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2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Full Review
Date Published: 6/06/08
2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review
Chrysler's retro-styled compact comes as a five-passenger 4-dr wagon and as a four-seat 2-dr convertible. Wagons come in base, Touring, Limited, and GT trim. Convertibles have a power folding soft top and come in base, Touring, and GT guise. All have 4-cyl engines of 150, 180, or 230 hp, depending on model. The 180- and 230-hp engines are turbocharged. Automatic transmission is standard on 180-hp models. Others offer manual or automatic. The GT's automatic includes a manual shift gate. ABS is standard on GT, optional on others. GTs have traction control and sport suspension. Front side airbags are standard on Limited and GT, optional elsewhere. Curtain side airbags are unavailable.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 100 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.
News
PT's redesign has been pushed back again, now rumored for 2009 or 2010. Sources say Chrysler is still debating key issues including powertrains, styling, and even the name, hence the delay. But based on what we've heard, the PT would likely morph into a luxury compact crossover SUV, a lower-priced rival to the likes of Acura RDX and a companion for Chrysler's Aspen. If offered with a V6, the vehicle would be built off the JS platform introduced with Chrysler's 2007 Sebring sedans; if 4-cyl only, it would likely use the GS architecture of the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass/Patriot wagons. Both platforms are engineered for all-wheel drive, so that should be available. Whatever formula Chrysler chooses, look for modern styling with maybe a hint of the current retro look. As for a next PT convertible, we don't hold much hope because engineering costs would likely make sticker prices too high for the car's intended market.
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2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (turbos) Acceleration (nonturbo w/automatic transmission)
Passenger and cargo room
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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 6.5

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 52.9
Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score
42
Average Score
52
High Score
60
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2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/22/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
Base 4-door wagon $14,765 $13,936 $640
Touring 4-door wagon $17,110 $16,070 $640
Limited 4-door wagon $19,325 $18,086 $640
GT 4-door wagon $23,975 $22,317 $640
Base 2-door convertible $19,965 $19,142 $640
Touring 2-door convertible $23,730 $22,169 $640
GT 2-door convertible $29,185 $27,133 $640
Price note: Touring convertible requires 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base wagon
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, analog clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, 195/65R15 tires, wheel covers.
Touring wagon adds to Base wagon:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, fold-flat passenger seat, power mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass.
Limited adds to Touring wagon:
Safety
Front side airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, power sunroof, universal garage door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, Touring Suspension, 205/55R16 tires, alloy wheels.
GT wagon adds to Limited:
Powertrain
2.4-liter turbocharged 230-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, traction control.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport Suspension, 205/50R17 tires, chrome alloy wheels.
Base convertible adds to Base wagon:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, power convertible top.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: rear wiper/washer, rear spoiler.
Touring Suspension.
Touring convertible adds to Base convertible:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, 205/55R16 tires, alloy wheels.
GT convertible adds to Touring convertible:
Powertrain
2.4-liter turbocharged 230-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, traction control.
Safety
Front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, universal garage door opener, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport Suspension, 205/50R17 tires, chrome alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Quick Order Group 28E
Base convertible
$690
$635
205/55R16 tires, alloy wheels. Requires 4-speed automatic transmission.
Spring Special Group
Base convertible
$1,190
$1,095
Cruise control, upgraded cloth upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, vehicle information center, unique interior and exterior trim, fog lights, chrome alloy wheels. Requires Quick Order Group 28E.
Signature Series Quick Order Group 27/28F
Touring wagon manual
$1,865
$1,716
Touring wagon automatic
$1,875
$1,725
Front side airbags, power sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, upgraded upholstery, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, satellite radio, unique interior and exterior trim, 205/55R16 tires, alloy wheels.
Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Pkg.
Touring wagon manual
$2,475
$2,277
Touring wagon automatic
$2,485
$2,286
Front side airbags, antilock brakes, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, satellite radio, unique interior and exterior trim, rear spoiler, sport suspension, 205/50R17 tires.
Quick Order Group 2CK
Limited
$1,055
$971
Leather/suede upholstery, additional chrome exterior trim, chrome alloy wheels. Requires 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Chrome Accents Group
Limited
$1,070
$984
GT wagon
$250
$230
Limited w/2CK Group
$210
$193
Chrome exterior and interior trim, upgraded leather-wrapped steering wheel (Limited), bright pedals, chrome alloy wheels (Limited).
Powertrain
2.4-liter turbocharged 180-horsepower 4-cylinder engine
Touring convertible, Limited
$1,280
$1,178
Requires 4-speed automatic transmission.
4-speed automatic transmission
Base, Touring, Limited
$825
$759
GT
$550
$506
GT includes manual-shift capability.
Safety
Front side airbags
Base, Touring
$390
$359
Antilock brakes
Base, Touring wagon, Limited
$595
$547
Base convertible requires Quick Order Group 28E. NA w/2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes
Touring convertible, Limited
$825
$795
Includes traction control. Requires 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning
Base wagon
$1,000
$920
Power sunroof
Touring wagon
$750
$690
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
Base convertible, Touring, Limited, GT
$300
$276
Boston Acoustics sound system
Touring/GT convertible
$595
$547
Touring/Limited/GT wagon
$695
$639
Satellite radio
Base wagon, GT wagon, Limited, Touring wagon
$195
$179
NA convertibles.
UConnect
Limited, GT wagon
$360
$331
Wireless cell phone link. Includes automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Leather upholstery
Touring convertible
$1,475
$1,357
Includes front side airbags, power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Upgraded cloth upholstery
Touring
$150
$138
Power driver seat
Touring convertible
$300
$276
Heated front seats
Touring convertible, Limited, GT
$250
$230
Touring requires leather upholstery, Limited requires Quick Order Group 2CK.
Cruise control
Touring wagon
$250
$230
Universal garage door opener
Touring convertible
$90
$83
Floormats
Base, Touring, Limited
$30
$28
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
Base convertible, Base wagon, GT convertible, GT wagon, Limited, Touring convertible, Touring wagon
$35
$32
Inferno Red paint
Base convertible, Base wagon, GT convertible, GT wagon, Limited, Touring convertible, Touring wagon
$225
$207
Special paint
Base convertible, Base wagon, GT convertible, GT wagon, Limited, Touring convertible, Touring wagon
$150
$138
Color-keyed rear spoiler
Touring wagon, Limited
$150
$138
Alloy wheels
Touring wagon
$590
$543
Includes 205/55R16 tires.
Chrome alloy wheels
Touring convertible, Limited
$700
$644
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2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Chrysler PT Cruiser 4-door wagon Chrysler PT Cruiser 2-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 103.0 103.0
Overall Length, in. 168.9 168.9
Overall Width, in. 67.1 67.1
Overall Height, in. 63.0 60.6
Curb Weight, lbs. 3076 3303
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 62.7 7.4
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 15.0 15.0
Seating Capacity 5 4
Front Head Room, in. 39.2 38.7
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 40.6 40.6
Rear Head Room, in. 39.5 36.4
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 40.9 40.9
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I4 Turbocharged dohc I4 Turbocharged dohc I4
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.4 /148 2.4 /148 2.4 /148
Horsepower @ rpm. 150 @ 5100 180 @ 5100 230 @ 5100
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 165 @ 4000 210 @ 2800 245 @ 2400
Availability Standard Optional Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
5-speed manual 22/29 --/-- 21/27
4-speed automatic 21/26 19/25 19/26
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Chrysler PT Cruiser 4-door wagon Chrysler PT Cruiser 2-door convertible
Front Impact, Driver 4 NA
Front Impact, Passenger 4 NA
Rollover Resistance 4 NA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion None/-- --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Mexico
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Trim Level:  Limited
Arrival Date:  09/06/2007
Engine:  Turbocharged dohc I4
Bodystyle:  4-door wagon
Transmission:  4-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $19,325
Price as Tested:  $23,305
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  3715
Mileage at End of Test:  4228
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  25.244 gals.
 

Major Options:  Opal Metallic Paint, 2CK Limited Package, 4-Speed Auto Transmission, dohc Turbo-charged Engine

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  20.32 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Damon Bell The PT Cruiser's basic design dates back to 2000 (it debuted as an early 2001 model), so it's starting to feel "retro" in more ways than one. However, it still offers a great mix of style, utility, and affordability.

Jack Stewart Even though it's an older design, the PT Cruiser still offers good space and utility in a compact size.

Jennifer Geiger Pros: Small car with a high, commanding view of the road. Quirky, anti-compact car styling inside and out. A relatively low base price. Cons: Coarse, unrefined drivetrain. Terrible turning radius. Lack of curtain side airbags.

Sikora Don PT Cruiser is showing its age, but the original design had enough personality that the car still can make an argument for itself. The high driving position gives a good view of the road, there is hatchback versatility, the interior has more visual interest than the typical small sedan, and the turbocharged engine in our Limited test car had plenty of get-up-and-go. Minuses include the engine that is quite rough at idle, and the ride can get busy on less than perfect surfaces. Lower trim level models with lower sticker prices might make an interesting alternative to some newer small wagons, namely the Dodge Caliber. If you're in the market for a small car, PT Cruiser would be worth driving.

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