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Chrysler PT Cruiser - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser ranks 6 out of 7 Affordable Compact Wagons. This ranking is based on our analysis of 56 published reviews and test drives of the Chrysler PT Cruiser, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Slow and funny looking, the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser is the zombie of the automotive world. Despite falling sales and harsh reviews, the PT Cruiser just won't die. 

Now called the PT Cruiser Classic, the PT Cruiser used to be one of Chrysler's more popular models, so the company decided not to mess with a good thing. Unfortunately, leaving the PT Cruiser alone gave competitors time to catch up with the small wagon's funky look and utilitarian design. Now, the car that helped launch the current crop of stylish small wagons has been surpassed. In fact, the PT Cruiser was scheduled to be discontinued at the end of the 2009 model year, but Chrysler has since decided to let the wagon roll on for another year.

Still, if you like the PT Cruiser's looks and aren't looking for a high-performance car stuffed with features, the PT Cruiser is an affordable and decent-looking way to move people and cargo.  Reviewers say its chair-height seats and wide-opening doors make it easy to get in an out of, something that may be helpful for people with limited mobility.  Plus, for a small car, its cargo area is generous.

If you want better performance in a retro-styled package, check out the Mini Clubman. It costs about $2,000 more than the PT Cruiser, but is seriously fun to drive. If you don't need old-school style, check out the Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen.  It costs about $1,000 more than the PT Cruiser and doesn't have the same distinctive look, but it has a nicer interior and a much better driving experience, plus more safety features.

The 2010 PT Cruiser Class is the only available trim for 2010. Bargain hunters looking for a deal on a Chrysler should check out our Chrysler Deals page.  You might also want to consider a 2009 PT Cruiser.  Not only could you find one with a turbocharged engine (which helps fix some of the PT Cruiser's performance woes), but the 2009 models comes with a lifetime powertrain warranty, something the 2010 model doesn't have.

• "The 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser was pulled from the ashes for one more year, but we think it should have been allowed to die in peace." -- Edmunds
• "Its lack of available curtain side airbags is evidence that PT Cruiser has fallen behind the times. We're disappointed that the turbocharged engine, which provided decent acceleration for this car, has been discontinued. Nonetheless, this tall wagon is adaptable, affordable, and reasonably comfortable." -- Consumer Guide
• "Chrysler's 1940s-esque retro wagon remains versatile for its size but is clearly outdated. A post-bankruptcy stay of execution means the funky hatchback sees its 10th birthday, but there are far better choices in the segment. Unless you love the looks, shop elsewhere." -- Car and Driver
• "The Chrysler PT Cruiser combines the retro look of late '30s American icon with modern performance, efficiency and features." -- New Car Test Drive
• "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)

With only the base engine continuing into 2010, reviewers miss the PT Cruiser's old optional turbocharged engine.  If performance is important to you, you should consider finding a turbocharged 2009 model. Otherwise, reviewers say the PT Cruiser is a decent performer around town, but inadequate anywhere else.  Read More

PT-Cruiser Exterior - 7.4 (Good)

Though the PT Cruiser's retro looks are aging, many reviewers don't hold that against it. 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." Read More

PT-Cruiser Interior - 7.4 (Good)

Reviewers are particularly impressed with the spaciousness inside the Chrysler PT Cruiser, but the interior finish is badly reviewed. Reviewers are displeased with the cheap plastics, even when Chrysler dressed them up with chrome.  Read More

PT-Cruiser Safety - 7.6 (Good)

When it comes to safety, the Chrysler PT Cruiser doesn't offer as many features as the competition.  Read More

PT-Cruiser Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2010 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. Read More