2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Interior Review

Inside, our loaded variation was unexpectedly well detailed in terms of design execution, materials, finish, and ease of instrument read and reach.

For example, the door panels featured at least four different materials from a grained plastic to a brushed leather-like vinyl and handsome chromed door handles. This just isn't stuff you'd expect in a vehicle with a $15,450 base price. And everyone loved the body-color dash and sturdy four-spoke steering wheel, but not the dashboard mounting of the power window switches.

The other important thing about the PT, after you fold the rear seats, is the amount of stuff you can stuff into it. Total interior volume is 119.8 cubic feet. Remember that, at 168.8 inches, the PT is actually 5.6 inches shorter than the Neon and 5.3 inches shorter than the Ford Focus. On the other hand, Ford's new Escape SUV is 173.0 inches long (about 4.2 inches longer than the PT), but has a total interior volume of 133.9 cubic feet.

Defining the PT Cruiser in traditional car/truck/minivan/retro/hot-rod terms doesn't work. Just know that it's fun to drive, practical to live with, and offers more style per mile than anything in its price range-all good enough reasons for us to want one.