Chrysler PT Cruiser History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
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The PT Cruiser launched for 2001 as a compact, tall five-door 'hatchback wagon' with deliberately retro styling — by designer Bryan Nesbitt — evoking 1930s–40s American shapes. It was an instant hit, with buyers paying over sticker, and it won 2001 Motor Trend Car of the Year and a Car and Driver Ten Best spot.
A two-door convertible joined the range for 2005, and the line wore countless special trims (woodie-look panels, two-tone 'Couture', and others) over its run. A 2006 facelift coincided with declining sales as the novelty faded.
Built in Mexico (Toluca) and Austria (Eurostar), the PT Cruiser sold about 1.35 million units across its nine model years before ending in 2010.
Body styles
- Hatchback
- Convertible
Notable special editions & performance variants
PT Cruiser Convertible
Two-door soft-top version of the retro hatch, added for the 2005 model year.
Related models
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