2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser
- 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
- Used Chrysler PT Cruiser
Based on analysis of 52 PT-Cruiser reviews and test drives.
Chrysler PT Cruiser - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser ranks 4 out of 5 Affordable Compact Wagons. This ranking is based on our analysis of 52 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 reviewers complain that it is underpowered. The PT Cruiser is being discontinued in 2009, so if you want one, now is the time to act.
In addition to its one-of-a-kind styling, the 2009 PT Cruiser's attractive pricing and treasure-trove of interior space has helped the wagon remain a favorite for reviewers and buyers. In its heyday, it was one of Chrysler's best selling cars. However, competitors have started offering similar amounts of space in interiors that are more refined, as well as peppier performance. "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."
In the face of financial troubles, Chrysler is discontinuing the PT Cruiser in 2009 as part of an effort to trim its lineup. While that means deep discounts for anyone who wants a PT Cruiser, buying the last of a model isn't without some risks -- a new PT Cruiser will likely depreciate in value faster than its competitors.
Chrysler is currently in the middle of a bankruptcy filing, which is coinciding with a new partnership with Italian automaker Fiat. Existing warranties and new warranties will be honored. They are closing a significant number of dealerships, but a large number will remain that can handle any warranty repair work. For more information, click here. In the meantime, there are some excellent Chrysler Deals out there.
The 2009 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 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a passable choice for those seeking a small wagon, but there are newer competitors that surpass it in virtually all areas." -- Edmunds
- "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 - 7.5 (Good)
Reviewers mostly forgive the 2009 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
PT-Cruiser Exterior - 8.3 (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." continue
PT-Cruiser Interior - 7.7 (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. "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." continue
PT-Cruiser Safety - 6.6 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser has driver and passenger frontal air bags, but additional air bags as well as anti-lock brakes are extra-cost options. The Cruiser receives good ratings in government crash tests, but insurance industry tests reveal a serious safety concern. continue
PT-Cruiser Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2009 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. continue
