PT Cruiser production timeline

2000 -  2001
Spring 2000. The PT Cruiser was launched in the USA (as a 2001 model) in three equipment levels, Limited Edition, Touring and Classic. All had 2.4 litre in line 4 cyl. dohc 150 bhp. petrol engines with 5 speed manual or 4 speed Auto Transmissions. They were built in Toluca, Mexico (for approximately one year some 2001/2002 European PTs were built at Graz in Austria).

It was also launched in countries outside the USA in 2.0 litre dohc 140bhp and 1.6 litre sohc 115 bhp petrol versions. Specifications varied, but export models had higher standard specifications than the USA versions but generally fewer body colour options.

2002
Autumn 2002. The 2.4 litre GT Turbo model was launched in the USA. It now had power to match its hot-rod looks thanks to a Mitsubishi turbo boosting the power output to 180 bhp. New seats, 17" alloys and uprated suspension and brakes also came with the package. This model was exported to some countries, but unfortunately there were no RHD versions as the additional turbo equipment would have needed many extra modifications to fit.

Autumn 2002. PT 2.2 CRD 121 bhp Turbo-diesel model launched. It was destined for European and some other export markets only and never sold in the USA. The engine was developed from the Mercedes diesel as used in their C and E class models.

2003
A few minor mechanical and cosmetic changes. New wheels were fitted and the original two-tone beige/taupe interior was discontinued for export PTs and replaced by dark grey. Annual sales continued to be high at over 100,000.

2004
The PT Convertible launched as a 2005 model in the USA. Available only with 2.4 litre petrol and 2.4 litre petrol turbo engines.

2005
For the 2005 model year the 2.0 litre engine was discontinued, replaced by the 2.4 litre. The 1.6 litre version was still exported to a few countries including Russia, Spain and Greece.

The PT Convertible was exported to some countries including the UK where 100 LHD 2.4 litre models were imported.

2006
The only facelift in the PTs production run. The new model went on sale in the latter half of 2005 for the 2006 model year. New interior, bumpers, lights and grilles and colours were the visible changes. There were some electrical changes but the drivetrain, steering and brakes basically remained the same. 2.2 CRD power was increased by 25% to 150bhp.

In the USA a 220bhp high-output turbo with a heavy-duty Getrag gearbox joined the standard and turbo PT models.

The PT Convertible was also facelifted and for export markets was available in RHD with a 2.4 litre engine.

2007
Production of the PT Convertible finished at the end of the year.

2008
The last of the RHD PT Cruisers were exported to the UK early in 2008.

2009
In the USA, despite special editions and big discounts, sales dropped to 17,000 for 2009. Most of the European imports were 2.2 CRD models.

2010
The last PT Cruiser rolled off the production line in July 2010. 1.35 million were built in just over 10 years.

It was the most profitable car in Chrysler's history.

There were fourteen special edition PT Cruisers. Only a few editions were sold in the UK and this 2002 model was one of them. It is a Dream Cruiser Series 1 finished in Inca Gold, with a special interior and five spoke chrome wheels.

The 2.4 turbo model was introduced in 2002 (as a 2003 model in the USA) with vastly improved performance that made for 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds. Sadly, for us here in UK and some other countries like Australia, it was never built in right hand drive form.

The PT Convertible/Cabrio was launched in 2004. It was a practical four seater with a stylish interior and a fast electrically operated top.

For the 2006 model year the PT was updated. Most noticeable is the different front bumper, grille and a scalloped lower edge to the headlights.

In 2009 this Dream Cruiser Series 5 was fitted with a chrome metal mesh grille, black painted roof and special wheels.