Radiator fluid amount
How much liquid is in the radiator of a 2008 PT Cruiser
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2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Only minor changes appear in the 2008 model year of this "retrowagon." Back in 2001, Chrysler caused a sensation with the introduction of this SUV-like sedan/wagon. Styled after the late-30s-early 40s American cars, but using contemporary automotive technology, Chrysler had a hit.
The sedan version has four trim lines, while the convertible model has two. They all use a basic 2.4-liter I4 engine, which in base tune produces 150-hp. A five-speed manual comes standard with a 4-speed automatic optional. The optional 180-hp turbo version comes with only the automatic. The GT standard 230-hp turbocharged version mates with a heavy-duty Getrag five-speed manual and an optional four-speed automatic.
0-60 in the base sedan happens between 8.5-8.9 seconds and the GT turbo in about 7 seconds. The base engine sedan with automatic averaged 18.5-23.0 mpg and 18.3-22.1 mpg with the manual, while the GT turbo manual averaged 17.2 mpg and automatic, 19.0 mpg. The GT convertible fared the worst with 16.1 mpg. The 230-hp turbo uses premium fuel, while the others use regular.
Reviewers, comparing the Cruiser to a base line SUV, were pleasantly surprised with its handling. The Limited and convertible models, with their tauter suspension, felt more controlled on uneven road surfaces. The firmer GT suspension offered more road feel without being too stiff. The manual transmission produced some torque steer and the wide turning circle makes low-speed maneuvering more frustrating.
Besides its retro "hot-rod" looks, the PT Cruiser's strongest selling point is interior roominess. The key here is the Cruiser's height. The sedan's 120.5 cubic feet of interior volume compares to the Lincoln Town Car. The Cruiser sedan cabin configures in 26 different ways by means of seat management. The 65/35 split rear bench folds flat, as does the front passenger seat. The rear seats have quick-release anchors for easy removal. With the rear seats removed, a mountain bike fits in the back - without removing its front wheel. Fold the front passenger seat down and an 8-foot ladder will fit.
Overall, the PT Cruiser makes for an enjoyable driving wagon that has a unique retro style. The convertible version doesn't have near as much space, but does have the lowest price tag for a top dropped, wind in your hair ride.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
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by Dennis G
Oct 05, 2023
I once owned a 2004 PT Cruiser which i loved driving more than 10 years until crushed by another car in 2019. This car is missing me in Napa !!!Oct 05, 2023
by Scott T
Mar 30, 2022
Its been a pretty good car bought it used Mar 30, 2022
by Stanley P
Sep 06, 2021
Yes I just dont like the color I dont prefer yellowSep 06, 2021
User rating:
by Dennis G
Oct 05, 2023
I once owned a 2004 PT Cruiser which i loved driving more than 10 years until crushed by another car in 2019. This car is missing me in Napa !!!Oct 05, 2023
by Scott T
Mar 30, 2022
Its been a pretty good car bought it used Mar 30, 2022
by Stanley P
Sep 06, 2021
Yes I just dont like the color I dont prefer yellowSep 06, 2021
by Anonymous
Nov 20, 2020
It’s a 2008 so no Bluetooth radio but a new radio will solve that. Car is fully loaded and low mileage a great value!Nov 20, 2020
by Anonymous
Oct 29, 2020
Car was ok. The hatch didnt open on the trunk. Some minor hail damage. Didnt buy but it was priced right.Oct 29, 2020
by Queen M
Oct 22, 2020
like chevy cars is the best but i like chryler betterOct 22, 2020
by Vicky W
Oct 14, 2020
I love the PT Cruisers unique style. Great car. Very versatile!Oct 14, 2020
by Anthony G
Feb 18, 2020
The process was easy, and the car was in good shape. The seats could of been cleaned better, but other than that, we liked the car, purchased the car, and drove off the lot same day.Feb 18, 2020
by Betty J
Feb 02, 2015
I bought this used and it has 17" wheels. The turning radius is terrible, but I've been told that was because of the wheels. Tried to have them changed out, but apparently the car was ordered like this so I was told it may cause problems to go to smaller wheels - besides the cost of doing so. Other than that - I LOVE IT.Feb 02, 2015
by paulo s
Jan 05, 2015
Of course, style is the highest point of the PT. Almost as wonderful as that is the roomy interior with many possible configurations to fit your need: cargo or passengers. The engine seems to suffer the lack of a better transmission, what also makes the mileage worse than it could be. We accommodate 2 bikes (26" wheels) inside the car without removing any part of them, just taking the back seats off. We simply love it.Jan 05, 2015
by Anonymous
Apr 15, 2014
i like how it looks and drives i like the dash ,it has an average fuel economy,it only takes $38 to fill the tank ,tire pressure monitoring is a plus .i like the new key style with remote and alarm Apr 15, 2014
by Dawn p
Jan 31, 2013
I was happy with my purchase on this car when my family was smaller. This is a great car for the price with lots of features. IPOD, Stereo with CD player & Tire detection.
The Air conditioning & heat work well. Easy to park and turn.Jan 31, 2013
by Anonymous
Aug 13, 2012
I get many many compliments on my car by people I don't even know. It looks good with the top up or down. Has good power to it, operates well in the snow, it's comfortable whether just driving around town or taking it on a long trip. Great fuel economy on these cruisers. If I ever buy another car again, I'll buy another PT Cruiser. Love it.......Love it........Love it!!!!! Aug 13, 2012
by Anonymous
Dec 12, 2011
when chrysler announced the discontinuation of the PT cruiser convertible, and i discovered that i could get a lifetime service contract that made the warranty essentially bumper-to-bumper, i had one factory made to my specifications.
overall, i've been very pleased, although i AM bugged about the 21 mpg gas mileage (i knew it would be bad ahead of time -- i had rented one a few times before owning).
top down in the middle of a hot NV night is the most fun i've ever had driving ANY car, ANYWHERE at ANY time.
for more details on my experiences -especially related to the lifetime service contract i have on this vehicle- do a search for the "continual car" blog.
thanks for reading.Dec 12, 2011
by Bob H
Nov 12, 2011
Very Disappointing - Very Little Room This was a rental car that we had during our vacation in October, 2008. We picked up the car at DFW in Texas and drove it to OK City, OK; Little Rock, AR; Memphis, TN; Dayton, OH; Holland, MI; and returned it at O'Hare. From day one it was a struggle to get all the luggage we had for our two week trip. I must have been out of my mind. We had rented a 2005 Mustang a few years earlier and it had way more room that this tiny ride. Performance was adequate, and the mileage was OK. The only redeeming thing was the looks. But that will only get you so far. If there are two of you traveling for more that a week, PASS on this car. It was a royal pain. Nov 12, 2011
by Anonymous
Feb 08, 2010
I commute 60 miles a day and find the car enjoyable. The looks are wonderful inside and out and the car has a very nice "stiff" quality that i love. Does have some road noise on rough roads. Its a nice car and i love mine.Feb 08, 2010
by Bob H
Aug 04, 2009
This was a rental car that we had during our vacation in October, 2008. We picked up the car at DFW in Texas and drove it to OK City, OK; Little Rock, AR; Memphis, TN; Dayton, OH; Holland, MI; and returned it at Ohare. From day one it was a struggle to get all the luggage we had for our two week trip. I must have been out of my mind. We had rented a 2005 Mustang a few years earlier and it had way more room that this tiny ride. Performance was adequate, and the mileage was OK. The only redeeming thing was the looks. But that will only get you so far. If there are two of you traveling for more that a week, PASS on this car. It was a royal pain.Aug 04, 2009
by Anonymous
Oct 26, 2008
The worst car I've ever driven. Nudged 20 mpg on a good day, handled terribly, and had Chrysler's trademark disgusting interior quality and design. It's unbelievable that Chrysler still makes these things, but it's probably because it costs like $5 to throw one together. I guess an HHR would be better, and a Scion xB would be better than that.Oct 26, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 26, 2008
Well it was funnnnnnnnnn to drive this and i liked the color hehe!Jun 26, 2008
by Matias H
Jun 02, 2008
nice, nice, nice, niceJun 02, 2008
by Neo Nelly M
May 09, 2008
the engine is built to last a life tymMay 09, 2008
by Hristo Y
Apr 07, 2008
Title says it allApr 07, 2008
What users have asked
Should my car be driven with a misfirng piston?
Piston misfire when first starting and engine light goes on . There is no misfiring sound and engine runs and idles smoothly. I am getting it looked at on Monday. Can I drive it until then?
16 views
I there a fuse for the lift gate of a 2008 Chrysler PT cruiser (touring)?
I have a touring model 2008 PT Cruiser. The rear hatch (or lift gate) stopped working a couple of months ago and stays "locked". I've been told it might be fuse but have been unable to locate it. All other doors are functioning nornally.
2663 views
What is overheating my car?
I've hot a 2008 pt cruiser. Car has been getting hot and steaming at times. I've checked fluid and it has it, tank and radiator is good, there's no coolant on the oil dipstick, thermostat is working. The tip of the bleeder screw is broken but still screws. What could cause the heat?
23 views
Will Turn over no start
Went to O'Reilly's and told me multiple misfire crankshaft position sensor and thermostat. I replaced thermostat and crankshaft but still wouldn't start died while driving started to coast however now I had the following codes pop up P0340,P0113,& P0508. Replaced cam shaft and alternator good battery good. Help me
60 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser?Compare this car
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Pricing
Original MSRP
$15,015 to $22,660Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Air conditioning delete: heater only · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 368 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brake width: 1.6 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mats: front and rear
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: illuminated · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.94
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: fleet
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual · Vanity mirrors: with sliding extensions
Rear Seats
Type: removable split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome aluminum
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 368 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brake width: 1.6 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.94
Exterior Features
Paint: pearl
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: fleet
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
Seatbelts
Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 368 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brake width: 1.6 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: illuminated · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: under seat · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.91
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome · Exhaust tip color: alloy · License plate bracket: front · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: fleet
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: removable split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Boston Acoustics premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 5 · 368 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.6 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.91
Exterior Features
Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: fleet
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: auto-dimming with microphone
Rear Seats
Type: removable split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: polished aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent