DecodedCars2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- Convertible Touring 2dr FWD, LX/Touring 4dr Wagon FWD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 168.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,303 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 169 inches long and 67 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,303 lb (Convertible Touring 2dr FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 26 highway), 5% better than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 41 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2008
- Lightest version 227 lb heavier
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 PT Cruiser →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Convertible Touring 2dr FWD | 168.9 in | 66.9 in | 60.6 in | 102.8 in | 57.9 / 57.5 in | 3,303 lb | 59/41 |
| LX/Touring 4dr Wagon FWD | 168.9 in | 67.3 in | 63 in | 103.1 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 3,303 lb | 63/37 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT Cruiser Convertible | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | +5% | $2,900 | 386 |
| PT Cruiser | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | +22% | $2,900 | 386 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | 0% | $3,750 | 404 |
| PT Cruiser | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | +16% | $3,750 | 404 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | -4% | $3,900 | 423 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | -4% | $3,200 | 423 |
| PT Cruiser | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | +11% | $3,900 | 423 |
| PT Cruiser | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +11% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Honda CR-V | 23 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2008 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Ford Escape | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser | 18 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 15 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 88,409 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other PT Cruiser years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 PT Cruiser | 21 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 9 |
| 2009 PT Cruiser | 23 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 35 |
| 2007 PT Cruiser | 22 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 56 |
| 2006 PT Cruiser | 22 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 114 |
| 2005 PT Cruiser | 22 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 44 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chrysler. How we calculate this →