The Chrysler PT Cruiser is offered as a four-door wagon and a two-door convertible. The wagon comes in four trims with three engine options. The base and Touring levels come standard with a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The GT gets a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, good for 230 hp. There is also a 180-hp version of the turbo engine as an option for the Limited and Touring models.

The PT Cruiser convertible has only two trim levels (Touring and GT) and offers the same three engine choices. A five-speed manual is standard on all models, and a four-speed automatic is optional. The PT Cruiser compares well to other compact wagons and convertibles, and consumers looking for a roomy vehicle that’s also fun to drive should find the PT an affordable choice that stands out in a crowd. Chrysler PT Cruiser to be a sporty drive, especially when compared to entry-level SUVs.

PT Cruiser handles well, with superlative steering feel and smooth overall ride quality. The only complaint concerned the sluggish performance of the base 150-hp engine, though the turbo engine options provide enough power and torque to pick up the slack. The PT Cruiser Convertible matches the wagon’s drivability, with the GT offering the most fulfilling performance.

The PT Cruiser is still in its first generation but Chrysler has made regular refreshes and special-edition models to keep its retro vehicle up to date. A PT Cruiser Dream Cruiser trim came out in 2002; it featured exclusive gold paint and accents. The turbocharged GT debuted the year after as a reply to critics who’d complained the base engine was not powerful enough. It was originally rated at 215 hp and received subsequent updates to reach its current 230-hp output.