Chrysler Discontinues PT Cruiser

2010 PT Cruiser

The Chrysler PT Cruiser has run its course. “Today, we learned that July 9 will mark the last day of production for the venerable Chrysler PT Cruiser,” writes Automobile Magazine. “With more than 1.3 million units sold, the PT Cruiser represented one of the first executions of a modern retro car for the masses.”

Due to its aging design and underpowered engine, the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser currently ranks near the bottom of the affordable compact wagons class. However, that wasn’t always the case. Top Speed reports: “When it was first launched, the PT Cruiser was a brilliant little car, unique in every sort of way. The car went on sale in 2000 during the American SUV craze. The retro design, like the New Beetle, made it a massive sales success. In fact, the car sold well beyond anything Chrysler could have imagined.”

Sadly, the PT Cruiser failed to keep pace with the innovations of its competitors. The Detroit Free Press explains: “The PT Cruiser's history is the story of what Chrysler does brilliantly -- create unique, desirable new vehicles -- and of the failure to build on success that has repeatedly brought the company to its knees. … If Chrysler executives had followed up on the PT's initial success, they could have turned the car into an icon for the company. Instead, they left it alone as a singular sensation that bore no relationship to any other Chrysler vehicle.”

According Autoblog, “The Cruiser was originally earmarked for discontinuation a year ago, but when Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy, it needed product, so the automaker kept it alive for another 12 months.”

If you're in the market for a 2010 PT Cruiser, now may be a great time to buy one. Deals and incentives will likely increase as dealers rush to get the PT off their lots.