2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Couture Edition By ALAN GELL www.CarColumns.Net The PT Cruiser was introduced by Chrysler over ten years ago and instantly made its mark on automotive history in the United States.  It was a distinctive shape that captured the imagination of small business owners, homemakers, and even teenagers.  Even small children could easily identify a PT Cruiser on the highway or a parking lot.  It had what might be called a “standout style.”  Chrysler called the unique little car “Personal Transportation.”  It was not the fanciest car, the best-looking car, the fastest car, or even very good at all-purpose utility, but everyone in America recognized.  And, it was affordable.

   My test model was a 2010 PT Cruiser called the Classic Couture Edition.  Many pundits thought that the little car had gone away, and now a new edition was introduced.  We do not really know for sure, but this will probably be the last special new edition.  Chrysler took away the turbo engine, causing many to look elsewhere for a car with more pep, vim, and vigor.  But here it is – the Class Couture Edition, a definite throwback to the hot-rod styling of the 1940’s and looking more like the original PT Cruiser.

There is an equal blend of modern features and the retro-inspired looks.  The Couture Edition features a two-tone paint job and a special red pinstripe. On the test model, the primary color was called “Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl.”  The interior featured leather-trimmed bucket seats and the color scheme was called “Dark Slate Gray.”  There were some extra features for the satin silver instrument cluster and the shift knob, as well as custom embroidered floor mats.  A special feature which I really like is that analog clock that continues to be a part of the Cruiser.

The American public has seen the full gamut of special editions.  The original PT Cruiser caught out imagination and was in instant demand, so Chrysler wisely rode that popularity to more and more sales.  Manufacturers want to make money and when they find a car that will do that, they tend to flood the marketplace.  We have seen about 16 different variations of the Cruiser including the Woodie, a convertible, a Route 66 Street Cruiser, a Sunset Boulevard Cruiser, and so many more.  Each of them, however, feature that distinctive winged Chrysler badge, the special grill, and that sculpted hood.

The base MSRP on my Classic Couture Edition test model was only $18,275.  With a few extra features and the delivery charge, the bottom sticker price was still only $19,995.  EPA mileage ratings are 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, although I averaged 23 mpg for the entire week, including a lot of city driving.  It received a five-star rating for the rear-seat crash tests and four star ratings for frontal crashes and rollovers.

Perhaps this special throw-back anniversary edition is an indication that the PT Cruiser will stay in the line-up after Fiat takes over Chrysler.  Or, it may have run its course and simply take its place in automotive history.  I like it and hope the PT Cruiser sticks around for many more years to come.  Check out the PT Cruiser and the special Classic Couture Edition at a Chrysler dealership yourself.