Entering its final year, the PT Cruiser is an exceptional car for a low price. There's no vehicle quite like it.

The PT Cruiser, now entering its 8th and final year, is a fun car for a good price. Since its launch in 2000, the Cruiser’s creative design has inspired a series of retro and boxy takeoffs. Some of these trendy new cars, like the Scion XB, are innovative in their own right. But there’s nothing quite like the original.

Design Review

It’s easy to spot a PT Cruiser on the road. It is a nostalgic combination of genres, blending the style of the 1930s panel truck with the attitude of the 50s and 60s hot rods, at it’s hard not to love the exterior. Small wagon and convertible versions are available.

Not a lot has changed since the 2007 model, when optional stain-resistant fabric and remote key entry were introduced. One important difference is in the safety; side airbags were introduced for 2008.

It’s a nice car to drive. The driver has the feeling of sitting higher on the road than in many little cars, and the seats are plain and comfortable. It’s easy to steer and quiet on the road.

As much as this is a lovable car, there are a few complaints. The car body is quite low on the road and may scrape on bumpy driveways or curbs. The wide turning radius is noticeable in the city, and the gas mileage (19 city/ 24 highway) leaves much to be desired.

If you like the PT Cruiser design but want to differentiate it from every other Cruiser on the road, wait for the special edition Sunset Boulevard later this year (there will only be 500 of them).

Potential Buyers

The PT Cruiser appeals to a range of buyers. Retro is in style these days, so the design appeals to people of all ages. This is a good primary car for a single person, a good low-priced first car for a young driver, a good city car, and a good second car for a family. If you have a long commute to work, the poor gas mileage may make you look elsewhere. The small PT Cruiser is not appropriate as the primary car of a large family.

Selected Specs

Length: 168.9 in

Height: 63 in

Width: 67.1 in

Ground Clearance: 6 in

Maximum seating: 5

Luggage Capacity: 21.2 cubic ft

Base Cylinders: 4

Base Engine: Inline 4

Maximum Horsepower: 5100 rpm

Drive Type: FWD

Base Engine Size: 2.4 liters

Horsepower: 150 hp

Torque: 165 ft-lbs

Turning Circle: 36.7 ft

Fuel Capacity: 15 galons

Mileage: 21 city/26 highway for manual, 19 city/ 24 highway for automatic

Front Brake type: Disk

Rear Brake Type: Drum

Price

The price of the basic model starts around $15,000. Significant rebates may be available.

Competitive Car Models

Scion XD - The 2008 Scion XD lacks the PT Cruiser’s original looks, but makes up for it with great mileage (27 city/33 highway).

Scion XB - Although the appearance is quite different, the XB and the PT Cruiser share the boxy shape that makes for more headroom and storage space in a compact car.

Chevy HHR - The HHR’s retro styling is a takeoff on the PT Cruiser, but it’s just not as cool. It is a few thousand dollars pricier, but feels low and heavy on the road.

Dodge Caliber - The Caliber is priced competitively with the PT Cruiser. It’s a little bigger, but still compact. It feels a bit like a tank and has less visibility, but it’s still a lot of car for the money.

The many pros of the PT Cruiser seem to outweigh a few significant cons. Chrysler’s retro little wagon looks unlike anything else on the road. If it’s individuality you’re looking for, this may be the car for you.