I rented an 07 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2 weeks ago. It only had 562 miles on it. I put on an additional 1014 miles driving around Dallas-FortWorth-Houston, Texas. Had about 150 lbs of tools, parts, and luggage. I never drove one of these before. IMO, it was the strangest looking car/suv I have rented. Did not really want it but it was either that or a some sort of Kia-Hundai.
4 cylinder. Averaged 23.7 mpg. Driven mostly above 60 mph. Its top speed is probably around 85 mph. Car was underpowered for Central Texas hills but ran great on flat land.Short and to the point: I liked it better than any GM (GP, GA, G6, Malibu, Impala, Tahoe, Pahoe, Trailblazer, etc) that I have ever rented.
Would I buy one? YES! I am just amazed at how much better it was than any GM rental I have ever had. It would take some doing to get used to the strange shape though. I was actually considering buying a GM, but no more.
Good stuff: The stereo was excellent! Absolutely great. Nice freq response - not the mushy droning sound like GM's. Outside lighting was very good. Unlike a GM, I could actually see the road at night. Visibility great all around. Handling was pretty good. Gripped the road well. Not as front heavy as GM. Mirrors great - Unlike GM I could actually see away from the sides of the car. Did not have a close sideswiping call the entire trip Arm rests ok, right height, but plastic hard - why don't auto makers pad arm rests any more? Auto down on both front windows was nice. I could actually reach the front door when open to close it. Ordinary seats but very comfortable - no back pain the entire trip. Did not have to remove and reverse the headrests - unlike GM. The visors extended and covered both front and side windows well - unlike GM. I could hang my arm out the window ok. The door lock knob is recessed into the top of the window sill so that it did not stick me in the arm. Did not have to remove them - Unlike GM. Road noise was bearable - only had to use ear plugs 4 times.
Strange stuff: The dash was the same color as the outside of the car. Never did get used to the red metallic dash. Push button outside door handles - Retro, I guess. The power window buttons are in mid center of dash (not the console). Never did get used to that. Round Analog clock in high center of dash - Retro.
Things I did not like: Car did well at 75 mph on flat roads and low hills but the moderate hills of central Texas made it down shift a lot. A 6 cylinder would be nice. Cruise control over reacted to hills and gained 5-10 mph by the top of the hill. Cruise control turns off when car turns off. It needs a non-toggle on/off switch. Cannot see the dash gauges during twilight. When it was time for lights I had to turn down the dash lighting all the way to see them until it got really dark out. Turn signal lever to far away and too soft to be easily used. Chrysler design people must have really long fingers and a velvet touch.
Conclusion: The PT was a nice vehicle but my 1992 Grand Am is still better than any vehicle I've ever rented.