Segment:
Compact MPV / Retro-styled compact car
Key Competitors:
Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cobalt, Hyundai Elantra (during its primary production run)
Design Philosophy:
Retro-inspired styling harkening back to classic hot rods and customs of the 1930s and 1940s, combined with practical interior packaging and affordability.
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking distinctive styling, practicality, and a unique personality in a compact vehicle.
Purpose:
To provide owners with essential information for the safe and proper operation, maintenance, and understanding of their 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, starting procedures, basic troubleshooting, fluid checks
Transmission:
Operation of automatic transmission, gear selection, parking brake usage
Brakes:
Parking brake operation, understanding ABS indicators
Electrical System:
Lighting operation (headlights, interior), wiper functions, horn, fuses (identification and replacement for common issues)
HVAC:
Climate control operation, air conditioning, heater, ventilation modes
Interior Features:
Seating adjustments, seat belts, airbags, door locks, windows, mirrors, audio system basic operation, instrument cluster indicators
Safety Systems:
Airbag system overview, child seat installation guidelines, seat belt usage
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure recommendations, basic tire maintenance
Instrument Panel:
Detailed explanation of gauges, warning lights, and indicator symbols
Starting And Operating:
Key operation, starting the engine, shifting gears, driving the vehicle
Emergency Procedures:
What to do in case of a breakdown, flat tire, overheating, battery discharge, accident procedures, towing information
Vehicle Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), checking tire pressure, changing wiper blades, replacing headlamp bulbs (accessible ones)
Maintenance Schedules:
Recommended service intervals for oil changes, tire rotations, filter replacements, and other routine maintenance items
Consumer Assistance:
Information on contacting Chrysler customer service for support or warranty inquiries
Depth:
Owner-level information focused on safe operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions.
Digital Format If Available:
N/A (Sold as printed manual)
Quality:
Standard OEM print quality, designed for durability within the vehicle's lifespan
Binding:
Saddle-stitched or perfect bound paperback
Paper Quality:
Durable, uncoated paper stock suitable for automotive environment
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder
Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2429 cc)
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 valves
Fuel Induction:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Horsepower Estimated:
Approximately 150 hp @ 5500 rpm (for non-turbocharged version)
Torque Estimated:
Approximately 165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (for non-turbocharged version)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 octane (minimum)
Length:
Approximately 168.9 inches (4290 mm)
Width:
Approximately 66.7 inches (1694 mm)
Height:
Approximately 63.5 inches (1613 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 105.1 inches (2670 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approximately 13.3 cubic feet (376 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approximately 39.0 cubic feet (1104 liters)
Curb Weight Estimated:
Approximately 3100-3200 lbs (1406-1451 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test:
5-star rating (driver and passenger)
IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Test:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags and during the period of its assessment)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (standard)
Traction Control:
Traction control system (TCS) available on some trims
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags (optional/standard depending on trim)
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Refer to schedule, typically 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil (API Certified)
Coolant Type:
MOPAR OAT (Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Blue (Chrysler specification MS-9769)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mopar ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid
Common Issues:
Oil leaks (valve cover, oil pan), suspension noises, occasional transmission issues (especially with higher mileage), power window regulator failures, and electrical gremlins (e.g., door lock actuators).
Recall Information:
Owners should consult the NHTSA website or Chrysler recalls for any applicable safety recalls for the 2010 model year.
Manufacturer History:
Chrysler Corporation, an American automobile manufacturer with a long history of innovation and performance, now part of Stellantis.
Introduction Year:
2001 (for the first generation)
Redesign Year:
2008 (facelift/second generation introduction)
Production Period:
2001-2010 (North America)
Manufacturing Plant:
Toluca Car Assembly, Mexico
Car And Driver Awards:
Named to Car and Driver's '10Best' list multiple times in its earlier years (though not specifically for the 2010 model, it reflects the model's initial positive reception).
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied throughout its production cycle. Owners should consult specific year ratings from reputable sources.
