Will Chrysler really drop the PT?

[PurplePTGirl]

You know, if they had to drop something, it should have been the minivan. Those things are just dogs--my sister had one and it had more problems. It was only 7 years old and they dumped it for $700 and bought a Toyota Sierra. The engine needed a rebuild or replaced--one of the pistons was banging away. The van had less than 100,000 miles on it and oh, the steering was a mess as well. It had major AC problems in the past.

[crusierdad76]

you know the Chrysler Town and Country is probably the top selling mini out there Im not a Mini van fan i think they all suck but hey they seem to have a place just not at my house

[soonercruiser]

I've had both the Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan before my Cruisers. I had no trouble with either. But, they weren't made to last that long. Both had nearly 100K on them. The Caravan was a "6"; and the Voyager a 4 cylinder, with a probable head gasket problem when I traded.

[garyerrol]

Originally Posted by PurplePTGirl

You know, if they had to drop something, it should have been the minivan. Those things are just dogs--my sister had one and it had more problems. It was only 7 years old and they dumped it for $700 and bought a Toyota Sierra. The engine needed a rebuild or replaced--one of the pistons was banging away. The van had less than 100,000 miles on it and oh, the steering was a mess as well. It had major AC problems in the past.

I own both a Caravan and a PT Cruiser. Both serve very important functions in our household. The Cruiser I purchased so that I would not put a lot of extra miles on the van. The van is used when my wife wants/needs to go out. She is a full time wheelchair user. For her a car is not a viable option. Yes we could buy a full size van but we don't need a big, gas guzzling vehicle, all we need is our mini van.

So you see, mini vans do have a needed function in many households.

[Ptrope]

I've blogged this on the Hub Garage (great place if you're looking for something like "MySpace for gearheads" ). I do find it interesting how many people I find online who really seem to dislike the Cruiser for whatever non-specific reasons, who think it's good riddance to see it canceled. But, as I state in the blog entry, it's entirely Chrysler's fault for not pursuing the market and the existing owners - they could've improved the PT, but the initial sales were so much higher than their estimates, they just seem to have figured they didn't need to do anything - or could even remove content! - in order to stay ahead of the game. You can't tell me there's no market for the PT Cruiser when GM is selling HHRs. The PT could've been Chrysler's "Mini," but they just neglected it to death, and then use the excuse that it has outlived its usefulness. Morons.

[mjb457]

I agree The people who make decisions & then ask for our money & blame the workers are MORONS!! They could have really improved the PT(big time) better MPG-Better transmission -6speed automatic ..etc-- same usefull plateform but better--- we would buy them in droves if they marketed it them that way... but look who else is stupid,,,, they bring back the Challenger,Charger, Mustang & now Camaro... huh?? why not keep it going but just improve it like Honda-(Civic-Accord) Toyota-(Corrolla-Camry) do... they just improve an excisting model--- we cancel & spend millions bringing it back --very stupid!! If Chrysler folds so be it!!! The Roadrunner when I was a kid sold many-CANCELLED?! Chrysler wake up!!!

[Kamel]

ptrope your blog doesnt work. but i made a hub

[Ptrope]

^^

It works for me from the link in my previous post - of course, I have to log into my Hub account first ...

Today I read about the plans from the automakers, regarding their bailout 'qualifications,' and I'm struck by this:

On the cover of USA Today, and on CNN.com in a related article, the PT Cruiser is featured prominently, on the front page of the former and as the first vehicle in the latter, as the top car that Chrysler is canceling.

In a situation where Chrysler seem bent on portraying the car as irrelevant, and using that as part of their criteria for canceling it, the national press seem to believe otherwise. To them, the PT Cruiser appears to be the flag-bearer for Chrysler, and its cancellation is newsworthy above any other. In my mind, that makes the PT very relevant, and at a time when the buzzwords circle around "economy," a serious misstep for Chrysler in canceling it.

Should it continue as it is, untouched and apparently unloved by the management? No. But as a nameplate and a concept, I think the PT Cruiser is possibly the most relevant car in the Chrysler brand's line-up. If the deal with Fiat goes through and they get access to the Italians' small-car technologies, this is the car they should be pinning their hopes on, not a line-up dominated by the HEMI. Update the design while retaining its uniqueness, engineer it from the ground up as a premium compact, with a large interior, a solid structure with low weight, class-leading power and fuel economy, and even look at a hybrid or EV version. Chrysler are in a unique position to lead the charge in "responsible class" - they've shown with the 200C EV that they haven't forgotten how to draw a stylish car. The PT Cruiser shouldn't be on the DNR list - it should be their best foot forward for the future.

[digitalpinscruiser]

Originally Posted by Ptrope

In a situation where Chrysler seem bent on portraying the car as irrelevant, and using that as part of their criteria for canceling it, the national press seem to believe otherwise. To them, the PT Cruiser appears to be the flag-bearer for Chrysler, and its cancellation is newsworthy above any other. In my mind, that makes the PT very relevant, and at a time when the buzzwords circle around "economy," a serious misstep for Chrysler in canceling it.

I agree this is a very stupid move by Chrysler..... they have something really unique and good here. I keep saying all they need is a new or better engine or even a Hybrid model would sell.

Last night I saw a pretty cool SCION commercial you can tell it was directed more to the younger drivers. It was showing all the customizing and colors the SCION can come in. Why didn't the Chrysler ever do this for the PT Cruiser. I never once saw a commercial for the PT Cruiser, nor anything trying to get younger drivers into them. After the first movie Fast and Furious came out I saw a few commercials from car companies offering customizing right from the dealer especially SCION because them and a few others noticed younger drivers liked the whole customizing thing and again never anything for the PT Cruiser, no commercials what so ever.

I really think that there decision to cancel it is a mistake. They need to advertise it more and if the deal with FIAT goes through I think this car should be there at the top of the list to help Chrylser/Fiats small car line up.

[bertone]

Originally Posted by Kamel

ptrope your blog doesnt work. but i made a hub

I believe this is the right link: link