Let your hair down along with the soft-top power convertible roof in the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible. Similar to the Touring in terms of features, this front-wheel-drive sedan comes standard with a 150-hp, 2.4-liter DOHC inline engine (with 165 ft-lbs of torque at 4,000 RPM), but you might feel better equipped with the turbo version that ups those numbers to 180 hp and 210 ft-lbs at 2,800 RPM. The turbo comes only with a 4-speed automatic, while the non-turbo can also be paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Riding on a Macpherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension, the 2008 PT Cruiser Convertible has both front and rear stabilizer bars (front only on other trims). It comes equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires, front disc and rear drum brakes, a tire monitor, foglights, and dual front-side and a driver's knee airbag. The entire Cruiser lineup gets four out of five stars in frontal impact tests. 4-wheel ABS brakes and traction control can be added. Larger 17-inch alloy wheels can be added, along with daytime running lights.

The Convertible seats four, with a 50/50 split-folding rear bench. Because of the folding roof, the trunk space is greatly reduced to 7 cubic feet, but expands to 13 with the seats down. Unlike the other trims, the front passenger seat does not fold flat. Full power features include remote entry, a 6-way driver's seat, and cruise control. Air conditioning, tilt steering, intermittent front wipers, and power outlets in the dash and trunk are all standard. On the instrument panel sit a tachometer, temperature display, compass, and trip computer. There is a glass rear window. A CD/MP3 player is standard, but satellite radio and an MP3 jack cost extra, as does a 6-CD changer. Other options include heated leather seats and a garage door opener.