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2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT Convertible Road Test

Back to the Drawing Board for the Vee Dub Convertible

The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a "love it or hate it" kind of vehicle. Some love the retro styling, some dont. I cant say that I fell for it initially, but it did earn a special place in my heart as it was the first vehicle I ever tested as an automotive journalist. I liked it not only because it handled well, had a generous amount of passenger and cargo room, as well as spirited performance, but also because its just so hot. So how did Chrysler make the PT Cruiser even hotter for 2005? Drop its top.

I have to admit to eagerly anticipating its arrival and my opportunity to test it out, as somehow chopping the roof off has transformed the vehicle, giving it a new more youthful appearance. How do you think I felt when I caught word that I would not only be getting the new

The PT Cruiser GT Convertible features a turbocharged engine, suspension upgrades, racier wheels and tires, and more. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

PT ragtop, but an even hotter PT Cruiser GT Convertible that features the addition of a turbocharged engine, suspension upgrades, racier wheels and tires and more.

As always seems to happen when a convertible is parked in my garage, the week started off overcast with some showers. But come Tuesday, the sun was out and therefore so was I. With temperatures soaring, it was ideal for top-down PT convertible cruising, made even better being that I had a few friends visiting from out of town.

With temperatures soaring, it was ideal for top-down PT convertible cruising. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

One day I picked up my girlfriend and we decided to go for a highway cruise. She was amazed at how little wind was blowing through the car with the top and windows down. It was also great that while we were regaling each other with stories of the years passed, we didnt even have to raise our voices above normal volume. I understand now that this was all thanks to the stylish sports bar that creates a wind tunnel affect. It also is reinforced for safetys sake. Again, of all the entry level convertibles Ive tested the GT had the least amount of top-down-induced airflow and was the most comfortable to talk to other passengers

Visibility out of the back, whether the top is up or down, is limited, making parallel parking a challenge. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

in, without causing one of us to yell out, "SAY THAT AGAIN, I CANT HEAR YOU THAT WELL."

Dropping the top on those superb summer days was also an easy process. It only took a quick twist of a single roof-mounted latch located at the top-center of the windshield surround, the pressing of one button located on the centre console and the attachment of an ever-so-annoying tonneau cover. The process to drop the top takes a mere 10 seconds after unhooking the latch, but putting the cover on is more time consuming. Yes the cover has its practical purposes, such as keeping dust and debris out of the motorized mechanisms, while adding to the cars overall good looks, but its a royal pain. This, of

When it comes to handling, the GT Turbo is the best out of all the entry-level 4-seat convertibles Ive tested. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

course, is a problem facing so many entry-level convertibles and even some priced over six figures.

Visibility out the back when the top was down, however, was not ideal and probably the worst that Ive experienced out of the convertibles I have tested. When the top was up, what-would-be "C" pillars are so wide that backing up and parallel parking was quite challenging for me. When the top was down and the tonneau cover was on, the rear end was rather tall making it harder to see while backing up. Although reversing and parking took more time than usual, while on the road moving forward I was able to see all that I needed to out the rear window and via the sideview mirrors.

What I can say that was the best out of the entry-level 4-seat convertibles Ive ever tested was its handling.

The GT convertible scoots up the road quickly thanks to a 220-hp 16-valve, SOHC, turbocharged, 2.4-liter inline-4 engine. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

The GT corners marvelously due to its meaty 205/50R 17XL performance tires coupled with a smooth-riding sport suspension. Even while zipping along the sinuous twists and turns of the ever-so-beautiful coastal highway near my home, the convertible hugged the ground and was surprisingly stable. I recall testing the 2004 VW New Beetle Convertible Turbo on the same stretch and found the stability control flashing before my eyes even though I wasnt pushing the car nearly as hard as I did the GT Turbo. Although both brands turbos handled the curves well, the Chrysler surpasses the VW in this category.

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