A Look Back at the “Personal Transport” Car

Today, the last Chrysler PT Cruiser will roll off the assembly line. This marks the end of an era for what was once one of Chrysler’s best-selling vehicles.

2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Launched during the 2000 model year, the PT Cruiser – with “PT” standing for “personal transport” – was considered to be both quirky and innovative at its launch. A modern car with throwback style, Chrysler issued more than a dozen factory-authorized custom trims for the PT Cruiser. These trims included woodie, flames, and a “couture” edition with a two-tone silver and black exterior and flashy red interior that was billed by the automaker as a proper send-off for the car.

PT Cruiser “Woodie” Trim Package

A convertible PT Cruiser, featuring an integrated “sport bar” to help with rollover protection, was produced from model years 2005 to 2008.


2008 PT Cruiser Convertible

Though Chrysler made only subtle changes to the car and its features over its lifespan, it always retained a core group of loyal customers. All told, consumers have purchased more than 1.3 million PT Cruisers during its run.

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