Best economy car, hatchback 2011 Honda Fit *Est. $15100
Best economy car, sedan 2011 Hyundai Elantra *Est. $14830
Best sporty compact car 2011 Volkswagen GTI *Est. $23695
Best nonhybrid fuel economy 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI *Est. $23225
Best cheap compact car 2011 Nissan Versa *Est. $9990

See All Economy Cars

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser

*Est. $15,285 to $22,930

Pros

Unique styling
Comfortable rear seat
Roomy, versatile cargo area
Above-average long-term reliability

Cons

Non-turbo engines have subpar torque and power
Significant body lean
Not at all like the conventional design

Our Analysis

Probably the most extensive review we found for the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser comes from Edmunds.com, where editors offer thorough, easy-to-read overviews of their vehicle testing. Though not formally comparative, these articles do include some brief qualitative analysis of how each car measures up with class-leading rivals. We also found informative features at Cars.com and Consumer Reports. Motor Trend magazine provides a video review of the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser for visually oriented shoppers. CarCritic.com publishes a short "Ruthless Review" that addresses issues such as predicted reliability and depreciation. ConsumerGuide.com remains an excellent resource for specifications and options information on the new PT Cruiser.

Retro styling and a spacious interior are the primary strengths of the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Most sources also appreciate the availability of four-door wagon and convertible body styles (though the latter will be dropped after 2008). Experts say the rear seat is especially roomy and folds flat for flexible cargo options. While most reviewers like the PT Cruiser, we found better reviews for similarly priced competitors such as the Honda Fit (*est. $13,950 to $16,070) and the Mazda3 hatchback (*est. $13,995 to $20,295). Overall, the 2008 PT Cruiser is considered to be worth a test drive for buyers who desire plenty of interior versatility and can appreciate the PT Cruiser's unconventional exterior. The most significant changes for 2008 are the discontinuation of the high-performance GT model and the addition of standard seat-mounted side air bags.

Where To Buy

Get Free Price Quotes for
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Our Sources

1. ConsumerGuide.com

At ConsumerGuide.com, the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser hovers around the average score for compact cars. Turbo-charged limited models are praised for their acceleration, but non-turbo PT Cruisers are lethargic. Cargo space is also a highlight of the wagon.

Review: 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Sept. 9, 2008

2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Editors last road-tested the Chrysler PT Cruiser for the 2006 model year, but little has changed since then. The PT Cruiser is assigned ratings in several categories, and these can be compared with other wagons' and hatchbacks'.

Review: 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Editors of Consumer Reports

3. Edmunds.com

Editors at Edmunds.com note that the aging Chrysler PT Cruiser has been surpassed by competitors. Nevertheless, they say that the 2008 PT Cruiser is spacious, functional and affordable, and that its retro design enhances its appeal.

Review: 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review, Editors of Edmunds.com

4. Cars.com

Editors at Cars.com say the spacious interior, unique styling and agile handling are particular strengths of the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. They add that handling is "nimble," but that there is some body lean in curves.

Review: 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Editors of Cars.com, Sept. 1, 2007

5. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

This video review details changes to the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser lineup. It covers interior design and vehicle specifications as well.

Review: 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Editors at Motor Trend

6. CarCritic.comDetails/Subscribe

CarCritic.com says the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser is "as appealing as ever," with peppy engine choices and a design that doesn't need much improvement. Editors offer a bottom-line assessment, but this review isn't truly comparative.

Review: 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Don Vorderman

2011 Ford Fiesta Base MSRP: $13,320 to $17,120

8 picks including: Car and Driver, Cars.com…

2011 Volkswagen Golf Base MSRP: $17,995 to $19,755

8 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2011 Honda Civic Base MSRP: $15,605 to $25,490

5 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2011 Mini Cooper Base MSRP: $19,400 to $31,300

5 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2011 Mazda3 Base MSRP: $15,800 to $23,010

5 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…

2011 Volkswagen Jetta Base MSRP: $14,995 to $22,995