I have a confession to make: I used to drive a Chrysler PT Cruiser. I know you’re saying, Aren’t automotive journalists supposed to be the pinnacle of cool? Or maybe you’re not saying that at all and I just made that up. But I do like to think I was ahead of the curve, and that the funky retro-futuristic Chrysler PT Cruiser will have its day.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser was ahead of its time
2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser “Woodie Package” | Getty Images
Chrysler’s PT Cruiser brought a cool retro style to the masses before any other American automobile of the mid-2000s. Sure we remember the fifth-generation Mustang kicking off the new pony car wars in 2005. But I like to think that Chrysler’s 2000 PT Cruiser helped inspire Ford. That’s probably not what happened, but I can dream.
I will admit that European companies were ahead of the curve with 1997’s New Beetle and 2000’s BMW Mini Cooper. There was also the ultra-niche 1997 Plymouth Prowler. Maybe Chrysler liked it so much it decided to make a more accessible crossover to bring retro to the people.
Keyword: Is Chrysler’s PT Cruiser Cool Yet?