Get the Best Priced Chrysler PT Cruiser Parts

The Chrysler PT (for "Personal Transport") Cruiser was introduced at the turn of the present century. It's "retro" styling was intended to recall the classic sedans of the late 1930s and early 1940s, and caught quite a bit of attention from auto consumers in the beginning. The first model was a five-door hatchback, but a convertible model was made available in 2005. Those were made only for two years before being discontinued. The last PT Cruisers were built in 2010, after a production run of 1.35 million units.

The vehicle itself features front-wheel drive. There was a choice of four gasoline engines, ranging in displacement from 1.6 liters to 2.4 liters. A 2.2 liter diesel engine was also available. Consumers could choose from a four-speed "Ultradrive" transmission or a 5-speed manual manufactured of German manufacture. In 2001, the PT Cruiser won acclaim from Car and Driver magazine as one of the years "Ten Best," and was also recognized as the North American Car of the Year. However, in 2013, Top Gear identified the PT Cruiser Convertible as the worst automobile of the previous two decades. Although the basic hardtop model resembles a station wagon in shape and configuration, it is actually classified as a van by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in terms of fuel economy - which isn't great for a four-cylinder engine (21 MPG city and 26 MPG highway).

In terms of safety, the PT Cruiser left something to be desired. In 2009, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awared the Cruiser a top rating for frontal collisions, but only a "Marginal" rating for side impacts. It was the only compact vehicle to get such a low evaluation. Interestingly, it was also the only compact manufactured in the U.S. that lacked an electronic stability control system. The convertible model also had some visibility issues the the top was raised.

By 2010, Chrysler offered a number of features as standard equipment, including front and rear SRS airbags, a six-speaker audio system with UBS port, keyless entry, ABS anti-lock brakes and sixteen-inch alloy wheels.

Despite its attractive body lines and classic appearance, the PT Cruiser is a temperamental machine. On the upside, the standard vehicle offers a great deal of seating and cargo space, and although it shares a platform with the often-criticized Neon, handling was respectable and enjoyable to drive. Mechanically however, the PT Cruiser has been the subject of numerous complaints. The worst model year was 2006, with 2005 running a close second. There have been reports of the "check engine" light illuminating frequently, as well as the engine suddenly shutting down for no apparent reason while driving. Although repairs can be expensive, Chrysler PT Cruiser auto parts do not have to be. Shopping for Chrysler PT Cruiser replacement parts online can save you quite a bit of money when you go to online suppliers such as PartsGeek.com, where they stock a complete line of new and used Chrysler PT Cruiser parts.