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2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser consumer reviews

$15,970 starting MSRP
side view of 2008 PT Cruiser Chrysler
(50 reviews)
72% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.6
  • Value 3.9
  • Exterior 4.2
  • Reliability 3.7
Explore the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Looks Great, Feels Great!

I bought a Used PT Cruiser Touring Edition (Non-Turbo) about a week ago and traded in my 2005 Chevy Cobalt. My PT Cruiser has 48,000 miles on it. First of all, I should say that this car offers a generous amount of space for both driver and passenger, unless you're sitting in the middle of the rear seats. I'm 6'3", 230lbs. and have no problems with getting in or out of this vehicle, having poor legroom, or anything of that nature. This car handles excellently on the open road and accelerates well-enough to make it down the entrance ramp and get you on the highway at appropriate speed with no problems. I read a previous review where it was mentioned that they have difficulty accelerating their PT Cruiser uphill and maintaining speed, however, this (Ohio Valley) is quite a hilly area and I will report that I have not experienced that problem. This automobile rides quite smoothly and barely notices potholes. In fact, the only negative aspect of this vehicle with respect to performance is the turning radius. I have found that it can be difficult to pull into (and even moreso back out of) tight parking spots. That's an issue that can very easily be avoided where I live, but at the same time, I would not recommend this car to someone in a major city unless they are really good at parking to begin with. The exterior styling is a throwback to cars of the 30's-50's. I have heard many say that it looks like a, "Gangster," or, "Mobster," car. The only thing I can really say about the exterior styling is that I love it. I could go into detail, but it would be pointless because: 1.) Taste in design is purely subjective, and 2.) You can find any number of pictures of them on-line and make your own decision. The interior design is very classy, clearly modeled to look like a luxury vehicle. If I could give the interior design four-and-a-half stars, I would. My only objection to the interior design is that it is very difficult to get to the button for your read-out on the left: (1.) Temperature/Direction/Radio Function-Station-CD Track 2.) Miles per Gallon 3.) Distance-to-Empty 4.) Elapsed Trip Time) while the car is in motion. The read-outs on the right are a bit easier (Odometer, Trip Distances, etc.) are a little more accessible. I do not warrant this minor nuisance as being worthy of subtracting an entire star, though. I have nothing else to say about the interior design, again, I love it, but pictures are easy enough to find. I consider this automobile great value for the money, given both the Used Car valuations that can be found on this site as well as the MSRP's at the time the automobile came out. Regardless of whether or not someone appreciates this car's exterior appearance, I doubt if there are very many people at all that do not consider the automobile unique. Furthermore, I think that the cargo space is more than sufficient, and the extra shelf that comes with the automobile makes it very convenient for loading breakable/smashable groceries separate from non-breakable groceries without having to clog up your seating area. There are many who complain about the fuel economy of this automobile, but I find these complaints rather odd. Information concerning the EPA's Estimated Fuel Economy 19-City 24-Highway is readily attainable, so nobody should be surprised when this vehicle does not give them the gas mileage that many others would. I reset my MPG's monitor when I drove it off of the lot, and after one week and 300 miles (even split between city/highway) I'm cruising along at 23.4 MPG's. That's a far cry from the 29.8MPG's (Combined) in my Cobalt, but I knew that was coming. Why does everyone act so surprised? I'm giving reliability an assumption-based five stars, I'll either update this review or post a new one if the situation changes. Again, I've only had it for a week. Overall, if you're an individual that's looking for a unique-looking, comfortable vehicle at a reasonable price that includes many of the frills one can expect to find in a luxury automobile, then the Chrysler PT Cruiser may be the automobile for you. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone that is greatly concerned with MPG's or saving money on gas (That won't happen), and I would not recommend it to anyone living in a big city because this thing would be a nightmare to park in a tight, but crowded, area.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Good Car

Comfort: I am compare this car with my 2004 sonata. The seats of this car is so hard and uncomfortable, specially the drivers neck pillow. so I decrease 1 star. and another star for the break pedal level that is so high! I ask the dealer to adjust it. but they told me it is not adjustable. Performance:For sure it is not as good as sport cars. but I expect more.The gas millage is 18-24 mpg (compare to my sonata 24-29) with the less power! exterior styling: simply I do not like it! Interior Design: It is nice and I like it. Value of the money: I bought this car used for 6000 with about 50000 millage! I think think it is unbelievable! Reliability: So far so good! I hope this can you guys.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Best Used Car Purchase

Considering the world raves about Honda, my PT LX replaced a 2000 Honda Civic that at 74,000 miles blew its Automatic Transmissoin, I will never purchase another Honda again!! The PT however has been great, more space than a civic, very versatile for carting people or things. The engine isn't performance oriented but then again its intent isn't to do that, but it keeps up with traffic easily and has plenty of passing power. It is stylish enough and can be presentable anywhere...not something you can easily find in the economy crowd. The equipment is generous and I love the different functions of the trip computer. My little PT has already gone to Austin twice and Las Vegas in a single year and has already earned 30,000 miles on top of the 40,000 it had when i purchased it (former rental) All in all the best car I have ever purchased.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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FOR MY DAUGHTER

WE ARE VERY HAPPY WITH THE CAR. IT IS RELIABLE AND DEPENDABLE AND COST EFFICENT. WE BOUGHT THE CAR FOR OUR DAUGHTER WHO GOES TO A COLLEGE 3 HOURS FROM HOME. WHEN SHE'S HOME, MY WIFE DRIVES IT TO WORK AND IS VERY PLEASED WITH THE PUCHASED VEHICLE.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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A fun, competent ride

My 2008 PT Cruiser was purchased used; a former Enterprise rental car. I'm using it as a 'spare'; that is, I do lots of business in an area I fly to, and the car sits there for local transportation. I wanted something a little more interesting than the usual low-end econo-boxes, but that wouldn't break the bank, as it was a second vehicle. The car has good looks, is more substantial than something like a Hundai Accent or Chevy Aveo, and is reasonably roomy. It could use a few more horsepower (mine is non-turbo), but one must calibrate ones expectations. Complaints about the poor turning radius wound up being a non-issue; it could be a bit better, but its not bad enough to be a hassle. My mixed city-highway fuel economy is about 23 mpg, as shown on the in-car computer; not bad, but not spectacular, either. That's probably at least partly due to the car's aerodynamics; it was styled to look cool, not to slip smoothly through the air. That's fine by me. All in all, while you'll never mistake this for a $50k Mercedes, its a perfectly reasonable ride, and for a decent price. Go for it!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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get the limited

Terrific vehicle but make sure you get the turbo engine limited it has all the options! Sunroof,antilock brakes, very cool 17 inch wheels! The turbo is fast too

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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PT--Good value for the money

This is my third Cruiser 01 02 08. All have been good cars. Easy to get in and out, nice features-does exactly what it promises. Am again pleased to have one as a runabout. Have yet to need repairs on any of them. Either they are good cars or I have exceptional luck.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Nostalgia not worth the poor performance & low mpg

I drive a brand new, 2008 PT Cruiser 4-dr. The car is not the worst ever. Once it gets up to 60mph, it seems to have uniform acceleration ... unless you are trying to pass someone! Also, the car does not maintain acceleration uphill without intense application of the accelerator. It also accelerates very slow from a complete stop, until it finally gets to 40mph. I have no real complaints about comfortability -- the ride is smooth enough. Also, the cabin height seems to be good enough to let me see the stoplights (unlike in my 1994 S-10 Blazer). The cargo room in the vehicle is small, but larger than it appears. I have only had this vehicle for a week. I would personally HATE driving this vehicle for longer than a month! I am in my thirties and performance is a key criteria for me. This car would be perfect for the those who have you have lots of money to pay for lots of gas (only 200miles on a full 15gal. tank), who aren't planning to haul much, ever, only travel for fun, and like to take life slow. Also, those who gain an irreplaceable feeling of NOSTALGIA, (The 50+ crowd), may be able to forgive this vehicle's shortcomings. In contrast, the Nissan Altima is a great vehicle for anyone who appreciates style, luxury, and performance -- and a great big trunk! I hope this review has been helpful. Have a great day!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does not recommend this car
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Nice and Easy Going

I bought a white 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser LX with a 5 speed stick shift. It is a really fun "Cruiser" because it just really likes to cruise and goes over bumps like nothing. I really like how the body is based on a 1930's body design with a 1941 Plymouth name. It's nice to see some history in recreation.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Least reliable car I've owned

The car is the worst car i have ever owned. The suspension on the car is horrible. You have to put more money into the car than it is worth. I would not recomend the car for everyday driving.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 1.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does not recommend this car
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