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2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Date Published: 7/31/08

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
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MSRP:
$17,490 - 25,460

Invoice:
$16,416 - 23,669

Class:
Compact Car

CG Award: (What's This?)
2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Expert Rating Summary
Category Touring, turbo Rating (See All
Ratings)
Compact Car Average Rating
Acceleration 6 4
Fuel Economy 5 6.6
Ride Quality 6 4.4
Steering/Handling/Braking 6 5.3
Quietness 5 4
Controls 6 5.6
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 7 5.1
Room/Comfort (rear) 6 3.9
Cargo Room 7 3.9
Value within Class 10 5.6
Total Score: 64 48.4
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
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2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review
New this year is an engine option that makes turbo power available at a lower cost in the '04 PT Cruiser. The retro-styled PT will soon add a 4-passenger 2-dr convertible to the existing 5-passenger 4-dr wagon 2005 lineup. Both have front-wheel drive and a 2.4-liter 4-cyl engine. Base, Touring, and Limited models come standard with 150 hp. The turbocharged GT model has 220 hp. New for '04 is a 180-hp turbo option for Touring and Limited models; it comes only with automatic transmission. Manual transmission is standard, automatic optional with the other engines. The GT's automatic is Chrysler's AutoStick with a separate gate for manual shifting. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes with traction control are standard on the GT and optional on 180-hp versions. A front-disc/rear-drum ABS option is available for nonturbo models. Front side airbags are standard on Limited and GT, optional elsewhere. Also newly optional are satellite radio and Chrysler's UConnect, which uses the audio system as a hands-free, wireless link to cell phones. The base model has 15-inch wheels, Touring and Limited have 16s, the GT has 17s. GTs also have body-color exterior trim, exclusive sport seats, and silver instrument faces with matching cabin accents. The wagon's front passenger seat folds and the rear seat stows or removes for extra cargo room. The convertible, introduced as an early '05 model, has an integrated roll bar, power top with heated glass rear window, split folding rear seats, and a trunk pass-through.
News
The PT is being redesigned for 2006 on a new Chrysler-Mitsubishi platform that will also serve a remodeled Dodge Neon and Mitsubishi Lancer due about the same time. The platform design is said to accommodate both front-wheel and all-wheel powerteams, so look for some Cruisers to offer AWD and perhaps a V6 as first-time options. Cobbled-up prototypes recently spotted in Michigan suggest the Cruiser's retro styling will be freshened with a flatter front end, smoother detailing, and flared wheel openings to leave room for larger wheels and tires. Wagon and convertible should return in various trim levels, and we think a sedan might well be added for broader sales appeal.
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