2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Information and History

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser pictures and wallpaper

Image credits: © Chrysler.

The roof came down at Detroit's Cobo Hall as the Chrysler Group revealed the new 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible at the North American International Auto Show Tuesday. The 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible continues the phenomenon begun with the introduction of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser sedan, but at a level cooler than a breeze through your hair and at a price to warm the heart.

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible will begin at $19,995 (including $590 destination).
Sunshine Above With Quiet Space to Enjoy It

With its distinct combination of heritage-inspired styling, one-of-a-kind versatility, best-in-class roominess and unmatched comfort, the new Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible represents a unique offering to the convertible customer. With 84.3 cu.-ft. of space and 13.3 cu.-ft. of pass-through luggage volume, the PT Cruiser Convertible offers more interior cargo volume than its competitors.

'Our engineers wanted to make the PT Cruiser Convertible a convertible that you can actually do things with,' said Larry Lyons, Vice President-Small Vehicle Product Team Engineering. 'Nine different seat configurations and a pass-through trunk opening with enough room to store two golf bags make the car more versatile than its competitors.'

Added to that is a new level of comfort for convertible passengers. At more than 40 cubic inches, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible features almost 10 inches more rear leg room than other competitors in its class. The PT Cruiser Convertible also has the same rear seat height as the sedan, for 'open air' rear theater seating.

In addition to offering best-in-class rear leg room and pass-through cargo space, the PT Cruiser Convertible is also one of the quietest convertibles, based on driving experience.

'The combination of the sport bar design and position, together with enhancements to the body structure results in an exceptionally quiet ride,' said Lyons. 'While on-the-road experience is what ultimately matters, we performed extensive wind tunnel testing to assure our customers a quiet ride, top up or top down.'

Three Levels of Convertible Options

The newest, most useful convertible in the U. S. market is available in Standard, Touring and GT models.

The standard PT Cruiser Convertible includes a standard 150-horsepower 2.4-liter engine with a manual transaxle. Also included as standard equipment are loads of features not usually found in convertibles at this price, such as a power convertible soft top, sport bar with integrated dome lamps, solar-tinted 'Smart' glass, rear glass window with electric defroster, cloth sport seats with driver manual lumbar adjuster, rear 50/50 split-fold and tumble seats, pass-through cargo area, power exterior mirrors, touring-tuned suspension and body-color fascias and body side moldings.

With an MSRP of $22,900 (excluding $590 destination), the Touring model Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible features a standard 150-horsepower engine with a manual transaxle and an optional 180-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with automatic transaxle. All the standard model features are included as well, with the addition of a convertible top boot, 16-inch painted cast aluminum wheels, speed control, security alarm, fog lights, floor mats and an AM/FM stereo with CD player.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible GT model includes a standard High Output 220-horsepower turbocharged engine with a five-speed Getrag manual transaxle, plus all of the Touring model standard equipment. Other key GT model standard features include a performance-tuned suspension with ABS four-wheel disc brakes, low-speed traction control, chrome-accented grille and fascia, 17-inch Empire painted cast aluminum wheels, all-season performance tires, a 2.75-inch chrome-plated stainless steel exhaust tip, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats, driver seat power height adjuster, unique silver painted shifter knob, 'GT' embroidered floor mats, side air bags, an AM/FM stereo with CD and cassette player and driver and front passenger side air bags. MSRP for the GT model PT Cruiser Convertible is $27,565 (excluding $590 destination).

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio also will be sold outside North America as Limited and GT models. Pricing for these markets will be announced at a later date.

Segment-defying Style and Versatility

The new PT Cruiser Convertible will redefine the convertible segment in much the same way the original Chrysler PT Cruiser defied fitting into an automotive pigeonhole. The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible will draw from the entire convertible segment in addition to appealing to those who may not have considered a convertible before.

'Because features like best-in-class rear leg room, a quiet ride and more pass-through cargo space will appeal to convertible customers no matter where they fall in the segment, we anticipate that the Chrysler PT Cruiser will prove an attractive alternative to the competition,' said Jeff Bell, Vice-President-Chrysler/Jeep® Marketing.

Continued Convertible Leadership

Drop-top customization is a trend long familiar to the Chrysler Group and the Chrysler brand. Chrysler sold almost 44,000 Chrysler Sebring Convertibles in 2002 and enjoyed a 14.5-percent share of the convertible market, the highest of any nameplate. Chrysler Sebring Convertible is America's best-selling convertible.

The new PT Cruiser Convertible continues DaimlerChrysler's tradition of offering customers convertible 'firsts.' Others include the first automatic convertible top from Plymouth in 1939 and the first U.S. introduction of a convertible after the sales lull in the ‘70s with the 1982 Le Baron Convertible.

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Production

Production of the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible begins in early 2004 at DaimlerChrysler's Toluca (Mexico) Assembly Plant.

Source - Chrysler

PRODUCT CHRONOLOGY

07 MODEL YEAR
EXTERIOR
• Three new colors: Pastel Yellow Clear Coat, Tangerine Pearl Coat and Opal Pearl Coat
• Soft-touch electric liftgate switch—standard on Base model

INTERIOR
• New YES Essentials® seat fabric—optional on Touring, standard on Limited
• Remote keyless entry standard on Base model. Integrated into key—includes panic alarm
• Console flood lamp standard on all models
• 'Boston Premium Audio' badge added to center stack bezel with Boston Acoustics Audio Group
06 MODEL YEAR
Complete upgrade of the PT Cruiser

POWERTRAIN
• Increased power—new for 2006 (230 horsepower 171.5 kW and 245 lb.-ft. 332 N•m of torque) 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC SMPI intercooled High-output Turbo four-cylinder engine with heavy-duty Getrag five-speed manual transmission (standard on GT model or this engine with optional four-speed electronic automatic transmission and AutoStick® on GT model)
• New nine-spoke, 16-inch aluminum wheel offering on Limited models available in painted silver or optional chrome-clad finish
• New 15-spoke, 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels standard on GT models
• Power-assisted disc/drum brakes, ABS disc/drum brakes or performance four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and low-speed traction control depending on model selection
• Ride-, touring-, or sport-tuned suspension depending on model selection
• Power-assisted steering (18:1 ratio)
EXTERIOR: Modifications incorporating 'face of Chrysler' design cues include:
• Redesigned front and rear fascias on all models
• Redesigned front grille with chrome-accented horizontal bars standard on all models
• Larger Chrysler 'winged' badge on hood on all models
• Redesigned headlamps with lower scalloped edge on all models
• Modified tail lamp(s) with white turn signal lenses (amber bulb)
• Round fog lamps (on Limited and GT models) and lower grille incorporating open mesh design (all models)
• Body color strip spoiler at rear of roof panel for improved aerodynamic performance on Base, Touring and Limited models
• Eight exterior color offerings, including Marine Blue Pearl Coat and Magnesium Pearl Coat
INTERIOR: modifications include:
• All-new instrument panel and door trim panel design
• Refreshed seat trim and fabrics for all models incorporating sport contour trim outlines for improved lateral support
• Interior color offerings: Pastel Slate Gray (all models) and Pastel Pebble Beige (Touring, Limited and GT models)
• Larger, more visible instrument cluster graphics with silver gauge faces and white-night lighting
• Higher-output, quieter HVAC system combined with flush shut-off outlets
• Ergonomic refinements including positioning of radio head unit above HVAC controls; relocation of heated seat and hazard flasher switches to center stack and raised rear window controls (positioned on rear of center console)
• Satin Silver center stack bezel on all models; GT model includes Mini Carbon pattern
• Larger glove box
• Chrysler signature analog clock
• Center console with fore/aft sliding armrest and covered storage. Unit includes two fold-out cup holders for rear seat occupants; available battery-fed power outlet inside console bin for concealed cell phone charging and clamshell upper compartment (under lid) for concealing small items
• Bright-accented ringed front cup holders on Limited and GT models
• Front courtesy/map lamps on Touring, Limited and GT models
• Standard six-way power driver seat with manual lumbar on Limited and GT models
• MP3 play capability on all radios
• Audio input jack on base AM/FM single CD radio can be used for any audio input source (e.g., portable MP3 player, portable cassette player, portable CD player)
• AM/FM six-CD changer radio can play CDs burned with MP3 files
• Speakers re-positioned to rear doors for enhanced bass response, most notably in rear of cabin
• Boston Acoustics® premium audio system, optional on Touring, Limited and GT models, includes six premium speakers, first production-offered subwoofer on PT and 368-watt amplifier
• Enhanced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) applications include dash panel silencer and strategically placed sound damping materials to reduce road and powertrain noise
• Advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags and driver-side inflatable knee blocker and Occupant Classification System (OCS), which detects passenger seat occupant to determine on/off status of air bag
• Redesigned ignition key with Sentry Key® engine immobilizer and integrated fob for available remote keyless entry
• Height-adjustable three-point seat belts with pretensioners, constant force retractors and traveling inboard buckles, front-three-point, rear-three-point
• Supplemental side air bags
• Security alarm system for doors and liftgate on Limited and GT models
• Enhanced accident response system
• Rear door child protection
• Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with reconfigurable display in cluster includes compass, outside temperature, audio information, average fuel economy, distance to empty and elapsed time on Touring, Limited and GT models)
• Enhanced electrical features including power speed-sensitive locks and power accessory delay
• HomeLink® universal garage door opener standard on Limited and GT models

2005 MODEL YEAR
• New model lineup—Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring, Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited and Chrysler PT Cruiser GT

• New Chrysler PT Cruiser model lineup offers one-of-a-kind PT Cruiser styling in a sport tourer package and an established record of high quality at a compact car price

• Linen Gold Pearl Coat included in exterior color offerings

• Standard HomeLink® universal garage door opener on Limited and GT models (buttons on driver's visor)

2004 MODEL YEAR
• New 2.4-liter turbo with 180 horsepower (134 kW), 210 lb.-ft. (285 N•m) of torque, and four-speed automatic transaxle powertrain option, available on Touring and Limited models. Includes special power-assisted disc/drum brakes and large-diameter chrome exhaust tip

• New exterior colors: Deep Plum Pearl Coat replaces Deep Cranberry Pearl Coat; Bright Seamist Green Metallic • Clear Coat replaces Steel Blue Pearl Coat; Cool Vanilla Clear Coat replaces Stone White Clear Coat

• SIRIUS Satellite Radio(a) option available on all models; includes one-year subscription

• UConnect® Hands-free Communication System option on Touring, Limited and GT models

• Liftgate-mounted spoiler: optional on PT Cruiser, Touring and Limited; standard on GT

• Chrome Accents Group expanded with leather-wrapped steering wheel with Bright Silver painted spokes and bright pedal package

• New 16-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheel for 2.4-liter Turbo applications

2003 MODEL YEAR
New GT price class, includes:
• 2.4-liter, I-4, DOHC intercooled High-output Turbo engine
• Heavy-duty five-speed manual transaxle
• Optional automatic transaxle with Auto Stick
• Satin Silver painted shift knob
• Satin Silver shifter bezel (automatic transaxle only)
• Body color front and rear fascias (unique from Limited Edition)
• Performance seat with Fresno cloth
• Driver seat manual lumbar adjuster
• Silver cluster gauge and cluster bezel
• Gauge cluster includes 140-mph speedometer and tachometer with '2.4L Turbo' graphic
• Performance-tuned suspension
• Performance ABS with four-wheel disc brakes and low-speed traction control
• 17-inch silver painted five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels standard, chrome optional
• P205/50HR17 all-season performance tires
• New optional package on GT, includes:
— Leather seating surfaces with perforated leather inserts
— Driver's seat power height adjuster
— Front side air bags
— Unique, leather-wrapped steering wheel
— Power moon roof
— 17-inch chrome cast-aluminum wheels
— AM/FM stereo radio with cassette and CD player

(a) 'SIRIUS' is a registered trademark of SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc.

EQUIPMENT GROUPS
• Chrome Accents Group, optional on Touring and Limited Edition models

CHASSIS
New wheel treatments:
• 15-inch bolt-on wheel cover with bright lug nut caps—standard on PT Cruiser
• 16-inch painted cast-aluminum wheel—standard on Touring
• 16-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheel—standard on Limited Edition, optional on Touring (2002 running change)
• Low-speed traction control is available as a separate option on Touring and Limited Edition models (requires ABS)

BODY
• Body-color monotone front and rear fascias—standard on Limited Edition
• Accent-color bodyside moldings—standard on Base models
• New exterior colors: Electric Blue Pearl Coat and Onyx Green Pearl Coat

INTERIOR
• New interior color added: Dark Slate Gray/Light Slate Gray
• New Bright Silver Metallic cluster and passenger-side air bag door for Light Almond Pearl Metallic, Bright Silver Metallic
• Black and Stone White exterior colors and Dark Slate Gray interior color

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
• AM/FM stereo radio with six-disc in-dash CD changer is optional on all models

2002 MODEL YEAR
Three price classes replace Equipment Groups:
• Base
• Touring Edition
• Limited Edition
AM/FM stereo radio with CD player and changer controls—standard on all price classes
Front passenger underseat storage bin—standard on all price classes
New front passenger seat inboard armrest—standard on all price classes
New rear seat trapped occupant release handle

2001 MODEL YEAR
July 2000 Production
• Heated driver and front passenger seats (includes driver manual lumbar adjuster)—Limited Edition (running change)

• Front passenger underseat storage bin—optional on all models (running change)

• Five-gang window switch (controlling all four windows) in instrument panel center stack replaces three-gang switch—standard on all models

• AM/FM stereo radio with CD player and changer controls—optional on all models

At Introduction (March 2000)
• Unique Package—Flexible cargo-carrying capability, flexible front and rear seating arrangements, abundant interior space relative to overall size, easy entry and exit, comfortable, upright seating position and exceptional roominess 2.4-liter, DOHC, 16-valve SMPI four-cylinder engine—150 horsepower (112 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque (220 N•m) at 4,000 rpm

• Low-profile, twist beam axle rear suspension with trailing arms, Watts linkage for lateral motion control and stabilizer bar

• Optional roof rack with U.S.-industry first continuously variable fore/aft adjustable crossbars and side-by-side stowage

• Fold, tumble and remove 65/35 split, three-passenger rear seating with unique quick-release removal latches

• Chrysler Group's first center rear seat three-point Unibelt restraint system

• Available supplemental side air bags

• Front seat belt pretensioners standard

• Rear seat Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat anchor system standard

Chrysler PT Cruiser model chronology
• 1997—Plymouth Pronto Concept revealed at Detroit auto show

• 1998—Gold two-door Pronto Cruizer concept introduced at Geneva motor show

• 1999—Gold four-door PT Cruiser concept, Silver production PT Cruiser revealed at Detroit auto show

• 2000—Chrysler Panel Cruiser concept, GT Cruiser (2.4-liter turbo) concept at Detroit auto show

• 2001—Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Styling Study at New York auto show

• 2001—Chrysler PT Cruiser Flames version introduced at What's New

• 2001—Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser and Woodie revealed at Woodward Dream Cruise

• 2002—Chrysler PT Turbo revealed at New York auto show

• 2002—Chrysler PT Chrome Accents package revealed at What's New

• 2002—Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 2 revealed at Woodward Dream Cruise

• 2003—Updated Chrysler PT Chrome Accents package introduced at What's New

• 2003—Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 3 revealed at Woodward Dream Cruise

• 2004—MY2005 PT Cruiser Convertible revealed at Detroit auto show

• 2004—Chrysler PT Cruiser Two-Tone edition introduced

• 2004—Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 4 revealed at Woodward Dream Cruise

• 2005—Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Route 66 edition revealed at Woodward Dream Cruise

• 2006—Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway edition revealed at Woodward Dream Cruise

Source - Chrysler

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