2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser: Road Test
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2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser ▼
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- MSRP: $14,765 -$29,185
- Invoice: $13,936 -$27,133
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Our road test for the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser help you decide if a 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Limited, auto. | GT wgn, man. | GT wgn, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4.6 |
Base engine fine for around-town cruising, but weak on hills or in highway passing. Base manual-transmission wagon did 8.9 sec 0-60 mph in our tests; automatics are significantly slower. Little lag in turbo models, which are stronger at all speeds; expect about 7.0 sec 0-60 with GT wagon. Automatic transmission responsive, despite some lurching downshifts.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Limited, auto. | GT wgn, man. | GT wgn, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6.4 |
Test 150-hp wagons averaged 18.5-23.0 mpg with automatic transmission, 18.3-22.1 with manual. With 180-hp turbo, test wagon averaged 19.5 mpg, convertible 18.0. Test GT wagon with manual averaged 17.2 mpg, 19.0 with automatic. GT convertible averaged 16.1 mpg. Chrysler recommends premium-grade fuel for 230-hp turbo. Other PTs use regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Limited, auto. | GT wgn, man. | GT wgn, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
All models easily absorb most bumps. Limited and convertible models have slightly tauter suspension that feels more controlled than base setup over freeway dips and humps. GT suspension firmer still, provides more road feel without undue stiffness. Convertible is less prone to body flex than many four-seat droptops.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Limited, auto. | GT wgn, man. | GT wgn, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5.8 |
Good grip in turns from 16- and 17-inch tires. Fast corners induce noticeable body lean, but no tippiness. Steering responsive. Manual-transmission versions suffer mild torque steer. Wide turning circle frustrates low-speed maneuverability. All models tested had ABS, exhibited good control, pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| Limited, auto. | GT wgn, man. | GT wgn, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Coarse pavement induces some road roar. Wind rush starts to intrude at 65 mph. Convertible only slightly noisier top up, and fairly calm top down. Engine in all versions never sounds smooth, is especially coarse above 4000 rpm.
CONTROLS
| Limited, auto. | GT wgn, man. | GT wgn, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Instrument panel carries on exterior's retro theme, contemporary ease of use. Hard plastics abound but don't look cheap. Odd dashboard-mounted power-window switches; convertibles add a handy "all up/all down" button.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Limited, auto. | GT wgn, man. | GT wgn, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Just adequate head room for tall drivers, despite high body build. Chair-height seats comfortable. Seat-mounted pull-down center armrests replaced by conventional console box with built-in armrest, which is more convenient. Wide doorways allow simple step-in entry. Clear outward sightlines in wagon, though rear headrests are minor obstructions. View to rear corners very restricted in convertible due to small rear window.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Limited, auto. | GT wgn, man. | GT wgn, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
Wagon affords same chair-height stance as in front; six-footers comfortable, uncrowded in outboard positions. Enough room for rear center-seater with a little squeezing. Convertible seats only two and offers a bit less space than wagon, but more than most other convertibles. Entry to its rear seat hindered by roll bar and front shoulder-belt anchors.
CARGO ROOM
| Limited, auto. | GT wgn, man. | GT wgn, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 4.8 |
Generous and versatile in wagon. Fold-flat front-passenger seat is handy. Modest space behind rear seat, but 65/35 split rear bench folds or removes to create a tall, wide cargo bay. Convertible's short, vertical trunklid restricts size of objects that can be carried and makes loading an awkward maneuver. But convertible's rear seatback folds to reveal a small pass-through, and cargo space is better than in most competitors.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Limited, auto. | GT wgn, man. | GT wgn, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 6 |
Its lack of available curtain side airbags is evidence that PT Cruiser is falling behind the times. And you have to get a turbocharged model for decent acceleration. Nonetheless, this tall wagon is adaptable, affordable, and reasonably comfortable.
Total Score
| Limited, auto. | GT wgn, man. | GT wgn, auto. | Touring conv, turbo | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 58 | 59 | 50 | 52.8 |
Total Score: 56
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