2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser drops the high-performance GT models from its roster. This retro-styled compact car comes as a five-passenger, 4-door wagon and as a four-seat, 2-door convertible. Wagons comes in base, Touring, and Limited trims. The convertible has a power-folding soft top and comes as a single model. All PT Cruisers have a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. Base and Touring versions have 150 hp. Limiteds are turbocharged and have 180 hp, and this engine is optional on the Touring and convertible. Manual or automatic transmission is offered. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, and front side airbags. Available on base wagons is a Street Cruiser Group, which includes unique trim and chrome alloy wheels.

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 99.4 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.

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.

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (turbos)	Acceleration (nonturbo w/automatic transmission)

Passenger and cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Convertible w/150 hp, automatic	Limited, automatic	Class Average
4	6	4.9

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	6.5

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. All PT Cruisers use regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

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

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	4.4

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	5

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

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	58.4

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		50
Average Score		58
High Score		71

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/02/2008

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door wagon	$15,285	$14,409	$670

Base 2-door convertible	$18,430	$17,346	$670

Touring 4-door wagon	$19,200	$17,972	$670

Limited 4-door wagon	$22,930	$21,366	$670

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

Model	Rebate & Incentives	Type	Expires

See Dealer	A $2.99 per gallon gasoline incentive is offered on qualifying 2008 and 2009 models. See dealer for details.	Customer	07/07/08

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, front side airbags, tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, 195/65R15 tires, wheel covers.

Base convertible adds to Base wagon:

Powertrain

4-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, cruise control, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, power mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors, power convertible top, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: rear wiper/washer, rear spoiler.

Fog lights, Touring Suspension, 205/55R16 tires, alloy wheels.

Touring adds to Base wagon:

Powertrain

4-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, cruise control, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, fold-flat passenger seat, power mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear privacy glass, fog lights, 205/55R16 tires, alloy wheels.

Limited adds to Touring wagon:

Powertrain

2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, traction control.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof, satellite radio.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Touring Suspension, 205/50R17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Street Cruiser Group
Base wagon	$1,770	$1,628
Unique interior and exterior trim, floormats, rear privacy glass, 205/55R16 tires, chrome alloy wheels.

Signature Quick Order Pkg. 28P
Touring	$1,450	$1,334
Traction control, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, power sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome exterior and interior trim, Touring Suspension, 205/50R17 tires.

Sound Group
Base wagon, Touring	$695	$639
Boston Acoustics sound system, satellite radio.

Sound Group II
Base convertible	$750	$690
Touring, Limited	$800	$736
Boston Acoustics AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.

Chrome Appearance Group
Touring	$100	$92
Touring w/2.4-liter turbocharged engine	$85	$78
Chrome exterior and interior trim.

Powertrain
2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
Base convertible, Touring	$1,905	$1,753
Includes traction control, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

4-speed automatic transmission
Base wagon	$825	$759


Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes
Base, Touring	$625	$575
Includes traction control.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning
Base wagon	$1,000	$920


Power sunroof
Touring	$795	$731


Satellite radio
Base wagon	$195	$179


UConnect
Limited	$360	$331
Wireless cell phone link. Includes automatic day/night rearview mirror.

Leather upholstery
Base convertible	$525	$483


Heated front seats
Base convertible, Touring	$250	$230


Universal garage door opener
Base convertible	$90	$83


Floormats
Base wagon	$30	$28


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
Base convertible, Base wagon, Limited, Touring	$35	$32


Convertible top boot
Base convertible	$200	$184


Special paint
Base	$150	$138


Premium paint
Base convertible, Base wagon, Limited, Touring	$225	$207


205/50R17 tires
Base convertible	$125	$115
Requires polished alloy wheels.

Polished alloy wheels
Base convertible	$975	$897
Base convertible w/2.4-liter turbocharged engine	$350	$322
Includes traction control, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. Requires 205/50R17 tires.

Chrome alloy wheels
Touring	$700	$644
Touring w/Signature Series Pkg.	$350	$322

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2008 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

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.4 /148	2.4 /148

Horsepower @ rpm.	150 @ 5100	180 @ 5100

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	165 @ 4000	210 @ 2800

Availability	Standard	Optional

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	21/26	20/25

4-speed automatic	19/24	18/24

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

Side Impact, Driver	4	NA

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5	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	Lifetime/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/100,000	--

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

< 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Photos

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser New Car Quote >

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

Also in the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review:

Chrysler PT Cruiser

Chrysler PT Cruiser Road Test

Chrysler PT Cruiser Prices & Equipment

Chrysler PT Cruiser Specs & Safety

Chrysler PT Cruiser Photos