2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review

What the reviewers like:
Fold the rear seats down, and the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser – like its competitor, the Chevrolet HHR – offers about 63 cubic feet of cargo space, far more than almost all other compact wagons except the Scion xB. The back seat is plenty big enough for two tall adults, reviewers say, and three can squeeze in without too much trouble.

What the reviewers don't like:
The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser's interior quality and instrument layout are below average, reviewers say. Testers find it noisy. Without the optional turbo engine, testers find the Chrysler PT Cruiser sluggish while climbing hills and passing. Both the Scion xB (24 mpg) and Chevrolet HHR (25 mpg) beat the Chrysler PT Cruiser's 23 mpg mixed fuel economy.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 18 to 21 mpg city, 24 to 26 mpg highway, depending on transmission and premium vs. regular fuel

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser review highlights

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.

Also see full report: Station Wagons

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. IFCAR.net
Comparison Test: Compact Wagons
Editors of 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.

2. Car and Driver
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2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Wagon Review
Editors of 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.

3. Consumer Reports
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Chrysler PT Cruiser Review
Editors of Consumer Reports

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.

4. Consumer Guide.com
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Full Review
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
Dec. 13, 2007

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.

5. KBB.com
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Editors of 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.

Also see full report: Station Wagons