Chrysler PT Cruiser
Ratings
3 stars
Summary
Average. Tired and old-looking now the novelty has worn off, but still a decent enough car for practicality-seekers.
Review
The PT Cruiser was one of the must-have cars of a few years ago, but time hasn't been kind to its retro hot rod styling and it now looks seriously dated. Despite which, there's a decent car lurking underneath the slap - especially when equipped with the impressively brawny 2.2 litre CRD diesel engine option.
You'll already know if the PT's 1950s styling appeals to you or not, although the sales figures suggest that most people with any ambition to own one have long since done so. Inside the cabin the same theme continues with lots of old-fashioned design details, although the upright seating position is comfortable enough. Space is decent for five occupants, and although the PT Cruiser can't quite match the interior volume or versatility of a conventional MPV, it's far more spacious than an ordinary family estate.
The driving experience is painless, thanks to a comfortable ride, decent refinement and a safe, if completely uninvolving, driving experience. The 2.4 litre petrol engine gives decent performance at the cost of high fuel consumption for a car of this type - the brawny 2.2 litre turbodiesel option is far better.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
2 star
Hot rod styling is unlikely to appeal to all. Or indeed, most. Dated now, but some people are still mad about it.
Handling
3 star
Safe and predictable - just completely unexceptional.
Comfort
4 star
Good at longer journeys thanks to a comfortable seating position and plenty of space in the cabin.
Quality & Reliability
3 star
Better than the majority of products from American manufacturers, but the PT still feels a way off European rivals in terms of interior trim and build quality.
Performance
3 star
Both petrol and diesel motors give perfectly adequate urge.
Roominess
4 star
Not as spacious as a true MPV, but still far roomier than conventional hatchback-based family estates.
Running Costs
3 star
Depreciation is likely to be the biggest drain on the PT owner's pocket - although the 2.4 litre petrol engine will struggle to better 27 mpg too. Far better to stick to the brawny diesel.
Value for money
4 star
Attractive entry-level pricing has sharpened up the PT's case slightly - especially as even the most basic
