Avg. Price Paid:$8,563 - $10,391
Original MSRP: $18,000 - $24,510
MPG: 21 City / 26 Hwy
Search Used Listings:

2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review

Review Last Updated: 9/29/09

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

Scorecard

Overall: 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser U.S. News Best Cars 7.0
Critics' Rating: 6.8
Performance: 7.4
Interior: 7.7
Safety: 6.6
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
  • Being discontinued this year

Research Other Years

The PT Cruiser, with its spacious interior, offers plenty of cargo and passenger room for the money, but reviewers complain that it is underpowered. 

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."

Originally set to be discontinued in 2009 as part of an effort to trim its lineup, Chrysler has decided to bring back the PT Cruiser for 2010. Bargain hunters looking for a deal on a Chrysler should check out our Chrysler Deals page.

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

 

Next Steps: Chrysler PT Cruiser