2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Turbo

There have been two common misconceptions about Chrysler’s PT Cruiser: one, that it is expensive; and two, that it is fast. This is what happens when a car has eye-popping, hot rod style. Chrysler was happy to correct people on the first misconception, but resorted to shuffling feet and staring at the ground when faced with the second. ‘PT’ seemed to stand for ‘Pretty Tame.’ But we knew it was just a matter of time until Chrysler began toying with their little gem. A car this cool begged for the star treatment under the hood, too, and that’s what it just got. Meet the Chrysler PT Cruiser Turbo. As of 2003, beauty is no longer skin deep.

The Good News
The PT Turbo gets its boost from a Mitsubishi turbocharger. The blower bumps the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder’s horsepower to 215 and torque to 245 lb-ft. That’s up from 150 horses/162 lb-ft torque in the base Cruiser. With 90 percent of that increased peak torque available from 2300 to 5000 rpm, the PT Turbo charges forth and keeps right on going. In Chrysler’s tests, the Turbo with a manual transmission beats the standard setup by a second in 0-60 runs, averaging 7.5 seconds. It’s not a record setting pace, but, relatively speaking, a vast improvement.

This new power is mated to either the aforementioned new heavy-duty Getrag five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transaxle. Mine came with the electronic AutoStick automatic, the manual shift option, whose shifter is topped by a cool retro silver ball. Although the transmission didn’t show off the Turbo’s potential as well as a true manual would, the pairing proves no sleeper.

Revised shocks and springs are also part of the Turbo package, ensuring a stiffer ride appropriate to this increased muscle. Performance tires and four-wheel disc brakes round out the package.

Elsewhere, the PT Cruiser remains its clever self. For those unfamiliar, this retro-happenin’ ride disguises a very practical passenger/cargo carrier. The seats can be reconfigured 30 ways to accommodate people and things, since it’s set up like a teeny minivan inside. There’s excellent headroom and legroom all around and the ability to carry up to 64.2 cubic feet of cargo.

Unique to the Turbo are bolstered seats with longer cushions, silver-faced gauges and dash surround in a “Shadow Dot” pattern. It’s not as hypnotizing as it sounds.

The Bad News
While what’s under the skin is quite different, the PT Turbo’s skin itself is rather unremarkable – relatively speaking, of course, since all Cruisers rank among the most distinctive cars on the road today. The Turbo is distinguished by subtle details, like new body-colored fascias front and rear, body-colored bumpers and a slightly larger exhaust pipe. The 17-inch wheels, however, are real sharp standouts.

Inside, I find the PT Cruiser – all of them – close. I don’t like how you sit shoulder to door, but it’s part of the price you pay not to pay a big price.

And I know you get used to this if you own one, but I despise the window button placement on the dash. It’s very confusing.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 19 mpg city/25 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $22,290;
Price as tested, $24,510

Is it worth it?
Running up the cost of the test vehicle was that AutoStick transmission, those good-looking 17-inch aluminum wheels, power seats, sound system upgrade and side air bags.

Given the choice, I’d save my money on the automatic transmission, but spring for the rest.

I am really impressed with this PT Cruiser Turbo, much more than the basic Cruiser. My reaction to the first Cruiser I tested was that it was interesting looking, versatile inside, but thin in both construction and performance.

Although not all that changes in this Turbo, it feels like a better car. It’s not just faster, but the steering feels more focused and the ride firmer. It even sounds better, thanks to a more “pronounced” exhaust note.

All this combines for much more fun behind the wheel, so I’m less distracted by what the PT Cruiser isn’t, more excited by what it is. And that would be a very hot-looking little ride that finally keeps its promises. To me, that’s well worth the extra bucks.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.