Video highlights of this vehicle

What Is It?

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible

What's Special About It?

Chrysler is aiming to be America's convertible brand. With the Sebring as one of the only affordable four-passenger convertibles currently available, and the recent introduction of the Crossfire convertible Chrysler may be able to make good on that claim. With the drop-top version of the PT Cruiser, Chrysler hopes to offer some of the versatility of the PT sedan with the added fun of open-air driving. The rear seats fold forward to reveal a trunk pass-through and those seats can be arranged in nine different configurations. To make the most of the PT's open top, the rear seat of the convertible retains the elevated height of the sedan's rear seat.

Starting at about $20,000 the standard PT Cruiser Convertible offers lots of fun for a fairly low price. Like the PT sedan, the convertible is available in other trim levels as well. The Touring version has the option of a optional 180-hp turbocharged engine plus has a convertible top boot, cruise control, foglights, floor mats and a CD player as standard equipment. With a base price of almost $28,000, the Convertible GT has a 220-horsepower turbocharged engine, performance tires, chrome exhaust tip, 17-inch wheels and a stereo with a CD and cassette player.

Why Should You Care?

It doesn't seem like a big deal at first, but when you consider how precious few four-seat convertibles there are on the market the PT Cruiser starts to look like a real coup. Now consider the midtrim is priced below $25,000 and the convertible version of the stylish PT Cruiser becomes a significant value proposition as well. — Brian Moody