2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT review from North America

So far, so good.

Back in 2001, I went to nearby dealership and test drove a PT Cruiser. It had retro looks, great ergonomics, and a small footprint. The handling was surprisingly smooth. What was really sad was the engine. With a 150 horsepower automatic, the PT Cruiser was pathetic- forcing me to walk away.

With the 2006 model year of the PT Cruiser, things have greatly improved. With the initial test drive of my Inferno Red GT, I was hooked. I took my Dad with me, and he was impressed with its power. This year’s PT GT has as much power as my 1998 Dodge Dakota pickup with a V-8 (230 hp.). While most people see this car as another cute little PT, no one has any idea how much power it has until I come roaring past them!

Performance behind the wheel:

The power seems consistent throughout the entire application of acceleration. Apparently this is an improvement over the original, 2004 PT GT.

If you choose to acceleration conservatively, the engine performs like a normally aspirated engine. Push the accelerator hard, and the turbo screams to life along with the rumble of the exhaust system.

The Autostick transmission (standard on GT automatics) works surprisingly well. You can use it to hold gears longer and use engine breaking to save the brakes (this is great in stop and go traffic when most autos tend to over shift). If you forget to shift, the system works to up shift (when engine revs to 5400rpm) and down shifts when you come to a stop. Also, the Autostick safeguards from down shifting too soon. If you don’t feel like shifting, simply engage the shifter into “D”.

Steering under hard acceleration produces a fair amount of torque steer (the car wants to veer the opposite way of the intended direction). For this reason, don’t let an inexperienced drive operate this vehicle.

This car rumbles like a Honda with aftermarket performance parts. It is not the quietest vehicle on the market. Under hard acceleration, it is sometimes difficult to hear the stereo.

The car can cruise at 80 mph with little effort. With the turbo, it can easily accelerate at this speed. I hope I don’t get into trouble with this kind of power!

The turning radius is truly awful! With its 17 inch wheels and shallow wheel wells, this PT feels like I am steering my parent's Ram Mega Cab 4x4. Thank goodness it’s shorter than a Dodge Neon.

Requires a minimum of 91 rated octane for fuel (due to the turbo). Not the cheapest to fill, but cheaper than my Dakota. The PT GT is currently getting 16 mpg while breaking the engine in. This is not very good for a four cylinder engine.

With AC on, the vehicle tends to vibrate a little. Four cylinder vehicles are not as smooth as Eights.

Interior:

Still looks great and practical. Two-toned leather seats with beige interior, plenty of chrome, and red panels on dash.

The “towel bar” on the dash of the passenger side is goofy. I guess it is the panic handle when you drive aggressively.

The PT GT has great versatility with the seating arrangements. The front passenger seat folds flat and the back seats are easy to remove from the vehicle. Since I’m a single guy with no kids, cargo space is more important than seating people. Also, since I’m tall (6’ 3’’) it would be difficult for an adult to sit behind me while I drive.

I never thought I would like heated seats. Living in Southern CA, it doesn’t get very cold. However, these seats warm up quickly and loosen up your back nicely. They work so well, that you don’t have to run the heater.

Exterior:

For 2006, the front and rear bumpers are integrated into the body. Those ugly, fat, grey bumpers are no longer available.

The PT GT has a nice chrome exhaust tip. It looks decent.

The grille has changed and no longer continues under the front bumper. However, the new grille has chrome inserts and looks good.

The standard 17 inch wheels look great. The only weird thing is that chrome is really plastic molded over the wheel which seems kind of cheap. They seem to make little creaking noises when they first begin to roll. I may have to replace these later.

The rear spoiler fits well with the stance of the PT GT. It not too big, but it gives the GT a more sporty appearance.

I’m still getting used to the push button door handles (think VW Beetle). They feel solid and look nice.

Overall, I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who is interested in purchasing a PT Cruiser. Yes, I know that the PT GT is significantly more than a standard PT Cruiser, but it makes you realize that having more power makes this vehicle a more enjoyable vehicle to drive. I also test drove PT GT convertible (due to one sales manager’s attempt to bait and switch me in hopes that I would spend even more). While I found it to be a roomy convertible, it is “chick” car (sorry, not for me). Even though this car is not the cheapest to maintain, it offers power, performance, and roominess- all in a small package which is easy to park and wash. What’s funny is my PT GT is cheaper than the 2001 model that I looked at five years ago!