New 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser [ 2009 , 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 51 PT-Cruiser reviews and test drives.
Chrysler PT Cruiser - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser ranks 1 out of 2 Affordable Compact Wagons. This ranking is based on our analysis of 51 published reviews and test drives of the Chrysler PT Cruiser, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The PT Cruiser, with its spacious interior, offers plenty of cargo and passenger room for the money, but some think that the retro design has become overly familiar and warn potential drivers that the four-cylinder engines are designed more for city travel than highway cruising. In addition, many safety features are extra-cost options.
In addition to its one-of-a-kind styling, the 2008 PT Cruiser's attractive pricing and treasure-trove of interior space has helped the wagon remain a favorite for reviewers. But the price and the cabin are not enough to put it at the top of the affordable compact wagon class, and reviewers say that even a retro-design is starting to show its age. "Chrysler's 1940s-ish retro wagon enters its eighth year just as the market is rediscovering compact hatchbacks," Car and Driver says. "The perky design has worn well, although it's hard to hide its age."
The 2008 PT Cruiser comes in three trims: the base LX, the Touring and the Limited Edition. A new special edition version is also available, the Sunset Boulevard Edition. The highly-rated Scion xB is another hatch that receives attention for its distinctive styling.
- "The Chrysler PT Cruiser combines the retro look of late '30s American icon with modern performance, efficiency and features." -- New Car Test Drive
- "Competitors like the Chevy HHR and Scion xB drive slightly better, but the versatile PT is still a solid choice." -- Car and Driver
- "The PT Cruiser may be a better buy than the company's touted alternative, the Dodge Caliber. The PT Cruiser is a more-solid, stable highway car, and at least the equal of the Caliber around town." -- Orlando Sentinel
PT-Cruiser Performance - 7.0 (Good)
Reviewers mostly forgive the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser for not being a performance vehicle. Instead, the Orlando Sentinel says the wagon's driving experience shines. "Handling is crisp, the ride smooth, and there's a feeling on the highway that you're in a bigger car, in a good way," the reviewer notes. "Around town, the PT Cruiser is nimble and easy to park." Continue with our full Performance Review for more on the PT Cruiser's performance. continue
PT-Cruiser Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)
Aging though it may be, many reviewers still love the PT Cruiser's retro styling. According to New Car Test Drive, "The Chrysler PT Cruiser blends the retro look of a late-1930s or early 1940s American sedan with new-age styling cues such as dual-beam flush headlights and teardrop-shaped taillight lenses." Check out our PT Cruiser Photos to see the stand-out design up-close, or continue with our full Exterior Review for details on the design differences present on the PT Cruiser's Sunset Boulevard Edition. continue
PT-Cruiser Interior - 7.3 (Good)
Reviewers are particularly impressed with the spaciousness inside the Chrysler PT Cruiser, but the interior finish is badly reviewed. "It's a good size," says The Auto Channel, "with enough seating and non-seating variations to make it either a micro-van or small people-carrier." The PT Cruiser Photo Gallery shows the wagon's cargo space and instrument panel, while our full Interior Review tells more about the car's standard features. continue
PT-Cruiser Safety - 8.4 (Very Good)
The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser has driver and passenger frontal air bags, but additional air bags as well as anti-lock brakes are extra-cost options. Still, the Cruiser receives good ratings in government crash tests. Continue with our full Safety Review for more explanation of what's standard or optional with the 2008 PT Cruiser. continue
PT-Cruiser Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Chrysler offers a bumper-to-bumper warranty of 36 months or 36,000 miles. Check out the full Reliability Review for information on Chrysler's lifetime powertrain coverage. continue
