
Introduced at the start of the decade, the PT Cruiser was originally conceived as a Plymouth model based on the well-received Pronto Cruiser concept version, but then elevated to a Chrysler when it became apparent that the Plymouth brand was going to be euthanized. As one of the vehicles that ushered in the retro-based styling craze along with the New Beetle, initially it caught on in a big way with the fashionistas who had to have the car du jour, the Hollywood Elite, and the car customizers. But over its production lifespan it turned into a bad joke in the eyes of many. Was it really as bad as nearly everyone said it was?