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2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser Quality Review

February 22, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Interior liberally uses hard plastics, but they don't look cheap
ConsumerGuide

Awkward seating position for shorter drivers
Edmunds

Front seats have a reasonable amount of bolstering to keep driver and passenger from sliding side to side
Automotive.com

In most cars, it's a pretty safe assumption that whatever the seating capacity, you can lower it by one or two if you're thinking of transporting full-size adults. However, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the Chrysler PT Cruiser's claim of seating five proves about right.

The interior of the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser is spacious and comfortable. Edmunds says that "taller drivers will find plenty of room to get comfortable, but shorter drivers may not care for the somewhat flat seat design and elevated driving position." Cars.com reports that seating is arranged with "two bucket seats...up front, and a 65/35-split folding rear bench [that] holds three." In terms of seating comfort, ConsumerGuide states that the "chair-height seats" up front "are comfortable," although Car and Driver warns that the rear bench "seats don't suit everyone's backsides."

Cargo space and versatility abound inside the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser, where ConsumerGuide finds that "cargo room is generous and versatile." MyRide.com appreciates that the "center console incorporates a sliding armrest," and "includes a covered tray for concealing small items, a storage bin that holds six CDs, a coin holder and fold-out cupholders for rear-seat coffee consumers." Edmunds also notes that if you "remove the rear seats...the wagon boasts an impressive 64.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity."

The Chrysler PT Cruiser's interior isn't exactly Lexus-grade, but reviews show that the materials are acceptable for the price range. Consumer Guide reports that the "interior liberally uses hard plastics, but they don't look cheap," while "assembly quality is unexceptional."

Meanwhile, noise levels while traveling in the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser are not excessive: Automobile.com notes "little wind noise, almost no tire or road noise, and a just-audible whine from the drivetrain." ConsumerGuide similarly reports that "coarse pavement induces some road roar...wind rush starts to intrude at 65 mph."

Another bright spot is ride. Edmunds says that the suspension “consistently soaks up road irregularities, yielding a smooth, composed ride."

Conclusion

If you can overlook some details, you’ll probably appreciate how space and utility are the name of the game for the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Interior liberally uses hard plastics, but they don't look cheapConsumerGuideAwkward seating position for shorter driversEdmundsFront seats have a reasonable amount of bolstering to keep driver and passenger from sliding side to sideAutomotive.com In most cars, it's a pretty safe assumption that whatever the seating capacity, you can lower it by one or two if you're thinking of transporting full-size adults. However, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the Chrysler PT Cruiser's claim of seating five proves about right. The interior of the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser is spacious and comfortable. Edmunds says that "taller drivers will find plenty of room to get comfortable, but shorter drivers may not care for the somewhat flat seat design and elevated driving position." Cars.com reports that seating is arranged with "two bucket seats...up front, and a 65/35-split folding rear bench [that] holds three." In terms of seating comfort, ConsumerGuide states that the "chair-height seats" up front "are comfortable," although Car and Driver warns that the rear bench "seats don't suit everyone's backsides." Cargo space and versatility abound inside the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser, where ConsumerGuide finds that "cargo room is generous and versatile." MyRide.com appreciates that the "center console incorporates a sliding armrest," and "includes a covered tray for concealing small items, a storage bin that holds six CDs, a coin holder and fold-out cupholders for rear-seat coffee consumers." Edmunds also notes that if you "remove the rear seats...the wagon boasts an impressive 64.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity." The Chrysler PT Cruiser's interior isn't exactly Lexus-grade, but reviews show that the materials are acceptable for the price range. Consumer Guide reports that the "interior liberally uses hard plastics, but they don't look cheap," while "assembly quality is unexceptional." Meanwhile, noise levels while traveling in the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser are not excessive: Automobile.com notes "little wind noise, almost no tire or road noise, and a just-audible whine from the drivetrain." ConsumerGuide similarly reports that "coarse pavement induces some road roar...wind rush starts to intrude at 65 mph." Another bright spot is ride. Edmunds says that the suspension “consistently soaks up road irregularities, yielding a smooth, composed ride." ConclusionIf you can overlook some details, you’ll probably appreciate how space and utility are the name of the game for the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER STYLING | [7 out of 10] Automotive.com: "New-age styling cues such as dual-beam flush headlights and teardrop-shaped taillight lenses" Edmunds: "Aged design" ConsumerGuide: "Instrument panel carries on the exterior's retro theme but is contemporary for its ease ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Chevrolet HHR was introduced as a 2006 model, and many saw it as a direct competitor to the popular PT Cruiser. The HHR is marginally larger than the PT Cruiser, and it tends to be a better driver because its chassis and powertrain technology are a generation newer than the Chrysler's. With the introduction of the high-performance HHR SS, the PT Cruiser has no direct competitor for this model. The Jeep Compass, also a product of Chrysler, is actually a carlike tall wagon and boasts better handling than the PT Cruiser—along with more standard features and a lower price. And the Compass offers all-wheel drive; the PT Cruiser doesn't. The Scion xB is another potential Chrysler PT Cruiser competitor. The xB has a boxy body style that some might find more fashionable and more modern; the xB’s interior isn’t as roomy as the design might lead you to believe, though. Finally, the upcoming 2010 Kia Soul, which goes on sale halfway through the ‘09 model year, is another promising rival, a tall, very boxy wagon that offers perhaps the best fuel economy of any in this group.

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See the Chrysler PT Cruiser in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

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