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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Overview

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2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser continues as one of the most stylish and fun-to-own compact wagons on the market. While some may argue its retro look has grown tiresome, sales remain strong, as does the demand for aftermarket parts and accessories. Beyond its flamboyant "look at me" exterior, the PT Cruiser provides a roomy and highly flexible interior as adept at hauling kids and cargo as it is serving tailgate, or, rather, liftgate-party duty. Unlike most cars in this segment, Chrysler offers PT buyers a choice of fuel-efficient engines, one of which is turbocharged. Best of all, the PT Cruiser's price tag starts around $15,000, making it a vehicle just about anyone can afford.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you love driving something that pays homage to a great era in American cars, the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser is your vehicle. You don't have to sacrifice for your kicks either, as the PT has loads of space, a clever adjustable rear shelf and a choice of normally-aspirated or turbocharged engines.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a full-size recreation of a 1940s American sedan, the PT Cruiser will be too small and probably not cushy enough for you. And if you look at it as an alternative small SUV like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, the PT Cruiser does not offer the same ground clearance or optional all-wheel drive.

What's Significant About This Car?

Chrysler makes front-seat side-impact airbags standard on all models, as well as a compass and temperature display. New models are now the LX, Touring and Limited; the GT model has been discontinued.

Driving the PT Cruiser

Driving Impressions Driving the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser is much like driving any compact car, only you sit a bit higher and get many more smiles and thumbs-up signs flashed your way....

The steering is precise and without vagueness, the brakes are firm and the handling good. We drove the middle-level Touring model featuring the optional 180-horsepower four-cylinder turbo mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The seamless turbo works in concert with a balanced suspension to deliver a driving experience fitting the car's Cruiser designation. On turbo models, there is very little torque steer, a pleasant surprise for such a powerful front-drive car. There seems to be a good deal of low-end torque as we didn't feel the need to downshift when climbing steep grades or attempting leisurely passing maneuvers.

Favorite Features

Adjustable Rear Shelf
The PT Cruiser's adjustable rear shelf can be set to various heights.

PT Cruiser Exterior
The PT's marvelous exterior lends itself to multiple personality changes.

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Details

Interior

The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser's innovative interior includes a satin-finish dash trim, a retro-looking cue ball shift knob and tall, upright seating. The rear storage area features a moveable shelf that can serve as a table for tailgate parties or a privacy cover to hide valuables. Rear-seat passengers will find plenty of head and legroom and a good view of the road ahead, thanks to the raised rear seats.

Exterior

Clearly one of the most recognizable shapes on the road, the PT's retro panel van styling is truly classic. Though built on the now-defunct Dodge Neon platform, the PT sits up higher than most cars, more like a small SUV. Its tall doors make accessing the interior a breeze and the big rear hatch makes it easy to load long or bulky items. An ample supply of aftermarket body kits and performance-enhancing add-ons allows for some wild customization at bargain-basement prices.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

As standard equipment, the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser LX has a 150-horsepower 2.4-liter engine, five-speed manual transmission, rear defrost, manual side mirrors, AM/FM stereo with CD and MP3 input jack, tilt wheel, power windows, keyless entry, front-seat side-impact air bags, full wheel covers and a rear wiper/washer. The Touring trim adds air conditioning, power driver's seat, cruise control, power mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels and a fold-flat passenger's seat. The Limited model adds a turbocharged engine, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) with low-speed traction control, fog lamps, chrome package, leather seats, power moon roof, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and 17-inch polished aluminum wheels.

Optional Equipment

Options include the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine (Touring) 368-watt Boston Acoustics audio group with six speakers and subwoofer, anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, heated front seats, YES Essentials seat covers, power moon roof and a four-speed automatic transmission.

Under the Hood

The standard engine works well in the PT, giving it good acceleration and respectable fuel economy. For those who want the PT's performance to live up to its racy good looks, a move up to the low-pressure, 180-horsepower turbo engine is recommended, though doing so means you cannot have the five-speed manual transmission.

2.4-liter in-line 4
150 horsepower @ 5100 rpm
165 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/26 (manual), 19/24 (automatic)

2.4-liter in-line 4 Turbocharged
180 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
210 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2800-4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24

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2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.4

Out of 10

Based on 1165 Ratings for the 2001 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

7.8/10

Quality

7.8/10
Reliability

8.0/10

Performance

7.7/10
Comfort

8.1/10

Styling

8.4/10

This is one tough little car!

By MamaBell (NC) on Wednesday, February 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 131,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Good price, fun car, good engine"

Cons: "Gas mileage, no door lock button inside"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"We love our little cruiser. The past two years have been tough financially so between my husband and I who both work and go to school, we shared our 2005 PT Cruiser (putting 60,000 miles on it in that time). We drive it up or down our muddy driveway at least 4 times a day. Recently our timing belt broke at an intersection, I started the car back up when it stalled and drove to the nearest parking lot (a big no no!) but our engine survived! No valves were harmed! We have one tough little car! My complaint is the gas mileage, it's better than a large SUV or truck, but gets about the same as a mini-van."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Overall great car!

By wade (WV) on Wednesday, February 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 101,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Sporty good looks, comfortable, cargo room, quiet"

Cons: "gas mileage, mediocre stereo"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I'm on my second PT Cruiser and still very satisfied with the vehicle overall. No problems with my 2001 model until it died at 120,000 because of overheating. Bought my current 2008 Touring model with 16,000 mi and no troubles at all except normal maintainence. I've had both on long trips and were comfortable and roomy with four people and luggage. Its like a small truck with cargo room. I hauled a washing machine once and the hatch closed no problem. Only complaint is the very low gas mileage which is surprising for a small 4 cyl car. Mixed driving i get 18.5-19 mpg. It should be in the 20's and around 30 highway but it is a heavy car for the engine size. I can't say I regret owning the PT at all. I've been very lucky with mine. I used to think they looked silly but they grow on you once you live with them and find out what a good little car it is. Too bad they didn't redesign it and keep making them."

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