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10 Best Road Trip Convertibles

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 Editorial Staff

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

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2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.4

Out of 10

Based on 1125 Ratings for the 2001 - 2012 Chrysler PT Cruiser models.

Review this car

Value

7.9/10

Quality

7.8/10
Reliability

8.0/10

Performance

7.7/10
Comfort

8.1/10

Styling

8.4/10

Remarkably fast and surprisingly roomy convertible

By Cupcub (PA) on Thursday, May 17, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Affordable, fun to drive, very roomy and comfy,"

Cons: "boot is a chore, trunk lid, turning radius"

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

"So the wife wanted a convertible, but it had to be able to comfortably fit all of us including our 13 year old daughter (and maybe her friend), as well as be in our price range. And knowing her, being sporty was a given. I had misgivings about the Cruiser from some of the things I had heard about it (underpowered, dressed up Neon, etc) but I have to say, the people that say those things have clearly never driven one. Power is ample. Even the non-turbo model is peppy enough for most people. The Turbo-lite version is quite snappy, and the the HO Turbo is downright head-snappingly fast. 230 hp in a small car like that makes for some amazing power to weight ratios. The car feels and drives solidly. Good thunk when you close the doors, knobs and stuff are tight and still working well 7 years later. It's a tall car so body roll is little more than, say, a Golf conv or Miata, but that height makes for a much more comfortable seating position and ride. Give and take. But the back seat is where the PT really makes it's bones as a convertible. At 6' 205, I'm no small fry, but I fit in the rear seat quite comfortably. Leg room is CAVERNOUS. I was stunned how much I enjoyed riding back there for an hour and a half right after we first got it. Shoulder room in the back seat is a little narrow due to the convertible top, but our two young teenage girl passengers fit just right. Driving with the top up is pretty good too. Good sound dampening, a solid feel, no leaks after 7 years. Obviously blind spots with the roof up are a problem, as they are with any convertible, but it's not bad. It's not perfect. Putting the boot on after you take the top down is a chore, and quite often we just leave it off rather than deal with it. It requires premium gas, which can be a little pricey. The trunk is fairly large but not particularly easy to get things into and out of. A better trunk hinge design would have really helped. Although there are aftermarket hinges that can address this problem. Also, turning radius is mediocre at best. But those are minor concerns for an affordable convertible that is fun, roomy and ridiculously cool looking. The wife still gets comments every time she takes her little car into the city with the top down on a warm spring day. If you want my advice, look for a GT model, or if possible a Dreamcruiser IV model. The Dreamcruisers are a bit on the rare side, but well worth it for the extras like Infinity sound, ultra-cool wheels, special paint with matching top. The matching top is the icing on the cake."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Cutest Car

By Redd (WA) on Wednesday, April 04, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 68,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, gets lots of looks"

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

"I have always wanted one and finally got it. And I love the plum color. It's a great little car and would love to have another. Trying to keep this one for a very long time."

12 people out of 16 found this review helpful

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