Chrysler may retire PT Cruiser after ‘09

Posted Thu Aug 16 2007 3:30 PM by Kenneth Hall

Chrysler has confirmed that it’ll build the long-running PT Cruiser through until the end of 2009 but has made no promise that a next-gen model will be built or whether the current model will be produced beyond that date. Since its introduction back in 2000, the PT Cruiser has been a sales success for Chrysler but a recent slump in performance means that it may be time to put it out to pasture.

New competition from the increasing number of wagon-like crossovers and the introduction of the retro-styled Chevrolet HHR has seen sales start to slow, but there remains enough demand for the PT Cruiser to remain for a couple more years, Chrysler exec Frank Klegon told The Associated Press.

More than a million PT Cruisers have been sold in the US alone but markets have changed and Chrysler is preparing to unveil several all new models that fit in similar categories as the PT. In the meantime, the PT Cruiser will continue to sell with new editions such as the new Sunset Boulevard line (pictured) carrying the car until the end of the decade.

Reader Comments

Thu Aug 16 2007 9:34 PM
HECTOR says

A belated death for a car that should never have been born in the first place. Streets will be better looking without these things around.
Thu Aug 16 2007 10:24 PM
kbohip says

I just have to say I totally agree Hector. I hate the PT Loser.
Fri Aug 17 2007 8:14 PM
Gus says

A "retro" looking car, meant to evoke memories of rear-wheel drive hot rods of the 50's, on a fwd neon chassis, with no guts. Yuck. Good bye. And take the HHR with you please.
Wed Aug 29 2007 7:41 PM
xjug1987 says

HECTOR and kbohip, PT loser, hey the car may not be great at anything, but a million seller it has been. So what if you "don't like it" plenty of others do. Clearly your "arm chair product marketing" needs work.
Wed Aug 29 2007 7:42 PM
xjug1987 says

What do you guys drive, Camry's? Gutless, characterless appliances. PT has more character than all the Camrys ever built and most Asian cars for that matter.
Sat Feb 9 2008 6:44 PM
Nick says

I have had my cruiser for 5 years not one thing wrong with it! I love it , slow but fun to drive!! Not boring like the other cars out there!
Wed Jun 4 2008 4:42 PM
PLEASE says

NOT MY FAV CAR FROM CHRYSLER, BUT IT WAS NOT MARKETED TO ME. IT WAS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE IN THERE LATE 50 TO 65. RETIRED TO PULL BEHIND THERE RVS. GREAT CAR IF I MUST SAY. I AM A WARRANTY CLERK FOR CHRYSLER RUNS GREAT!
Fri Aug 15 2008 10:35 PM
Michael says

I have had 3 of these functional and practical cars, the first year 2000, a 2004 Turbo and then still have 2004 Limited. Beats the heck out of ever needing a Mini-van, gets great mileage, fun to drive and i dusted many, many perceived 'rockets' with my Turbo one. A facelift and a new look sure, but a great vehicle that many can afford. Hope they keep it going. BTW - many you obviously had no idea on the demographics that Chysler had in mind for the PT. It certainly wasn't the kids with their pants down by their knees driving a rice-crusher with a sporty sounding exhuat tip zipping around like they think evry piece of road is a reason to make a lot of noise and go no where fast.

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