2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT is a Colorful, Stealth SRT-4
It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT represents a high point for a controversial vehicle.
Before crossovers exploded in popularity, buyers largely purchased sedans as family vehicles. Obviously, not everyone abandoned those formerly loved cars, as Dodge still makes the Charger. But these days most families would rather purchase something like a Durango for kid-hauling duties. However, some models previewed just how crazy the crossover market would become. One of those vehicles? The Chrysler PT Cruiser. Twenty years after its introduction, the car-based utility vehicle represents a lot of things, both good and bad.
We’re thinking about the PT Cruiser because a stellar example recently showed up on Cars & Bids, an automotive auction site. It is perhaps the best example of the PT Cruiser lineup because it comes equipped with a surprisingly decent powertrain. In fact, it’s the same one that powered the Neon SRT-4!
PT Cruiser History
Introduced in 2000 for the 2001 model year, the PT Cruiser ignited the automotive passions of certain demographics. As a result, throngs of Americans were practically banging down the doors of their local Chrysler dealers to put down a deposit for one, oftentimes paying over MSRP for the retro-styled curiosity. The popularity of the PT Cruiser lasted for several years. Ultimately, Chrysler neglected to update or redesign the vehicle and it died an unceremonious death in 2009. Beset by quality issues and lambasted by younger car enthusiasts, it remains somewhat representative of the era in which it originated.
While the styling isn’t for everyone, one thing is hard to ignore. The PT Cruiser existed at a time when sedans dominated. Crossovers, especially models sold by the Big Three, hadn’t really arrived yet. And despite all the negative aspects of the PT Cruiser’s appearance, they excelled at hauling cargo. They previewed America’s eventual transition to car-based utility vehicles, a move that killed off a bunch of compact and mid-size cars, including the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200.
Tangerine Dream
Speaking of the ghosts of dead cars past, the PT Cruiser GT featured a powertrain celebrated by Dodge enthusiasts. Chrysler employed the Neon SRT-4’s 2.4 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder in the GT trim level. That’s what’s in this particular example, which appears to be in excellent condition. Rated at 215 horsepower and 245 Ib-ft of torque, these pack a surprising punch, even by modern standards. Unfortunately, it is saddled by the 4 speed automatic transmission.
Overall, this is an extremely well-preserved piece of Chrysler history. It’s still a pretty young vehicle, with only 62,200 miles driven since new. It has apparently been well maintained too, as it now sports a new battery, an oil change, a new valve cover gasket, and a new set of spark plugs. Those services were performed in August 2020.
Certainly Unique
Chrysler produced at least one decent trim level package for the PT Cruiser. Dream Cruise equipped models sported the surprisingly excellent Tangerine Pearl paint and featured the same color on a whole host of interior parts. Additionally, buyers who ordered the package got some really nice chrome wheels to boot. Combined with heated leather seats, a sunroof, and air conditioning, it doesn’t seem like a bad place to spend some time. Enthusiasts might revolt at a PT Cruiser, but they will one day become collectibles if they haven’t already. Dream Cruise examples make the best case for the ones that should be preserved.
Future Classic?
Like the Ford Pinto and the GM X-body cars before it, the PT Cruiser represented a darker chapter of automotive history. But this example shines quite brightly. Someday, these will be cherished at auto shows around the country. This specific one seems to be the ideal PT Cruiser to get. Bidding lasts until October 1. As of this writing, people haven’t expressed much of a desire to bid on it, but that will probably change. Fortunately, the owner already answered people’s questions in the comments section, so those interested in picking up this modern classic should at least be able to know what they’re getting into.
Photos: Cars & Bids