Chrysler PT Cruiser / PT Cruiser Convertible

April 2008

Introduction

Now entering its eighth model year, the Chrysler PT Cruiser is getting pretty long in the tooth. Originally introduced in 2001, the PT received a minor facelift for 2006.

The PT’s look mimics old-school hot rods, and there’s actually a good deal of space inside with or without the rear seats folded. Underneath the retro styling is either a 2.4-liter inline-four making 150 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque or a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline four that cranks out 180 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. Both engines can be had with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

The standard model lineup is fairly simple, with the fixed-roof four-door being offered in LX, Touring, or Limited trim, while the convertible version is available in base trim only.

Verdict

If you like the style or utility, go for it, but don’t expect to be wowed by the driving experience. The convertible is scheduled to be discontinued after the 2008 model year, so you’ll likely be able to grab one at a discount. Actually, since familiarity breeds cash incentives—and the PT is as old as dirt—there’s also a good chance you’ll be able to nab any PT Cruiser at a discount.

What’s New for 2008

Seat-mounted side airbags are standard on all versions. Every PT Cruiser has a body-color grille and there are six new exterior colors. For the hardtop, the LX model (formerly known simply as the PT Cruiser) has a compass and temperature display as standard and more available stereo options. Satellite radio is now included on the Touring model. The convertible has been consolidated into a single model, and now comes with a standard power driver’s seat, tire-pressure monitoring, and available seat heaters on the cloth seats.

Trim Levels

The PT Cruiser has always offered a lot of style for the money, provided that you like the style and you keep the options to a minimum. The LX starts at $15,685 and includes power windows and locks, keyless entry, a rear wiper, and rear defroster.

The Touring, with a base price of $19,600, adds an automatic transmission, air conditioning, a power driver’s seat, stain-resistant seat fabric, 16-inch tires with aluminum wheels, fog lamps, and floor mats.

For $23,330, the Limited offers less value but does come with the turbocharged engine, anti-lock brakes, chrome trim, leather seats, heated front seats, 17-inch wheels and tires, and SIRIUS satellite radio.

The convertible has a base price of $19,925 and comes with a power-operated soft top, an automatic transmission, stain-resistant seats, a power driver’s seat, a multifunction trip computer, cruise control, air conditioning, power windows and locks, remote entry, and fog lamps.

Your best bet, other than a used PT Cruiser, depends on what you’re looking for. If you don’t want the extra power of the turbo engine, the LX is a wise but frugal choice. Otherwise, go for a Touring and add the optional turbo.

Optional Equipment

You can add an automatic transmission to the PT Cruiser LX for $825. Anti-lock brakes and air-conditioning are notable for not being standard equipment and their lofty prices—$625 for ABS (which includes traction control) and $1000 for A/C. A six-speaker stereo with satellite radio costs $695, or you can add satellite radio to the standard stereo for $195. For $845, you can upgrade the LX to Street Cruiser status, which includes 16-inch chrome wheels, tinted glass, floor mats, and chrome bits for both interior and exterior. Rounding out the LX options, premium exterior paint is $225, an engine block heater is $35, and floor mats cost $30.

On the Touring, you can upgrade to the turbocharged engine for $1905. There’s also a $1450 Signature Series package that includes ABS with traction control, a power sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a sportier suspension, and differing interior and exterior accents. There are two paint upgrades, “extra cost” for $150 and “premium extra cost” for $225. $700 will get you chrome-clad wheels, and another $100 will get you more exterior chrome. Like in the LX, ABS with traction control costs $625, and the engine block heater is $35. As for the rest, the sunroof by itself costs $795, an in-dash six-CD changer stereo with satellite radio costs $800, and heated seats go for $250.

Given the amount of standard equipment, the Limited has but a few optional add-ons. These include the aforementioned six-CD stereo, paint upgrades, and engine block heater at the same price as in other models, and the UConnect hands-free system for Bluetooth-compatible cell phones ($360).

The list of options for the convertible are as follows: turbocharged engine, $1905; 17-inch wheels, $975; ABS with traction control, $625; engine block heater, $35; universal garage door opener, $90; six-CD stereo, $750; heated front seats, $250; and convertible top cover, $200.

Safety

Driver and passenger front and side airbags are standard. ABS is standard only on the Limited model; it otherwise costs $625 and includes traction control. Stability control is not available on any PT Cruiser.