2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review

The Chrysler PT Cruiser is one of the oldest kids on the block. But its unique retro styling -- inspired by 1940s cars -- has held up well and its utilitarian design fits nicely in the growing market for crossover vehicles.

Actually, the PT Cruiser is more of a compact, roomy station wagon than a crossover. It comes mostly as a four-door hatchback, but it also is sold as a two-door convertible. Global sales have topped more than 1 million units.

Trim levels are Base, Touring, Limited and GT. Prices go from $14,765 for the Base hatchback model to $29,185 for the GT convertible, although a $19,965 Base convertible and $23,730 Touring convertible also are offered. The highest-priced hatchback is the $23,975 GT.

All versions are well-equipped with comfort and convenience features, although the lack of side curtain air bags makes the PT Cruiser show its age. Still, front-side air bags are standard or optional, depending on the model, as are anti-lock brakes. The GT models have traction control and a sport suspension.

The Base hatchback has such items as AM/FM/CD sound system, split/folding rear seat and power windows and locks with remote keyless entry.

You must move up to the Touring hatchback or Base convertible to get standard air conditioning, (optional in Base hatchback) and power mirrors -- and then up to the Limited for a power sunroof, cruise control, power driver's seat and front side air bags.

The GT models add leather-covered, two-tone sport seats, anti-lock disc brakes, traction control and chrome alloy wheels.

The standard 150-horsepower four-cylinder engine powers the Base, Touring and Limited versions. It has dual overhead camshafts and 16 valves, but it is mainly for in-town cruising. It's best teamed with the standard five-speed manual transmission for the most lively performance, instead of the optional four-speed automatic. However, the Limited hatchback and Touring convertible can be had with a $1,280 turbocharged four-cylinder with 180 horsepower. I tested a Limited hatchback with that engine, which comes only with a responsive automatic transmission in those models.

The top engine is a 230-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder. It's available only in the GT hatchback and convertible, which also come with a sport suspension and the widest (50-series) tires on the PT Cruiser's largest (17-inch) wheels.

The GT is offered with either the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, which has a manual shift gate. It's the fastest PT Cruiser, doing 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, although turbo-engine PT Cruisers have some turbo lag at lower speeds.

The standard PT Cruiser has 15-inch wheels, while the Limited has 16-inch wheels and wider tires, along with a firmer "Touring Suspension."

The 180-horsepower turbo engine greatly improves performance. It delivers an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 25 on highways with the automatic. The economy champ is the 150-horsepower four-cylinder with the manual, at 22 city and 29 highway. Figures with that engine and the automatic are 21 and 26.

The 180-horsepower engine provides 19 city and 25 highway, while the GT engine delivers 21 and 27 with the manual and 19 and 28 with the automatic.

Premium fuel is recommended only for the GT engine, although Chrysler says 87-octane gasoline is "acceptable."

The PT Cruisers I've tested always have been solidly built, and my test car was no exception. It had a generally smooth engine and quick steering with good road feel, although the PT Cruiser's turning circle is rather wide. Handling was sporty and the ride was well-controlled. The brakes felt good, and stopping distances were short.

The comfortable front seats could use more side support, but the hatchback provides decent room for five tall adults, who sit high for a good view of surroundings. The convertible seats four, and it calls for extra effort to enter or leave the rear-seat area.

The dashboard power window switches are offbeat, and my test car's turn signal lever had a balky operation. There's a mixture of small and large sound system controls, but climate controls are commendably large. Front and rear cupholders are too low, but the glove compartment and console bin are roomy and all doors have useful storage pockets.

The hatchback's cargo opening is low, wide and tall. Cargo room is acceptable with the rear seatbacks in their normal position and is significantly expanded with the split rear bench seat folded forward. The fold-flat front passenger seat on Touring and higher-line models is handy when carrying long cargo. The convertible has considerably less cargo space.

The PT Cruiser always will look unique because of its retro styling, and its utilitarian design always will be appreciated.

The GT hatchback or convertible with the 230-horsepower turbo engine and manual transmission provide the most driving fun, with the hatchback offering the best utility.

2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER

PRICE: $14,765-$29,185.

LIKES: Fast with turbo engines. Good handling. Roomy. Distinctive.

DISLIKES: Odd power window switch location. Low cupholders. Wide turning circle.