2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible
in Affordable Four-Seat Convertibles
Based on analysis of 27 PT-Cruiser-Convertible reviews and test drives.
Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible ranks 3 out of 9 Affordable Four-Seat Convertibles. This ranking is based on our analysis of 27 published reviews and test drives of the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The PT Cruiser Convertible combines the funky retro-styling of the PT cruiser with the fun of top-down driving, but doesn't excel in performance or comfort, and many feel that the "sport bar" over the seats mars the look of the car.
The original PT Cruiser shook up the auto industry with its 1930s-style design when it debuted in 2001, but with the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, some reviewers wonder if the car's once-innovative retro look may have become stale and overly familiar. Many feel that Chrysler didn't succeed in translating the look into a drop-top, leaving an odd "sport bar" over the seats that more than one reviewer compares to a basket handle. Reviews do praise it for a quiet top-down ride and a comfortable interior, and note its relatively low price as a strong selling point. In our rankings, the PT Cruiser Convertible is a solid performer that scores well across all categories but doesn't excel in any. But, since it's available with the lowest price in the class, that could be a good argument for test driving one. The PT Cruiser is a fairly inexpensive way to own a decent four-seat convertible, but it's not a standout in any way.
For 2008, Chrysler has changed very little. The PT Cruiser Convertible is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with a turbocharged version available as an option. It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic is available. The convertible's top lowers at the flip of a switch, but many reviews complain that the tonneau cover Chrysler provides to cover the roof when it is in the retracted position is very difficult to attach.
- "Cute it is. But, best of all, it demands little in the way of compromise for the fun of open-air motoring. Storage is ample, the ride is comfortable." -- Newsday
- "Where other convertibles try to be sleek, sassy or just plain speedy, the PT goes for fun, pure and simple. There's little fancy here, although the car is well-equipped and comfortable." -- Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
- "Top down, Cruiser was a consistent head-turner and conversation starter and a ton of fun to drive." -- Arizona Republic
- "As convertibles go, it's a good one for function, with significantly more luggage room and ten inches more rear legroom for its two rear-seat passengers than the open-topped VW, itself sporting more legroom than the Ford Mustang convertible, the PT's other close price competitor." -- Automobile Magazine
- "It is cute, quick, and practical. In the world of compact droptops, it doesn't get much better than that." -- Car and Driver
PT-Cruiser-Convertible Performance - 7.4 (Good)
Reviews find the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible an adequate performer. Nothing seems to stand out about its performance, either positively or negatively. "With the 180-horse engine," says the Arizona Republic, "Cruiser accelerates nicely, even with four people on board. Freeway driving is quiet and composed, with plenty of power available for passing or merging." Our full PT Cruiser Convertible Performance Review gives details on handling and braking. continue
PT-Cruiser-Convertible Exterior - 7.1 (Good)
The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser is one of the most unique-looking vehicles on the road, and many in the automotive press don't like the look at all. "Some cars look natural as a convertible, some don't," says the Orlando Sentinel. "The PT Cruiser convertible's styling seems a little forced and uncomfortable...a PT Cruiser with the top down looks like a picnic basket." Reviewers who do like the look consistently call it "cute." Check out the PT Cruiser Convertible Photo Gallery to see the "sport bar" over the rear seats that so many reviewers disliked, or read our full Exterior Review for commentary on the look. continue
PT-Cruiser-Convertible Interior - 7.1 (Good)
The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser offer a roomy and reasonably comfortable ride with the top up, and one of the quieter rides in the class with the top down. The Boston Globe says, "Top up, the ride was remarkably quiet," while, "With the top down, wind noise was better than most" in this class. The PT Cruiser Convertible Photo Gallery shows the cabin in more detail, while our full Interior Review discusses the strange proportions of the convertible's trunk, which bothered many testers. continue
PT-Cruiser-Convertible Safety - NA
The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible has not yet been crash tested by either the federal government or the insurance industry. Standard safety equipment includes six air bags, but anti-lock brakes remain an extra-cost option. Continue with our full Safety Review to read about more safety features. continue
PT-Cruiser-Convertible Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible 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). The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible 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). The PT Cruiser Convertible is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Our full Reliability Review provides more information on the PT Cruiser's predicted reliability. continue
