Retro but Modern, Unique but Affordable

The 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser

In today's world of ho-hum vehicle designs, the 2009 PT Cruiser is a bright spot with its one-of-a-kind styling, furthermore, it comes with an attractive price and an excellent, roomy interior; one that can easily fit a car full of adults, along with all their cargo. Its not easy to find a vehicle with a starting MSRP of $18,000 - $24,510 that is unique, retro but modern, and offers all that the Cruiser does. The 2009 PT Cruiser comes in three trims: the base LX, the Touring and the Limited Edition. A new special edition version is also available, the Sunset Boulevard Edition. The reverse-Watts suspension packs a lot of cornering and ride quality into a small space, with more cargo space than many mid-sized cars on the inside.  The 2009 PT Cruiser was not changed much as it entered its last year. The light-pressure turbocharged engine, producing 180 hp, was kept, with badging changed to '2.4T.' A big plus with the Cruiser is that is offers one powertrain for everyday typical driving, and one for a turbocharged performance drive. The 2.4L was built for ambitious power and fuel efficiency while the turbocharged 2.4L was built to perform.

PT Cruiser Features

 The base PT Cruiser wagon comes with AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo; fabric bucket seats and floor console; tilt steering wheel; 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; rear spoiler; and P195/65R15 tires on steel wheels with wheel covers. The Touring wagon adds air conditioning; cruise control; YES Essentials cloth upholstery that Chrysler says is odor, stain, and static resistant; a six-way power driver's seat with lumbar adjustment; power mirrors; fog lights; and P205/55R16 tires on alloy wheels. The Limited model is well equipped with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof, a universal garage door opener, Sirius satellite radio, the touring suspension, and P205/50R17 tires.

Cabin for 2009

 
Somehow, the PT Cruiser pulls off a retro-inspired interior that at the same time looks and feels modern. The PT Cruiser versatile storage area allows you to load up almost everything you need. Its vast center console, driver's seatback pocket, available map pockets and much more, give you a place for everything. Also an available multi-position rear shelf can act like a table for a tailgate.  Satin Silver accents highlight the instrument panel and center stack. Two bucket seats are installed up front, and a 65/35-split folding rear bench holds three. Outboard passengers have adequate space, but the center rear position is cramped. Removing the rear seat expands cargo volume from a moderate 21.6 cubic feet to a sizable 62.7 cubic feet. The front-passenger seatback folds flat, offering the ability to carry items up to eight feet long.

Power for the Cruiser

PT Cruisers have a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. Base and Touring versions have 150 hp. Optional on Touring and standard on Limited is a turbocharged 180-hp engine. The Base offers manual or automatic transmission. Touring and Limited models come with automatic only. In all but the Limited model the standard engine is tuned to deliver 150 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional ($825). 

Available PT Cruiser Options

 A Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition ($845) for the base wagon includes a sunroof, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear privacy glass, P205/55R16 tires on chromed alloy wheels, chrome interior and exterior trim, and Street Cruiser and Sunset Boulevard Edition badges. Options include a 368-watt Boston Acoustics premium sound system ($695) that comes with Sirius satellite radio and is also available with a six-disc CD changer ($750 convertible, $800 Touring and Limited); a sunroof for Touring wagons ($795); heated front seats for the convertible and Touring wagon ($250); Sirius satellite radio for the base wagon ($195, including a one-year subscription); and Chrysler's UConnect hands-free cell phone link ($360) for Limited. Many of the standard features on higher-line models are also available as options on the less expensive models.

Driving the PT Cruiser

Designed to be flexible and versatile, the PT has very good handling.  Acceleration with the two turbocharged engines is quick. Expect 20 mpg overall, 18 - 21 mpg through the city and 24 - 26 mpg on the highway. The automatic transmission is, like all Chrysler automatics. Is adaptive and electronic - it learns about your car and how you drive, and adjusts itself accordingly. The ride is somewhat stiff, and the cabin is a bit noisy. The wide turning circle, flawed driving position, and compromised visibility are detractions. The rear suspension design maximizes cargo space, but the twist-beam rear axle bounces a bit on rough pavement and the chassis does not feel rigid.  The available four-wheel disc Antilock Brake System (ABS) with low-speed traction control adds an enhanced level of control when driving under slippery conditions. 

Summary

The Chrysler PT Cruiser has good handling, fits in a small parking space, and holds full-sized adults and their luggage in comfort. With high reported reliability, the PT is a great car for a great price. For another view on the PT Cruiser, read Edmunds.com's review. Easily one of the most unique vehicles on the road, the PT Cruiser's distinct design has a retro look while its available chrome accents and Chrysler design cues help give it a more contemporary feel.  A vehicle with versatile use, from family travel to higher performance weekend driving; it's affordable, it's roomy, and it's unique. For more information on pricing and specifications click here.