Remember all the fuss when the totally original PT Cruiser was new? Hard to believe that it's now entering its eighth model year. Last year Petey had a mild cosmetic freshening and a welcome noise abolishment program, but what hasn't changed is the fun handling, roominess and usefulness of the basic package. With some justification, Chrysler refers to the multi-configurable interior -- with its seats that can fold flat, tumble, or be removed altogether -- as like a Swiss Army knife. The Cruiser continues in base, Classic, Touring and GT grades. The base engine remains a 150-hp, 2.4-litre "four," with a 180-hp mild turbo optional on Touring (automatic only), and a 230-hp bruiser on the GT.

Form, function and affordability

Base engine starting to feel old