2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review Summaries

What reviewers liked most about the Chrysler PT Cruiser:

Body roll is well-controlled, particularly in view of the relatively high center of gravity.

-- Car and Driver

The PT Turbo takes the Cruiser's retro styling and adds some sweet touches...a chrome exhaust tip and 17-inch aluminum wheels toughen up the PT's already fetching hot-rod look.

-- Cars.com

White-faced gauges with chrome rings, a one-touch tilt/slide sunroof, power windows, power locks, sliding sun visors, dual power outlets, and a CD/cassette combination sound system all contribute to a strong sense of value.

-- Edmunds.com

Maximum cargo capacity is a cavernous 76 cubic feet and the highly configurable interior allows for 26 different seating/cargo space arrangements.

-- Edmunds.com

Inside, it's updated too, with easier-to-read instruments and a more modern appearance to the center stack.

-- Road & Track

What reviewers liked least about the Chrysler PT Cruiser:

A quick rap on just about any interior surface will reveal hard plastic where many of today's vehicles feature soft-touch material.

-- Edmunds.com

The PT Cruiser's greatest weakness is found under the hood - anemic [with the base engine] horsepower. An extra 30 horsepower (for a grand total of 180) would go a long way toward making an incredibly fun driving experience more enjoyable.

-- Road & Track

Chrysler PT Cruiser Comparisons:

The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 offer something the new Chrysler doesn't, that is, four-wheel drive, but the Cruiser beats 'em on capacity, cargo versatility, and style, hands down.

-- Car and Driver

Not only does the PT Turbo boast a 65-horse gain over the PT, but torque twists 83 more lb-ft, for a 245 total. Enthusiasts, your pocket retro rocket has arrived.

-- Motor Trend

Best one-liner about the Chrysler PT Cruiser:

I like my old cars old and my new cars new.

-- Road & Track