2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Trims and Specs

Although Chrysler has expanded the Pt Cruiser family for 2002, the Base model returns without change. The PT Cruiser has received very positive reviews and the demand is high. Unfortunately, the compact wagon's performance cannot match its aggressive presentation.

New appearance options are available this year, including flame accents and wood-appearance side trim. Standard features on this model include front airbags, air conditioning, a new CD audio system, power windows and mirrors, and intermittent wipers.

The PT's power plant is a modest 2.4 liter DOHC inline four, which generates 150 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is included, and a four-speed automatic is optional. Gas mileage is estimated at 21/29 mpg with the manual and 19/25 mpg for the automatic.

The underpowered engine is a frequently cited pitfall of the PT, but a higher performance version would arrive in 2003. The PT Cruiser's interior flexibility offers considerable convenience, and Chrysler claims that there are a total of 26 possible seating/cargo configurations.

Chrysler's new retro-styled compact was well-received in 2001, and the lineup has grown for this year. The Touring finish was offered in 2001 as an option package, but it is now distinguished as a separate trim level.

The Touring is the PT Cruiser's second trim level, and comes standard with fog lamps, keyless entry, heated mirrors, full power accessories, alloy wheels, and a rear defroster. The Touring trim also gets some special trim and appearance enhancements.

The front-wheel drive wagon weighs in a just over 3100 pounds, which is substantial for a compact car. Power is supplied by a 2.4 liter DOHC inline four, which provides 150 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The Touring comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, offering 21/29 mpg fuel economy.

The PT Cruiser is a bit of a trade-off. The car should be bought by those seeking head-turning looks and interior flexibility. The PT is not a performer, and reliability is also questionable. The gas mileage (low 20s in mixed driving)is not up to par with other compacts, but other compacts do not offer such a refined and configurable interior space.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser enters its second year of production, now with more styles and features. The Base (Standard) and Limited models return unchanged, and Chrysler has added a Touring and a Dream Cruiser trim. All models can now be finished with exterior flame accents or the extra-retro "woodie" look.

The Limited PT Cruiser ascends significantly beyond the the entry-level model, but with the new limited production Dream cruiser, the Limited is the third of four trim tiers. Standard features include fog lamps, keyless entry, chrome wheels, full power accessories, leather upholstery, an anti-theft system, and cruise control.

All PT variants are powered by a 2.4 liter DOHC inline four, which delivers 150 horsepower and 162 pound-feet or torque. The 16-valve engine may be paired with either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. Mixed driving fuel economy is estimated in the mid-20s.

The PT continues to be very popular and well-reviewed. Unfortunately, it is not immune to Chrysler's reliability issues. Owners have reported minor but nagging problems, and many warn that the service leaves much to be desired.

The PT Cruiser was introduced in 2001 with limited styles and production counts that could not match the unprecedented demand. In the second, Chrysler introduced two new trims, including this special Dream Cruiser Series I model. Only 7500 were made.

The Dream Cruiser is differentiated from the three other PTs by a unique Inca Gold paint job, color-keyed chrome wheels and interior accents, tinted electroluminescent gauges, special badging, and some minor interior layout changes. The Dream Cruiser is similarly equipped to the Limited trim, but the low production number drives the price up considerably. Other features include full power accessories, fog lamps, cruise control, heated mirrors, ABS, an anti-theft system, leather seats, a power moon roof, and keyless entry.

Despite all the appearance and convenience enhancements, this top shelf PT still houses the same 2.4 liter DOHC inline. This power plant provides 150 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and may be paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Dream Cruiser is certainly not for everyone. The PT already bold styling is only strengthened by the loud exterior color. Some reviewers felt this color choice was overkill. Gas mileage and nagging reliability issue top the list of driver complaints.