Used 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser

People who drive convertibles often like their cars to stand out, a fact most manufacturers and designers take into account. If unmistakable styling is the hallmark of a great convertible, then the PT Cruiser Convertible should win top honors. Based on the popular PT Cruiser Wagon, the convertible sheds its top (as well as its two rear doors and flip-up hatch) to create an open-air cockpit large enough to accommodate four adults. When outfitted with the optional turbocharged engine the PT Cruiser Convertible can be quite the barnburner and, with its top in place, the PT takes on the look of a nifty chop-top ’40s cruiser.

We drove the middle-level Touring model featuring the 180-horsepower four-cylinder turbo mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The seamless turbo works in concert with a balanced suspension to deliver a driving experience fitting the car’s Cruiser designation. Not too hard and not too soft, the PT Cruiser Convertible is an ideal Sunday driver. For those looking for more performance, the 220-horsepower GT version also features a harder-riding sport-tuned suspension.

The PT Cruiser’s retro theme doesn’t stop at the sheet metal. Interior touches such as the stylish, retro-look cue-ball shift knob conspire to keep occupants in a good-ol’-days state of mind. Driver and passenger sit high for a commanding view of the road, while theater-style seating lifts rear passengers even higher. We’ve always considered the PT Cruiser a good value, and the convertible is no exception, though some of the cost saving is evident in cheap-looking interior plastic. With the top dropped, however, the PT’s minor interior shortcomings become irrelevant.

The versatility of the PT’s original design shows itself with the creation of the two-door convertible. Not only does the PT Cruiser make a surprisingly attractive convertible with the top down, we also like the more rakish and slightly more sinister roofline created with the top up. Dare we say the look evokes a hint of Chrysler’s super-popular 300 sedan?

Revised Roofline
With the top up, the PT ragtop looks a little more mischievous than its fixed-roof older brother.

Theater-Style Seating
Rear-seat passengers get a better view of the action from seating that’s mounted higher than in front.

The base PT Cruiser Convertible features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 150 horsepower through a five-speed manual transmission. Other standard features include the power folding top with glass rear window, driver and passenger airbags, AM/FM stereo with single CD and MP3 input jack, tilt wheel, air conditioning, cargo pass-through and power windows and locks.

Features available only on select trim levels or as options include a GPS navigation system, single CD player, in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 player, Boston Acoustic speakers, side airbags, air conditioning and heated leather seats. Two engine upgrades include a 180-horsepower four-cylinder turbo and a 230-horsepower high-output turbo.

The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is okay for around-town driving, but lacks the punch to move the PT with gusto. The optional low-pressure turbo is a better choice, but saddles you with an automatic transmission. The GT’s high-output turbo is the engine we love, and it’s available with a manual transmission! Unfortunately, the GT also brings a high pricetag.

2.4-liter in-line 4
150 horsepower @ 5100 rpm
165 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/29 (manual), 21/26 (automatic)

2.4-liter in-line 4 Turbocharged
180 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
210 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2800-4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26

2.4-liter in-line 4 Turbocharged High-Output
230 horsepower @ 5100 rpm
245 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2800-4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/27 (manual), 19/26 (automatic)