Phoenix, AZ. After a full morning of driving in DaimlerChrysler’s all-new PT Cruiser Convertible, a feeling of panic set in. How many of these is DCX going to make the first year, I asked, "Did I miss the numbers during this morning’s walk-through?"

No response. Rather, a grin appeared on Rick Deneau’s face. Rick is DC’s Senior Manager for Product/Brand and Communications. "We didn’t give out any numbers on the PT Cruiser Convertible on purpose," he told me. "We’ve learned it’s better not to."

Is this good or bad, I asked myself? Well, I’m not sure. I only know I hope there are enough to go around. Cuz, I want on. BaaaaaaD. The hardest part will be what color to choose, and what combination of interior/exterior/top. The PT Convertible will be available in nine different colors, with two convertible top choices: Taupe, Black.

A fan of the original PT Cruiser sedan, introduced in 2000, I came close to buying one. My brother did instead. In fact, he’s on his second one and would purchase another in "a heartbeat," he tells me.

Part of my reason for asking was to try and gather a needed piece of information to help me plan my "strategy" about how to get into a new PT Convertible of my own. My fear is that supply-and-demand will dominate the sales of this new vehicle, and they’ll be selling for over list price. The feeling of "panic" is precisely the feeling needed that makes a new vehicle become a member of the supply-and-demand category. If potential buyers become anxious enough, they’ll buy the car at just about any price. A good problem to have for DCX.

Just as with the sedan, the new PT Convertible is a very versatile vehicle. Built from the bottom up–not a chop job–the convertible not only looks great, it rides smoothly and quietly. Thanks to an improved rigid structure (use of new, light weight steel), tight sealing around the windows and a three-layer canvas convertible top, DCX seems to have achieved what they set out to do: Produce a stand-out convertible.

Poised to dominate the convertible market, DaimlerChrysler will now offer three convertibles: the very popular Sebring, all-new PT Cruiser and soon-to-come, the Crossfire Roadster. All offering something different, all somewhat unique in what they provide.

According to Brandon Faurote, Designer for the PT Cruiser Convertible, it was important to match the interior of the convertible with the exterior. A must for convertibles as they must "match" when the top is down. From the A pillar rearward, noted Faurote, is all new, except for the signature teardrop taillights. The convertible has a lower roofline than the sedan that gives it a fastback look and contemporary feel.

DaimlerChrysler has created a convertible with more than half of its parts unique. Gordon Krozek, Director for Vehicle Development and Program Management explained the process of Computer-aided Engineering (CAE) used when building stability and high levels of structural integrity into the vehicle. According to Krozek, DCX has "made every effort to ensure that the convertible offers a quieter ride, eliminates any body twist and bend, and has a more rigid structure."

Through the use of CAE, the PT Convertible’s structure was stiffened and frequencies tuned to separate them from the noise and vibration input of tires and suspension components.

Paul Scapini, Program Manager, PT Cruiser, assured us that driving the PT Convertible over highways, paved and unpaved back roads, that the difference will be noticeable. It was and is. This is a very quiet, well-handling vehicle. Without a comparison of sedan and convertible turning radius at hand, it would seem that the convertible’s turning radius is wider than the sedan’s.

Scapini pointed out DC’s extensive use of weather stripping and the three-layer convertible top. A stiff body structure and tight sealing adds to the PT Cruiser Convertible’s low noise-vibration-harshness (NVH) levels. The convertible boot is made out of plastic, divided into three sections and attaches with two snaps. The boot is easily stored in the trunk and matches the car’s interior color. And says Scapini,, was tested at 120 mph.

The top operates easily. A D-ring handle located at the center of the windshield top releases the top, and a power top switch (located in the center of the dash) lowers and raises it. Hopefully, it operates better than, and is more durable than the one in the Beetle. The top can be dropped with the glass going down, or remaining in the up position.

"Smart" glass technology allowed DCX to eliminate a window frame and maintain the PT Cruiser styling cues. The window glass is thicker to increase rigidity and reduce noise, and lowers when the door is opened. The glass remains in a slightly lower position until the door is closed.

The PT Cruiser Convertible sports newly designed side mirrors that also cut down on wind noise. Efforts have been made to remedy some of the inherent problems with convertibles, such as leaks that let in road noise. This is a tight, solid feeling convertible that offers a very comfortable, quiet ride. Passengers and driver alike are able to carry on a conversation.

The PT Convertible has a longer wheelbase (103 inches) than either the Mustang (101.3 in.) or the VW Beetle (99.1 in.), and it shows up when navigating less than optimum road surfaces. Unlike the Mustang or Beetle, the PT Convertible can comfortably carry three passengers. All three convertibles offer a rear seat, but riding comfortably for any length of time in either Mustang or Beetle isn’t pleasurable.

Not so with the PT Cruiser Convertible. DaimlerChrylser has made access to its 50/50 split bench rear seat easier with the aid of a popup, move forward seat.

Unique to the PT Convertible is the sport bar–so-called as not to imply "rollbar." Not certified as a rollbar, the "sport" bar acts as a noise-reduction feature by directing the wind rearward. "A first in a convertible," noted Scapini, "are the flush-mounted courtesy lamps on the bottom of the sport bar." These lights are helpful when climbing in/out of the vehicle at night. Convertibles traditionally don’t have any interior overhead lighting.

The sport bar is painted to match the vehicle’s exterior color and also carries the Chrysler emblem on its side. This is a neat feature when viewing the vehicle from its side. Nice touch.

The Convertible’s trunk opens up and out for easy access to the cargo area. When the top is down, cargo space is not compromised. The Boot can be stored in the trunk, as can two sets of golf clubs, among other gear.

The decklid differs somewhat from the PT sedan. A paddle-type pull is integrated into the badging but unlike the sedan, does not have the release. This way the trunk space is secure.

Throwing out any accurate demographics is difficult for this Special Purpose Vehicle. DCX expected the sedan to draw a younger crowd, when many of its buyers and admirers turned out to be us Baby Boomers. I suspect this will be the case with the PT Convertible. With a MSRP of $19,999 (including destination) for the Standard model, the PT Convertible will be the lowest priced four-passenger convertible on the market. With its versatile appeal, many of the current PT sedan owners will very likely opt for a convertible as well.

The PT Convertible is available in three models: Standard, Touring, GT. Standard equipment on the base model includes dome lights in the sport bar, illuminated sun visors with vanity mirrors, rear window defroster, Sentry key theft deterrent system, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/Cassette, six speaker premium sound, child seat anchor system, light group, Prismatic rearview mirror with compass, temperature/map/reading lights, remote power decklid release switch, 2.4L 16V, DOHC four-cylinder engine with five-speed manual transmission, 15-inch tires/wheels, power assisted disc/drum brakes, touring suspension, steel spare tire.

The Touring edition adds speed control, front/rear mats, security alarm system, 16-inch tires/wheels, AM/FM/Cassette/CD player, front fog lamps, Touring Edition bright badge on decklid and convertible boot cover. Opting for the GT version adds body-color monotone painted front fascia with integral lower and upper body grille with horizontal chrome accents, 2.4L Turbo High Output bright badge on decklid, leather/vinyl performance seats with Standard/Touring seat features, accented Dark Taupe or Medium Slate Grey half moons and Light Pearl Beige or Medium Slate Grey vinyl door trim bolsters, instrument cluster with 140 mph speedo, tach, silver-faced gauges, low fuel light and 2.4L Turbob inscript, Unique Silver painted shifter knob, leather wrapped steering wheel with center horn and integral Chrysler wing badge, front/rear floor mats with GT logo, AM/FM/Cassette and CD player, driver seat power height adjuster, driver/front passenger supplemental side airbags, 2.4L 16V DOHC SMPI intercooled High-Output turbo four-cylinder engine with heavy-duty Getrag five-speed manual transmission, 2.4L Turbo embossed on engine intake manifold, 2.75" diameter chrome-plated stainless steel exhaust tip, Turbo ABS four-wheel disc brakes and low speed traction control, sport suspension, 17-inch tires/wheels and P205/50 HR17 Extra Load ASP tires.

As with the 2001 PT Cruiser sedan, there is so much to like about the all-new PT Convertible. Now if I can just decide on a color. Black with taupe, Navy with taupe, Black with Black……….

Copyright 2004. Susan Frissell. WomenWithWheels.com. All Rights Reserved.