Used 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser

People who drive convertibles often like their cars to stand out, a fact most manufacturers and designers take into account. If unmistakable styling is the hallmark of a great convertible, then the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible should win top honors. Based on the popular PT Cruiser Wagon, the convertible sheds its top (as well as its two rear doors and flip-up hatch) to create an open-air cockpit large enough to accommodate four adults. When outfitted with the optional turbocharged engine the PT Cruiser Convertible can be quite the barnburner and, with its top in place, the PT takes on the look of a nifty chop-top ’40s cruiser.

We drove the middle-level Touring model featuring the 180-horsepower four-cylinder turbocharged engine 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. With the top in place, noise levels are surprisingly low, but the narrow windows and thick C-pillar make for a rather claustrophobic environment and hinder visibility. The PT Cruiser Convertible is much more enjoyable in open air mode, and we found the rushing wind no match for the optional Boston Acoustics sound system. Not too hard and not too soft, the PT Cruiser Convertible is an ideal Sunday driver.

The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible’s retro theme doesn’t stop at the sheet metal. Interior touches such as the stylish, retro-look cue-ball shift knob conspire to keep occupants in a good-ol’-days state of mind. Driver and passenger sit high for a commanding view of the road, while theater-style seating lifts rear passengers even higher. The fold-and-tumble rear seats open up enough cargo space to accommodate two sets of golf clubs. We’ve always considered the PT Cruiser Wagon a good value, and in convertible form the same holds true, though some of the cost saving is evident in cheap-looking interior plastic. With the top dropped, however, the PT’s minor interior shortcomings become irrelevant. Oddly, the SIRIUS Satellite Radio option available on the PT Wagon is not available.

The versatility of the PT’s original design shows itself with the creation of the two-door convertible. Not only does the PT Cruiser make a surprisingly attractive convertible with the top down, we also like the more rakish and slightly more sinister roofline created with the top up. Dare we say the look evokes a hint of Chrysler’s popular 300 sedan?

Revised Roofline
With the top up, the PT ragtop looks a little more mischievous than its fixed-roof older brother.

Theater-Style Seating
Rear-seat passengers get a better view of the action from seating that’s mounted higher than in front.

The 2008 PT Cruiser Convertible features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 150 horsepower through a five-speed manual transmission. Other standard features include beige or black power folding top with glass rear window, front seat side-impact airbags, AM/FM stereo with single CD and MP3 input jack, YES Essentials stain- and odor-resistant seat covers, power driver’s seat, fog lamps, 16-inch aluminum wheels, power deck lid release, keyless entry, power mirrors, tilt steering wheel, air conditioning, cargo pass-through and power windows and locks.

Options include a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, four-speed automatic transmission, in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 player, 368-watt Boston Acoustics package with in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 player and six speakers, heated cloth front seats, leather seating, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with low-speed traction control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, UConnect Hands-free Communication System and 17-inch polished aluminum wheels wrapped in performance tires.

The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is okay for around-town driving, but lacks the punch to move the PT with gusto. The optional low-pressure turbo is a better choice, especially with the 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: 20/25 (manual), 18/24 (automatic)