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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser

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

Overview

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2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2009 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 $18,500, 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 2009 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 New for 2009

No major changes for 2009.

Driving the PT Cruiser

Driving Impressions Driving the 2009 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 Limited model featuring the more powerful 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.

2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser Details

Interior

The 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser's innovative interior includes a satin-finish dash trim, a retro-looking color-keyed 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 old 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 2009 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, air conditioning, power windows, keyless entry, front-seat side-impact air bags, full wheel covers and a rear wiper/washer. The Touring trim adds an automatic transmission, 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, uconnect with 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 seat 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

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles for sale near you.

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2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.4

Out of 10

Based on 1202 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

LV LV LV MY PT CRUISER!

By Nita (AZ) on Saturday, July 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

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

"Every owner of a PT Cruiser that I have ever talked to loves theirs as much as I love mine! I can't understand why they stopped making them!....I am tall and I can get in and out of the PT without hitting my head! It parks in small spaces & you sit up high enough to make looking for oncoming traffic very easy & safe! The 'boot' or 'hatch back' aka: trunk, is so convenient and roomy. I've been amazed at how much I can carry in it. The back seats fold down or can even be lifted out easily to make more hauling room"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Worst model ever

By Boyfriend#1 (OH) on Thursday, July 25, 2013

I don't own this car

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 2/10
Comfort: 2/10

Pros: "good price, 4 doors, cheap to fix (sometimes)"

Cons: "not built to last, cheap, poor performance"

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

"The longetivity of these vehicles is terrible. 1 minor accident and now my gf's car is almost useless. Even after it has been fixed. Too many problems for 104,000 miles. Do not waste your money. Just a poor all aroud vehicle. Cheap materials. The motor is still running, but barely. The interior seems to have been nice, thats more wear and tear though. This vehicle really is not built to last."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Very good solid car

By Eagle0127 (OK) on Monday, July 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 38,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Comfortable and fun to drive"

Cons: "Low gas mileage"

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

"Our Street Cruiser was purchased new 7/08. The car is comfortable and fun to drive. No mechanical problems whatsoever. Have replaced battery. Original tires. Very roomy for a small car with backseats laid down. My only complaint is the "low" gas mileage, about 22 to 24 overall, which I suspect is due to the 4 speed auto transmission. (This is compared to my 2010 Ford Fusion, which gets 33 mpg, with 6 sped trans and same size 2.4L engine.)"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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My Best Vehicle Ever!!

By Azzuraye (TX) on Sunday, July 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 106,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Great Price, Roomy, good gas mileage, stylish"

Cons: "Still for it and have not found it yet!"

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

"I love this car!!!....Mine is a "Yellow" Limited Edition which has cruise control, plenty of comfort and a dream to drive and park. You may ask why "Yellow" well, I am 64 years old and I can find it in the largest parking lots and most everyone can see it coming at stop signs, in the streets and on the freeways.The A/C is great an everyone in the car feels it and is comfortable. The moon roof opens wide enough for my rear passengers to feel the breeze. It's good on gas and surprisingly as a 4 cylinder it has amazing power much like a 6 or a 8. If you are looking for a car that is dependable, stylish and roomy-this is the car for you."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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I would send pictures,but I don't know how .

By tom (OH) on Saturday, July 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 62,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "great ride,fun to drive and real attention getter."

Cons: "The turning radius is terrible."

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

"My car is a trophy winning car.It is blue with goast flames,chrome molding front grill,belt line,chrome covers on headlights and tail lights,(blue diamond in tail lights.. Dummy spot lights lights,windshiel visor,leg pipes,duel exaust,double D back window and a continental kit on the deck lid. Also a flying lady on the hood,fender skirts,chrome pads on the door openers.I also have three wide chrome strips on front doors (48 chev style) and last but not least wind deflectors on windows.Parts and labor was very close to 10,000."

1 person out of 3 found this review helpful

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I love this car

By jeani (MA) on Thursday, July 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 85,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

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

"All the seats fold down and you can fit all your home depot needs in it. And have done road trips with 5 people and it is fine, plenty of room. NOt low like a car, but not big like an SUV. Perfect size."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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See all 1202 reviews