my girlfriends dad has one of these... needed a new tranny at 40k... i say good riddance.

I have a 2003 PT GT turbo. It has been one of the best cars I have ever owned. It handles great, it (the 2.4 high output turbo mind you) runs like a scalded dog,gas mileage is not that great in the city (with the turbo) but 4 six foot fat guys fit in it very well without knocking into each other and the aftermarket support for this car is second to none.

As for the tranny. when servicing it, it is a well-known issue that using the wrong tranny fluid (Dextron III-V Mercon) will destroy it. Thats why if you read the manual and look on the tranny dipstick it says "use ATF+4 transmission fluid only". If the right tranny fluid is used and you keep up with the service manual. that tranny will last longer than the car. ATF+4 is NOT compatable with Dextron or Mercon no matter what Jiffy Lube says.

I could never understand the retro look or popularity of the PT Cruiser or the Chevy HHR. They both look dated and a poor attempt to make old new again. I think the Mustang is a much better example of bringing back an old nameplate and making it a current design.

I once heard the PT cruiser referred to as a "Sport Utility Hearse". I don't think I've ever heard anything more perfectly described

actually, this is bad news. 2009 is a bit late for me (and many others) How about end of 07?

I do not know if it's good news or not. The PT Cruiser is not a bad design for a retro vehicle. Instead of trying to capture a specific vehicle, it seems to be just trying to capture a specific era. Remember, it came out at a time when GM & Ford had the most boring small vehicles of all time, and sold well for a while. I used to marvel at some of the cool & sleek looking designs that Chrysler was putting out, until the last couple of years. My biggest worry is what would they replace it with ? If it looked anything like the Caliber/Compass or Nitro, then they will be in big trouble, those vehicles along with some others are showing that Chrysler is losing their wind with good looking designs. Even the Charger, does not look that good, it would have been better suited if they called it a Dodge Fury. The Challenger will look good, and the 300 is doing well in its segment (way better looking than say a Ford 500). The full size trucks still look good, but the Dakota and the Durango have lost their great styling. The new Sebring/Avenger does not look bad, but is suffering from a very cheap interior along with the Nitro. Chrysler has no Small Car to speak of. They could use a small car (not crossover, Caliber/Compass) that would compete well with say a Mazda 3. Just my opinion of course.

I personally have two PT's. They've been great cars, a sportier looking family mobile. I've kept them both well maintained and therefore have not had any issue! I find it odd that so many are knocking it... This car started a trend... Many of todays crossbreeds (car/suv) have gotten their idea, their look from the PT. (HHR for instance)

If I had a complaint, it would be that they never offered a 6 cylinder