Long Term: Chrysler PT Cruiser.(Brief Article)

After nine months of use and abuse, our Cruiser hasn't given up much. As one staffer comments, ``I've never had to pick up parts from the parking lot or found stray bits wandering under the seats.'' To the credit of those toiling down in Toluca, Mexico, and up in Auburn Hills, Michigan, this vehicle does not seem plagued with any of Chrysler's notorious reliability problems. Still as solid as it was when new, our Cruiser has racked up more than 18,000 miles with only a headlight needing replacement-under warranty.

While one look at our interior will show the PT has been used, not just driven, the wear and tear isn't anything unexpected; the suede-and-leather seats are holding up but they no longer resemble new. What's telling is how filthy we manage to regularly get it. Frequent washes keep the exterior looking concours-ready, but the inside is another story, a story of what we had for drive-thru dinner and how we ...