Acceleration

Convertible w/150 hp, automatic	Limited, automatic	Class Average
4	6	4.8

The 150-hp engine is fine for around-town cruising but weak on hills or in highway passing. A manual-transmission version did 8.9 seconds 0-60 mph in our tests. Automatics are significantly slower. There's little lag with the turbocharged engine, and it's noticeably stronger in all situations. The automatic transmission is responsive, despite a tendency to lurch when downshifting.

Fuel Economy

Convertible w/150 hp, automatic	Limited, automatic	Class Average
5	5	6.7

In Consumer Guide testing, 150-hp models averaged 18.5-23.0 mpg with automatic transmission and 18.3-22.1 with the manual. With the 180-hp engine, test Limited wagons averaged 19.5-20.3 mpg. Chrysler recommends regular gas for 150-hp models and premium-grade gas for 180-hp models.

Ride Quality

Convertible w/150 hp, automatic	Limited, automatic	Class Average
6	5	5.1

All models absorb bumps reasonably well. Limited and convertible models have a sport suspension that feels more controlled than the base setup but transmits more vibration. The convertible is less prone to body flex than many four-seat droptops.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Convertible w/150 hp, automatic	Limited, automatic	Class Average
6	6	5.9

PT Cruisers have good grip in turns from the 16- and 17-inch tires. Fast corners induce noticeable body lean, but no tippiness. Manual-transmission versions suffer mild torque steer. PT's wide turning circle frustrates low-speed maneuverability. All models tested had ABS and exhibited good control, pedal feel.

Quietness

Convertible w/150 hp, automatic	Limited, automatic	Class Average
4	5	4.5

Coarse pavement induces some road roar. Wind rush starts to intrude at 65 mph. Convertibles are only slightly noisier top up and fairly calm top down. In all versions, the engine never sounds smooth and is especially coarse above 4000 rpm.

Controls

Convertible w/150 hp, automatic	Limited, automatic	Class Average
6	5	5.7

The instrument panel carries on the exterior's retro theme but is contemporary for its ease of use. The dashboard-mounted power-window switches are odd, but convertibles add a handy "all up/all down" button.

Details

Convertible w/150 hp, automatic	Limited, automatic	Class Average
5	5	5.2

PT Cruiser's interior liberally uses hard plastics, but they don't look cheap. Assembly quality is unexceptional.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Convertible w/150 hp, automatic	Limited, automatic	Class Average
6	6	5.7

There's just adequate headroom for tall drivers, despite PT's high body build. Chair-height seats are comfortable. Wide doorways allow simple step-in entry. Sight lines are clear on the wagon, though rear headrests are minor obstructions. A small rear window on the convertible greatly restricts the view.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Convertible w/150 hp, automatic	Limited, automatic	Class Average
5	6	4.1

Wagons have the same chair-height stance as in front. Six-footers are comfortable and uncrowded in the outboard positions. There's even enough room for a rear center-seater with a little squeezing. The convertible's rear seat only fits two and offers a bit less space than wagon, but more than most other convertibles. Entry to its rear seat is hindered by a roll bar and front shoulder-belt anchors.

Cargo Room

Convertible w/150 hp, automatic	Limited, automatic	Class Average
2	8	4.9

Cargo room is generous and versatile in the wagon. A fold-flat front-passenger seat is handy for loading long objects. Space is modest behind the rear seat, but a 65/35 split rear bench folds or removes to create a tall, wide cargo bay. The convertible's short, vertical trunklid restricts the size of objects that can be carried and makes loading an awkward maneuver. Its rear seatback folds to reveal a small pass-through, and cargo space is better than in most droptop competitors.

Value within Class

Convertible w/150 hp, automatic	Limited, automatic	Class Average
4	6	6.2

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

Convertible w/150 hp, automatic	Limited, automatic	Class Average
53	63	58.8

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		50
Average Score		58
High Score		71