' 1

PS...Shintsu or Shitzu...???--Whatever--"Kick Rocks"

[arsenio prieto]

I have a 2006 pt,black, why try to change a great design, if anything make it more retro and forget about sharing with dodge. make pt cruiser a name of tradition like corolla, accord, civic, too many diff names out there. the little things chrysler has done puts it on top of the hhr and other retro cars,retro outside door handles, round fender around the tires, an old fashioned steering wheel, traditional chrysler clock, famous grille, pt is in a field by itself in a world that all other cars looks alike. i will continue to buy pt cruisers and alot of my family memebers will too, but a dramamtic change in style would just keep me away from it and just keep mine for a long time. thnak you

I bought an 05 and really like it. You're never bord with it. Future PT should keep the retro look. If it's selling well, then leave it alone. If anything, it should be even more retroed with a longer, narrower hood that's raised up higher. If you call up a late 30's american secan, you will see what I mean.

I bought an 05 and really like it. You're never bord with it. Future PT should keep the retro look. If it's selling well, then leave it alone. If anything, it should be even more retroed with a longer, narrower hood that's raised up higher. If you call up a late 30's american sedan, you will see what I mean.

[Arnie]

I have owned two PT Cruisers. My first cruiser was a 2002 Limited in gold. I loved the car and subsequently traded it after 60,000 miles on a 2005 Limited with a "baby turbo" in red. Make no mistake - the reason I purchased the Crusier was due to it's knock-out retro look. I hope that in the future Chysler will enhance the retro look by modifying the hatchback lid to mimic the late 30's Plymouth trunk-back models, to include an oval split window. (shouldn't be a big engineering problem) Also, to add additional retro style & added coolness they could make the rear doors open toward the rear in suicide fashion.

[ron]

I love these cars,I have TWO of them,My Wife has a red one and mine is black.We customized them a little,Sharp cars.I talk about them all the time.I I feel that I have helped in convinceing two fellow workers in buying one for themselves.
I would like to see the next ones made in an all wheel drive option and maybe even a truck version,Thank you for making a nice car.

[jwd]

Bring the Turbo diesel PT Cruiser to the US... I like the rear suicide doors idea as well... Besides that, leave it alone!

jwd

[Michael White]

Cruise Control standard... that should be a Duh... PT Cruiser... get it? And they should CALL it that, not speed control.
The only styling thing I think I'd like to see is more flare on the the rear fenders... or have a version of the cruiser like some Porsche models that have that (I know it's front wheel drive, but still). maybe the dodge version can be rear-wheel drive?

[Jim]

Bring back the full front grill! The new design is awful (in my opinion) and has substantially drifted from the retro look I bought my first (and current) 2001 PT Cruiser for.

I certainly won't purchase a new PT until they get back to the roots that established the name in the first place.

[spankey]

I'd like to see semi-open wheels...like the Prowler. And make it look like chopped hot rod. They could call it the HR Cruiser;)

First American car I purchased in 20 years Why not make options like a pickup, a two door delivery truck like the early 1930 models. Make white wall tires an option, fender skirts, chrome mirors. You haven't scratched the surface with is car and youwnat to change it. Take a lessen from the imports that keep beating you up. If it's not broken just improve it, don't try to reinvent it.

[EARL D SEDLIK]

AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO HATES THE CRUISWR'S ROUGH RIDE? HOW CAN WE GET A SMOOTH RIDE IN THIS CAR ('03 LIMITED)?

[PJ]

I have a 2003 PTGT (black of course) and i think they should go back to the full front grill and get rid of the scalloped looking headlamps. The current grills look cheap and ruin the car! Anyone know what the 2008 is going to look like? Maybe Chrysler could come up with a 2 door. I hear the PT will be discontinued after 2008.

[Shintsu]

Why would you buy such an ugly thing? Chrysler products have horrible reliability and that thing rides horribly and is very slow. It does NOT look retro, it looks stupid. I hope they discontinue it, as it sucks. One of the worst cars ever made. The second you pull it off the lot even if it costs $20k it'll go down to $12k. Chryslers have HORRIBLE depreciation and since they make such boring cars it's no wonder they're doing so bad.

The only people who think PTs are cool are old people. What you younger people think make them so cool I don't get, not like you're running out and breaking doors down to buy Buicks, big old Caddys, and Town Cars. I've had some young little 20 year olds act like they were going to show me in my cars and I just laugh. My slowest car (An '01 Aurora) will toast a PT and not even use any power.

You people are just idiots though. I mean, I understand a Toyota Matrix maybe or the Honda one. Those are both fuel economic and nice little cars, but a PT is cheap and poorly built. It falls apart 10x faster than most average cars.

I hate Ford and I'd almost buy a Ford over a Chrysler. No worries though, I won't buy either and soon Chrysler will be gone and it'll just be the Big Two.

[antonio311]

Don't mess with success. Refine this car, make it drive better, maybe independent suspension, ect. But don't mess with the basic fundementals of this car. Everyone like the practicality of the PT cruiser. Simply refine it, update the retro styling but keep it retro....and DO NOT change the name. Keep the 4 cylinder engine as standard, make sure to offer the turbo as an upgrade. Maybe offer a 6 cylinder. Keep the convertible also. When your doing someting right don't mess with it. Just make it better. Why would you try to do anyting else with a successful car?????

[antonio311]

Also everyone knows that Chrysler is a leader when it comes to making stylish and affordable cars, thats why the PT Cruiser was Motor Trend Car of the Year in 2001. I have a GT Turbo that will practically blow the doors off any car on the road, and its super reliable and I still have a lot of room for storage. Its no wonder this car has been such a success. As most of Chrysler cars have been in the past. With the new Chrysler producing world class cars they will also retain their value more than ever. Everybody loves Chrysler cars and as they begin to gain market share, they'll continue to put out world class cars and trucks. ;-))

[MAZ]

Very simple next generation:

1. Increase over all size and related proportions so as to compete with a Ford Explorer
2. Hybrid engine
3. bRING BACK WHITE WALL TIRES! WHIRE WALLS! WHITE WALLS! WHITE WALLS! WHITE WALLS! WHIATE WALLS! WHITE WALLS1 AND MORE WHITE WALLS!
MAZ

[felicityksr]

I LOVE MY PT CRUISER! I have a 2002 and can honestly say I like it better than the 2007's I saw this past week. I don't like the interior handle on the glove box - too boxy looking. I also think they did away with the neat colors as I don't think I like the new colors either. Maybe they will grow on me. The yellow is different. I have a 2002 Light Almond Pearl PT and I have it trimmed out in chrome. It really looks sharp! I love the ride - I love the feel - I love the look! I hope Chrysler doesn't do anything too drastic as it already seems to be a very popular car - why change it if it ain't broke?

[Crystal]

I own a 01 Limited fully loaded.
There a few things I would like to see improved:
1) Turning Radius its embarrissing
2) Front end repairs (suspension, mainly). The FRONT END will be the first thing to go! It is in the shop every 3 months with a oil change and a suspension repair and a few of my other PT cruiser friends sold theirs due to the amount of repairs. For instance I had my Control Arm replaced at 10,000 miles 3x when they should be lasting 2x as long.
3) Bring back the Leather Gear shift like in the 01 not the metal rod like in the others.
4) the plum color
5) Have a sloped bumper so snow (I'm from MI) doesn't sit up against the trunk and rust it (like mine did)
6) better fuel economy
7) a more retro look not a less retro look
8) In the 01 they forgot to give the passenger a arm rest. I mean how do you forget that!

Things I love:
1) The aggressive look of the 01
2) That people are able to identify a PT out of a crowd. You don't blend with the crowd.
3) the 01 wheel design
4) The large amount of interior space. I sit with my seat all the way back and people are able to sit behind me comfortably.
5) You sit upright in the seat you don't lounge in the seat like you do with smaller two doors
6) You can customize it to be so cool
7) The name. It's my "PT"
8) I love my car but I'm going to be selling it due to the amount of front end suspesion repairs that are always needed. Chrylser PLEASE fix that!

[GC]

I think a boxier Cruiser would be good, as long as Chysler doesn't use the people that worked on the 2nd gen Durango/Dakota to do it, those took a great, performance look and just uglied it to death! I like the look of Chevy's HHR, which is designed by the same guy that did the PT. I've never thought the headlights were really retro, so I would say toughen up the front end a bit or at least give it head lights that match the retro look.

The keys to making the next PT great: Keep the name because its instantly recognizable, keep it fun because that's what got people to want to pay extra and get on waiting lists for a Chrysler product that wasn't a Viper or Prowler in the first place!!

[ron]

I like my '01 Limited a lot. What to change? Styling-wise, leave it pretty much alone. It's an icon in looks, and as practical as can be. Give the base engine about 10% more power. Keep the interior up to date and high quality. This car is a winner and if they don't screw it up, could be a cash cow for a long time.

[Ray]

I love the Cruiser's retro look, and lusted after one for years before I could finally get my hands on a used '06 Touring model. If there's going to be a second generation, I hope they don't lose the retro appearance, though there are a lot of ways Chrysler could go and still have a car that has that retro feel without necessarily duplicating the current version. That said, I bought my PT in large part because of its appearance. I hope Chrysler is wise enough to keep the instantly-recognizable name and retro appearance, even if it's different from the current version(s).

Gas mileage leaves a lot to be desired, and if Chrysler produces a second generation, operating economy is an area they ought to pay attention to — here's a car that might be really special as an electric/gasoline hybrid if power-to-weight issues can be solved. It's built solidly, and while lots of commentators have complained about the performance, the non-turbo Touring/Auto that I bought will easily blow the doors off the Neon I drove previously, so I have no complaints in that regard. I make several lengthy trips on interstate highways every year, and the Cruiser feels like it will comfortably do 80 mph all day. If that's the case, it'll serve me very well, indeed. I very much like the versatility of the interior, and am pleased with the fit and finish.

On my next one, I'd like a better stereo (i.e., more powerful amplifier than is now standard), and I'd also like to see more come from the factory equipped with a manual transmission. Not all of us can afford a 5-speed GT, with its higher price tag, and after months of looking in person and online, I gave up and bought an automatic because that's all I could find that I could afford. I'm 6' 1", and the driving position is not ideal — the car doesn't "fit" me as well as my Neon did — but it's not awful, either. I'll know more in a couple months, after my first long road trip with it.

On the whole, I'm very pleased with my '06, and I hope a successor is NOT "bigger, heavier, uglier," as American manufacturers too often do with second-generation cars. Part of the PT's appeal is that it's small on the outside.

[Ray]

I love the Cruiser's retro look, and lusted after one for years before I could finally get my hands on a used '06 Touring model. If there's going to be a second generation, I hope they don't lose the retro appearance, though there are a lot of ways Chrysler could go and still have a car that has that retro feel without necessarily duplicating the current version. That said, I bought my PT in large part because of its appearance. I hope Chrysler is wise enough to keep the instantly-recognizable name and retro appearance, even if it's different from the current version(s).

Gas mileage leaves a lot to be desired, and if Chrysler produces a second generation, operating economy is an area they ought to pay attention to — here's a car that might be really special as an electric/gasoline hybrid if power-to-weight issues can be solved. It's built solidly, and while lots of commentators have complained about the performance, the non-turbo Touring/Auto that I bought will easily blow the doors off the Neon I drove previously, so I have no complaints in that regard. I make several lengthy trips on interstate highways every year, and the Cruiser feels like it will comfortably do 80 mph all day. If that's the case, it'll serve me very well, indeed. I very much like the versatility of the interior, and am pleased with the fit and finish.

On my next one, I'd like a better stereo (i.e., more powerful amplifier than is now standard), and I'd also like to see more come from the factory equipped with a manual transmission. Not all of us can afford a 5-speed GT, with its higher price tag, and after months of looking in person and online, I gave up and bought an automatic because that's all I could find that I could afford. I'm 6' 1", and the driving position is not ideal — the car doesn't "fit" me as well as my Neon did — but it's not awful, either. I'll know more in a couple months, after my first long road trip with it.

On the whole, I'm very pleased with my '06, and I hope a successor is NOT "bigger, heavier, uglier," as American manufacturers too often do with second-generation cars. Part of the PT's appeal is that it's small on the outside.

[Ray]

I love the Cruiser's retro look, and lusted after one for years before I could finally get my hands on a used '06 Touring model. If there's going to be a second generation, I hope they don't lose the retro appearance, though there are a lot of ways Chrysler could go and still have a car that has that retro feel without necessarily duplicating the current version. That said, I bought my PT in large part because of its appearance. I hope Chrysler is wise enough to keep the instantly-recognizable name and retro appearance, even if it's different from the current version(s).

Gas mileage leaves a lot to be desired, and if Chrysler produces a second generation, operating economy is an area they ought to pay attention to — here's a car that might be really special as an electric/gasoline hybrid if power-to-weight issues can be solved. It's built solidly, and while lots of commentators have complained about the performance, the non-turbo Touring/Auto that I bought will easily blow the doors off the Neon I drove previously, so I have no complaints in that regard. I make several lengthy trips on interstate highways every year, and the Cruiser feels like it will comfortably do 80 mph all day. If that's the case, it'll serve me very well, indeed. I very much like the versatility of the interior, and am pleased with the fit and finish.

On my next one, I'd like a better stereo (i.e., more powerful amplifier than is now standard), and I'd also like to see more come from the factory equipped with a manual transmission. Not all of us can afford a 5-speed GT, with its higher price tag, and after months of looking in person and online, I gave up and bought an automatic because that's all I could find that I could afford. I'm 6' 1", and the driving position is not ideal — the car doesn't "fit" me as well as my Neon did — but it's not awful, either. I'll know more in a couple months, after my first long road trip with it.

On the whole, I'm very pleased with my '06, and I hope a successor is NOT "bigger, heavier, uglier," as American manufacturers too often do with second-generation cars. Part of the PT's appeal is that it's small on the outside.

[Harvey Pickett, Jr.]

Was there ever built a two door PT Crusier?

[Pam]

I love my 2004 Touring PT, with the chrome option. Just adds that little extra. I put on the rain guards for the windows which makes it look even more retro. PT mudflaps also. I just wish the gas mileage was a little better and the turning radius. My Expedition turns sharper!!!!!!
My gas mileage is on the rise. I have been using acetone (3 ounces per 10 gal. of gas and 1.5 ounces of xylene). Do the research , it works and you have more power. All in all, this is a great little car. I live in Ohio and it gets around great in the snow. Years ago they had the Dodge Omni. It was a best-seller for them and you still see them all over. Bet the PT will be around in 20 more years also.
Would like to see a hybrid version and an all-wheel or 4-wheel version.
What a cool car!!!!!!I love mine!!!!
No problems, but the brake dust does get annoying.

[Rob]

I love my 2002 Touring. Nearly perfect family car for the city. Things I'd like to see:

- Smaller turning circle
- Lower weight to improve mileage/acceleration
- More efficient/refined drivetrain - better 4 cyl with 5-speed/CVT auto
- Double DIN space in dash for more stereo choices
- Better interior materials - I preferred the 2001-2005 int/ext

Things I do NOT want to see:

- Do NOT change retro styling - it is timeless.
- Do NOT make it bigger/heavier. I live in the city where small is a virtue.

[dbnoir]

All Chrysler should do to the Cruiser is change the headlights to chrome circles. And make it a hybrid getting 35-40 MPG. Do that, and Chrysler and the Cruiser will take over the American road.