2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Summary & Specs Review at Automotive.com
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2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review: Summary & Specs

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2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review

Retrowagon, and gangster convertible.

2008 PT Cruiser Review Summary & Specifications

The Chrysler PT Cruiser appeals to people of all ages and lifestyles with its whimsical, retro design. Its affordability increases its appeal. It's also practical, with a roomy, versatile interior. It isn't particularly refined, however. The convertible offers genuine open-air fun and is great for carrying four people, but there's no place for cargo. The lower-priced models offer the best value and we think they make the most sense.

NewCarTestDrive editor Mitch McCullough filed this report from Los Angeles, with Jeff Vettraino and Phil Berg reporting from Detroit and Kirk Bell reporting from Chicago.

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Specs
Vehicle CategorySport Utility Vehicles
EditorNew Car Test Drive
Model LineupChrysler PT Cruiser LX wagon ($14,940); convertible ($18,530); Touring wagon ($18,930); Limited wagon ($22,660)
Engines (standard)2.4-liter dohc 16-valve turbocharged inline-4
Transmissions (standard)four-speed automatic
Engines (optional)150-hp 2.4-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4; 180-hp 2.4-liter dohc 16-valve turbocharged inline-4
Transmissions (optional)five-speed manual; four-speed automatic
Safety Equipment (standard)front airbags, torso-protecting front side-impact airbags, tire-pressure monitor, seat belt pretensioners, LATCH child-seat anchors
Safety Equipment (optional)four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control
Basic Warranty3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled InToluca, Mexico
Manufacturer Phone1-800-CHRYSLER
Manufacturer URLwww.chrysler.com
Base Price MSRP14940


2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Specs as Tested
Model Tested MSRPChrysler PT Cruiser Touring ($18,930)
Standard EquipmentYES Essentials cloth upholstery; air conditioning; six-way power driver's seat with lumbar adjustment AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo; tilt steering wheel; cruise control power windows; speed-sensitive power locks; remote keyless entry; engine immobilizer; tinted glass; rear window defroster, wiper, and washer; 65/35 split folding and removable rear seat; trip computer; theft-deterrent system;; power mirrors; fog lights rear spoiler; P205/55R16 tires on alloy wheels
Options as Tested (MSRP)2.4-liter turbocharged engine with antilock four wheel disc brakes and traction control ($1905); four-speed automatic transmission; sunroof ($795); Sound Group II with 368-watt Boston Acoustics audio system, Sirius satellite radio with one-year subscription and 6-disc CD changer ($800)
Destination Charge640
Gas Guzzler Tax
Price as Tested23895
Layoutfront-wheel drive
Horse Power180 @ 5200
Torque210 @ 2800-4000
Fuel Economy18/24
Wheelbase103.0
Length/Width/Height168.9/67.1/63.0
Track Front/Rear
Turning Radius40.2
Seating Capacity5
Front Head/Hip/Leg room39.2/50.1/40.6
Middle Head/Hip/Leg room
Rear Head/Hip/Leg room39.5/46.7/40.9
Trunk Volume62.7
Payload
Towing Capacity
Front Suspensionindependent, MacPherson struts, asymmetrical lower control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Suspensiontwist-beam axle, trailing arms, transverse Watt's linkage, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Ground Clearance5.5
Curb Weight3222
Stock Tires205/55R16
Brakes Front/Rearvented disc/solid disc with ABS
Fuel Capacity15.0
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser