2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Trims and Specs

The spacious 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base sedan seats four, but can hold up to 63 cubic feet of cargo with both the front passenger seat and 65/35 split-folding rear seats folded flat. The rear bench can also be removed for more space. Under the hoods sits a 16-valve, 2.4-liter DOHC inline four that puts out 150 hp and 165 ft-lbs of torque at 4,000 RPM. Transmission choices include a standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic. Respective mileage ratings are 21/26 and 19/24 mpg.

Equipped with front disc and rear drum brakes, and dual front-side airbags with passenger deactivation, the 2008 PT Cruiser Base earns four stars in frontal impact tests. ABS brakes are optional, along with traction control. Other standard safety features include a front stabilizer bar and a tire monitor for the 15-inch steel wheels with all-season tires. The front-wheel-drive sedan rides on a Macpherson strut front and rear torsion beam suspension. A rear spoiler decorates the exterior. A Street Cruiser package adds 16-inch alloy wheels with Touring tires, chrome body molding, and scuff pads.

The 2008 PT Cruiser Base comes with the now-expected list of standard features, except for air-conditioning, which is optional. These include power windows, locks, and mirrors, remote entry, tilt steering, and a CD player that's MP3-compatible. A trip computer shares dash space with a tachometer, compass, and temperature display. Intermittent front wipers, a rear window wiper, four cupholders, and a 12V front power outlet are also standard. Available options include tinted sunscreen windows, a 6-speaker sound system with satellite radio, and daytime running lights.

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.

The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring sedan adds 16-inch alloy wheels and Touring tires, along with a 6-way power driver's seat and foglights, for a sportier overall look. Inside, the Touring adds standard air-conditioning, cruise control, and satellite radio. The front-wheel-drive retro sedan seats four, with nearly 41 inches of legroom front and back, and a trunk that expands from 21 to 63 cubic feet. Both rear seats and the front passenger seat fold flat, and rear seats are also removable. The trunk comes with tie-downs.

A full power setup includes locks, windows, and mirrors and remote entry. The CD player is MP3-compatible, but there is also an MP3 input jack, as well as a power outlet in the front and in the trunk. A trip computer, tachometer, temperature display, intermittent front wipers, a rear window wiper, tilt steering, and a rear spoiler are also standard. Options tack on a 6-CD changer, a sunroof, heated seats, and chrome trim inside and out.

Earning average to good ratings in IIHS crash tests, the 2008 PT Cruiser Touring features a front stabilizer bar, front disc and rear drum brakes and dual front-side airbags with passenger sensors. A tire monitor and halogen headlamps are also included. Traction control and ABS brakes are available as options. Powering this sedan is a 2.4-liter, DOHC inline-four engine and choice of a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain delivers 150 hp and 165 ft-lbs of torque, with average fuel economy around 20/26 mpg. For the Touring, a 180-hp, 2.4-liter turbo inline four can be selected.

Powered by a turbo 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC inline-four engine, the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited hits 0-60 in 7 seconds and puts out 180 hp and 210 ft-lbs of torque at a low 2,800 RPM. The engine is matched to a 4-speed automatic only. This front-wheel-drive sedan represents the most powerful and sportiest of the lineup, but it also adds a lot more standard features.

Performance-wise, you get larger 17-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, as well as standard traction control, and 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution. Dual front-side airbags, a driver's knee airbag, and front passenger sensors are also standard and earn the sedan four stars in frontal impact tests. A tire monitor, foglights, and halogen lamps enhance the safety profile. A rear spoiler is also included.

In terms of upscale comfort, the 2008 PT Cruiser Limited features leather upholstery, a leather steering wheel, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. It also adds a garage remote and compass. Already standard are power windows, locks, and mirrors, remote entry, cruise control, tilt steering, a CD/MP3 player with MP3 input and satellite radio, a temperature display, and a tachometer. Front intermittent wipers, a rear window wiper, four cupholders, and power outlets in the front and trunk provide extra convenience. Cargo capacity starts at 21 cubic feet, but expands to 63, thanks to a fold-flat rear bench (65/35 split) and front passenger seat. Rear seats can be removed to increase storage room. Tiedowns and a cover are included in the trunk area. Because it comes so well equipped, few options remain, but you can add Bluetooth, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 6-CD changer.