They say there's no such thing as something new. They say inexpensive cars are boring to look at, and that practical ones are equally boring to drive. They say fun cars need to be expensive (although that's no guarantee an expensive ride is any fun). They say this, they say that. One thing is obvious to us: "They" have never seen, driven, or enjoyed Chrysler's amazing '01 PT Cruiser. Consider the just-discussed criteria employed in choosing Motor Trend's Car of the Year-particularly such factors as Design, Daily Liveability, Value, Special Features, and, of course, the Fun Factor-and it's easy to understand how and why the PT Cruiser captured the gold in this year's huge 21-car competition. And it captured our automotive-enthusiast hearts, as well.

The PT Cruiser is another shining example of how an ingeniously conceived DaimlerChrysler concept vehicle becomes a production reality. The first hint of its heritage-inspired, "tall sedan" profile was seen in the Plymouth Pronto concept, first shown at the Detroit Auto Show in January 1997. Principal Exterior Designer Bryan Nesbitt then translated the look into a two-door coupe, giving it more of a chopped, street-rod flavor in the process; the result was another styling study, the Pronto Cruiser, which first broke cover 14 months later at the Geneva Show. Considering the crowd and media reaction, it was obvious DaimlerChrysler's design team was onto something, and they worked hard to ensure the look of these concept vehicles was accurately translated to the final package. When attendees of the '99 Detroit Show were told the car would, in fact, be built with a base price of less than $16,000, the PT's future as a marketplace hit was cast. Today, the production PT clearly melds the four-door-plus-tailgate body style of the Plymouth Pronto concept and the smooth, raked, fender-flared, rod-inspired flavor of the later Pronto Cruiser.

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The look is equal parts modern and retro-it reflects certain design elements of the past, yet never directly copies any of them. Its pointy prow, flat rear deck, and upright windshield recall many designs of the '30s, including Chrysler's own revolutionary Airflow. Yet the long wheelbase, short overhangs, flush head- and taillights, and neatly integrated bumpers lend a fresh, up-to-date appeal. Curvaceous fender flares front and rear give it stance, and the overall shape looks just right. DC's stylists also have given the car handsome "jewelry," such as its sculpted chrome door handles and attractively finished logos and badging. But what exactly does "PT" stand for? Easy: Personal Transport.

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Chrysler's engineers knew they had to be smart with componentry in order to create a stylish, high-quality, and fun-to-drive vehicle at a way-affordable price. That's why the PT Cruiser's powertrain layout and front suspension, plus miscellaneous hardware and switchgear, are shared with some existing models, such as the Dodge Stratus. Otherwise, the platform and packaging are quite unique. Its overall length is a compact 168.8 in. riding atop a 103-in. wheelbase. So balanced are its proportions, however, that it looks larger in photos than it really is. The compact package is important for another reason: The PT also will be sold in over 40 foreign markets, where streets are often narrow and parking is at a premium.

Only one powerplant is offered, a 2.4L DOHC inline four, good for 150 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. It's essentially the same iron-block aluminum-head unit found in several other DaimlerChrysler products, and is backed by a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. The engine features a pair of counter-rotating balancing shafts to cancel out the second order vibrations common to larger four-cylinder engines. MacPherson-strut suspension is employed up front, and a PT-specific beam-axle arrangement is located out back. This rear-suspension layout also employs coil springs and tube shocks mounted low on the axle so as not to intrude on rear-area cargo space; anti-roll bars are fitted front and rear. Power front-disc/rear-drum brakes are standard, as is power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering.

We've talked a lot about what the PT Cruiser looks like outside, but the design, execution, and functionality of the interior is no less an impressive achievement. The low floor and tall profile make for easy entry and exit, and there's plenty of leg/head/shoulder/foot room for five. Retro touches and fine detailing continue on the PT's instrument and door panels. Body-colored panels house the main gauges and passenger-side airbag, and represent another attractive design cue. Dual seat-mounted side airbags are included with the optional leather/suede interior package, or are offered as a stand-alone option. Among additional safety features are childproof locks for the rear doors, universal anchor attachments for child seats, and a Sentry Key Theft Deterrent system with remote keyless entry.

Speed, rpm, coolant temperature, and fuel level are displayed in easy-to-read gauges with attractive white (changing to black at night) faces; ancillary functions are managed via a series of warning lights. A panel in the center of the dash houses large, clearly marked twist controls for the heating and A/C systems, as well as the sound system and switchgear. Two nicely styled components fall neatly to the driver's hand: a thickly contoured four-spoke steering wheel (with standard tilt) and a tubular, chrome shift lever topped by a cueball-like plastic knob that would look at home in any '60s musclecar. The center console houses all manner of storage cubbies, also providing rear-seat passengers their own ventilation ducts. The interior offers three separate powerpoints and a total of four cupholders. All interior shapes are tastefully rounded, yet not overly so, and the mostly soft-feel materials are of high quality and pleasing to the touch.

You want to talk practicality? The PT's interior was clearly designed with this all-important notion in mind. The seats offer an amazing array of configurations: the 65/35-split rear seats fold down, tumble forward, or can be removed entirely, and the front passenger seat folds down as well (although this last feature is optional). A removeable rear package shelf can be installed in any of five different positions, one of which matches the seats when folded, creating a large, flat surface; another makes it a handy, elbow-high tabletop. And the large, top-hinged rear deck hatch opens high to provide easy access.

Need to move an 8-ft ladder? No problem. In fact, the commodious Cruiser provides a total of 26 different seating/shelf configurations-probably about 20 more than any owner is likely to ever need. With all the seats up, the cargo area measures 19.0 cu ft; remove the rears and fold up the right front, and that dimension more than triples, to a maximum of 64.2 cu ft. Like we said: practicality.

"Hey, this thing is fun to drive!" is the most commonly heard exclamation from people when they first step out of a PT Cruiser. It's a simple statement, but one that really says it all. With a 0-60-mph time of 8.6 sec, it's as quick as Dodge's own Intrepid sedan and an Audi A6 quattro. Skidpad numbers and slalom times mean it handles in the same territory as the 15-times-more-expensive Bentley Continental T. With 150 hp, it's no rocket, but it's got plenty of spunk-and once again, offers more go than many other cars in its price category. The 2.4L four is smooth, sounds good, and certainly benefits from the aforementioned balance shafts. We were really impressed with the shifter and shift linkage; the action is crisp, the gates relatively narrow, and the gear ratios spot on to make the most of the engine's powerband. This is one tranny you'll enjoy rowing up and down through the gears.

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Given the PT's tallish stance, you'd expect it to be tippy, or exhibit excessive body roll. Not so. It's relatively wide for its length, and the Limited Edition's 205/55R16 series tires and 16-in. wheels do their part to deliver better-than-expected handling. At speed, there's just the right amount of feedback from the steering wheel, yet it's also easy to park. All in all, the PT Cruiser is a confident, competent handler (with its 0.78g grip, the PT is quicker around a skidpad than an Infiniti Q45t. No complaints either with the optional four-wheel disc, ABS-equipped braking package. It hauls the PT from 60-0 mph in a more-than-competitive 120 ft, with firm pedal feel, easy modulation, and minimal kickback from the ABS.

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Inexpensive cars usually suffer when it comes to a tight structure, and most manufacturers penny-pinch when it comes to expensive insulating and sound deadening materials. Neither problem affects the PT Cruiser-each editor on our judging staff was impressed by the absence of road and tire noise, squeaks, and rattles. Because the Cruiser's pointy face and truncated shape are aerodynamically clean, highway wind noise levels are commendably low. Combined, these factors give a feeling of quality that belies its bargain pricetag. The retro-themed Chrysler's longish wheelbase yields a more-than-comfortable un-econocarlike ride. One or two editors never could quite find the perfect combination of seat and steering wheel adjustment, although everyone else could get comfortable, even our long-legged 6-ft-4-in. driver. We especially like the suede panels on the seats, which are much grippier (and less prone to ultra-hot or cold temperatures) than an all-leather upholstery would be. Visibility from either front seat is excellent in any direction, and the view through the windshield, over the shapely hood and curvaceous fenders, is decidedly pre-WWII.

Complaints? Darn few. Although the PT Cruiser's power is more than adequate for most driving situations, it'll feel a little taxed when you, four friends, and all your gear attack a steep mountain grade with the A/C on (we hear a turbocharged model, packing about 200 hp, is on its way). And having separately located front and rear window switches takes some getting used to (the fronts are on the dashboard; the rears on the trailing edge of the console). Although they're less of a bother when we remember the PT's base price.

One of the Cruiser's most outstanding, yet somewhat intangible, characteristics is its absolutely amazing public appeal. It's somehow able to burst through common buyer demographics and stereotypes, instantly becoming everybody's pal. Eighty-year-olds love it, and so do teenagers. Guys on Harleys, women driving sport/utilities, family types, Gen-Xers and Gen-Yers-the PT always rates a smile, a "thumbs up," or some other positive reaction. We had the Patriot Blue Limited Edition shown in these photographs parked at a restaurant one evening, and an attractive woman in her early 30s walked outside-and hugged it.

Then there's value: the PT Cruiser's final and most convincing trump card. Its base MSRP is $15,935. That's no typo and puts this high-content do-it-all machine into strict econocar territory when it comes time to comparison shop. $16K includes everything we've already discussed, plus important (often optional) equipment like air conditioning, dual airbags, power windows, an AM/FM/single-play CD unit, dual remote mirrors, a rear window wiper/washer-even floor mats. While a considerable amount of equipment is offered on a stand-alone optional basis, most of the popular goodies are packaged into option groups. One is the Luxury Touring Group, which gets you a leather-wrapped wheel, a more performance-oriented suspension, chromed 16-in. five-spoke alloy wheels, the 205/55R16 tires, and foglamps.

Limited Edition model PTs are upgraded with dual front (seat-mounted) side airbags, an overhead console with digital compass, power moonroof, cruise control, power height-adjustable driver seat, the leather/suede upholstery combo, and everything in the Luxury Touring Group. Remember this: In its most base form, the PT Cruiser is a well-equipped, totally functional machine; yet a feature-packed Limited Edition can still be had on the good side of $20 grand. That's value.