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2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser

*Est. $15,015 to $22,660
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Pros
  • Cargo space with rear seats folded
  • Roomy rear seat for three adults
Cons
  • Below-average interior quality
  • Sluggish on hills with base engine
  • Fuel economy lags behind competition

Of the trio of boxy wagons -- the Scion xB (*est. $15,650 to $16,600), the Chevrolet HHR (*est. $16,175 to $17,475) and the Chrysler PT Cruiser -- reviewers recommend the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser the least, saying it falls behind both of those wagons on fuel economy, and the PT Cruiser's passenger and cargo space -- while quite roomy, testers say, and comparable to the Chevrolet HHR wagon -- are smaller than the Scion xB. Testers say the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser's interior and instrument layout are below average, and the car tends to be noisy. Although an optional turbo engine accelerates nicely, the base engine is criticized for being sluggish when passing and climbing hills. The Chrysler PT Cruiser isn't likely to hold its value as well as competitors, and some reviewers say that the retro styling is wearing thin. After Chrysler stopped producing the Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible in December, reports in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and elsewhere predict Chrysler will kill the entire Chrysler PT Cruiser line in 2009.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser is one of 13 compact wagons that the Institute for Consumer Automotive Research ranks from best to worst. Car and Driver draws comparisons between the Chevrolet PT Cruiser and two other boxy wagons, the Chevrolet HHR (*est. $16,175 to $17,475)and Scion xB (*est. $15,650 to $16,600). Although KBB.com's review is not comparative, it is useful because it concentrates on practical aspects of the Chrysler PT Cruiser, such as cargo room and fuel economy. Reviewers at Consumer Reports and ConsumerGuide.com use road tests to rank the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser against other wagons.

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Our Sources

1. IFCAR.net

The Chrysler PT Cruiser falls in eleventh place in the Institute for Consumer Automotive Research's ranking of 13 compact station wagons. Only the Dodge Caliber and Suzuki Reno, which are really compact hatchbacks, fare worse. Testers like the PT Cruiser's cargo space and roomy seats, but note problems.

Review: Comparison Test: Compact Wagons, Editors of IFCAR.net

2. Car and Driver

After eight years, the Chrysler PT Cruiser wagon is showing its age, Car and Driver concludes. Still, although this review finds competitor wagons such as the Chevrolet HHR and Scion xB drive slightly better, it still recommends the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser as a solid choice.

Review: 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Wagon Review, Editors of Car and Driver

3. ConsumerReports.org

Although Consumer Reports' road test of the Chrysler PT Cruiser wagon is based on the 2006 model, it has updated its review – as well as its lists of the Chrysler PT Cruiser's specifications and measurements – to reflect changes for 2008. The review includes a predicted reliability score for the Chrysler PT Cruiser, but you must be a subscriber to read this report.

Review: Chrysler PT Cruiser Review, Editors of Consumer Reports

4. ConsumerGuide.com

The Chrysler PT Cruiser wagon doesn't earn spots on ConsumerGuide.com's "Best Buy" or "Recommended" lists. This review provides a thorough critique of the 2008 PT Cruiser, including its passenger and cargo room, and acceleration with various engine options.

Review: 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Full Review, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Dec. 13, 2007

5. KBB.com

Although not a comparative review, KBB.com covers several practical aspects of the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser wagon. Testers praise its roomy, flexible interior – good at hauling kids and cargo or serving tailgate duty, they say – and its affordability, while noting the Chrysler PT Cruiser's drawbacks.

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

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