In base, Touring, and Limited versions, this engine is tuned to deliver 150 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, a four-speed automatic is optional ($825). A 180-horsepower turbocharged version of this same engine is optional on Limited sedans ($2,000) and Touring convertibles ($2,105). Both prices include automatic transmission; a manual gearbox is not available with this engine. A 230-horsepower High Output turbocharged version of the 2.4-liter four-cylinder is standard on the GT. This engine comes with a heavy-duty five-speed manual transaxle made by Getrag; a four-speed automatic is optional ($550).

The base PT Cruiser sedan ($15,405) comes with AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo; fabric bucket seats and floor console; tilt steering; power windows; speed-sensitive power locks; engine immobilizer; tinted glass; rear window defroster, wiper, and washer; 65/35 split folding rear seat; remote keyless entry; power liftgate; and 15-inch steel wheels.

The Touring sedan ($17,750) adds air conditioning, power mirrors, a fold-flat front passenger seat with storage drawer, and other interior features. To that list the Touring Convertible ($24,370) adds a power top with soft boot cover, 50/50 split rear seat, fog lamps, and 16-inch painted aluminum wheels. Leather seats are optional on the convertible.

Limited ($19,965), offered only as a sedan, comes with side-impact airbags, cruise control, six-way power seats with upgraded cloth upholstery and manual lumbar adjustment; leather-wrapped steering wheel; security alarm; HomeLink universal garage-door opener; power glass sunroof; and a unique Touring suspension on 16-inch aluminum wheels. (Yes, you read that right; the Touring suspension comes on the Limited, not on the Touring model.)

The GT sedan ($24,615) adds four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, a performance-tuned suspension, traction control, and all-season performance tires on 17-inch chromed aluminum wheels. The GT also comes with side-impact airbags, a power glass sunroof, and most of the Limited's luxury goodies. Leather sport seats are also standard. The GT convertible ($29,825) comes with all the Limited and GT sedan goodies.

Optional on all convertibles and on Limited and GT sedans is a 368-watt Boston Acoustics premium sound system ($695). Other stand-alone options include the glass sunroof for Touring sedans ($795), heated front seats for Limited and GT ($250), and side-impact airbags for base and Touring ($390). Sirius Satellite Radio is optional on all models ($195, including a one-year subscribtion). GPS navigation ($1,100) is available on Limited and GT; so is UConnect hands-free, in-vehicle communications ($360), which uses Bluetooth technology to link the user's cellular phone with the Cruiser's stereo speakers. Limited sedans can be ordered with plastic woodgrain exterior accents ($895). Many of the standard features on higher-line models are also available as options on the less expensive models.

Safety features include front side-impact airbags, standard in GT and Limited and optional ($390) on the other models. Three-point safety harnesses are provided at all positions, including the rear center position, so be sure to wear them. The front belts have pyrotechnically charged tensioners, just like in luxury cars, to tighten the belts for the initial stages of an impact. The rear bench is equipped with child-seat tethers.