• 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser

• Used Chrysler PT Cruiser
• Repairs Chrysler PT Cruiser

These scores and this review are from when the car was new.

Scorecard

Overall:	2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser U.S. News Best Cars 8.5
Critics' Rating:	8.7
Performance:	7.0
Interior:	7.3
Safety:	8.4
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• Spacious and versatile interior for both passengers and cargo
• Sensibly priced

• Aging design, with competition from other manufacturers
• Available engines are underpowered
• Many safety features are extra-cost options

Research Other Years

• 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser
• 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser
• 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser

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