These award-winning small SUVs offer a choice of 2- or 4-wheel drive, impressive utility for their size, and are relatively frugal at the pump. Best of all, this diverse group includes some of the most stylish models on the road.
The 2009 Small SUVs Buyer’s Guide is a compiled list of the top-performing small SUVs from J.D. Power and Associates three key automotive studies. The studies include the 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, and the 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS). In addition, we have also noted any models in the guide that have earned “5-star” crash test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), or have been chosen as “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). All models are listed alphabetically by manufacturer.
2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser
The Chrysler PT Cruiser, a retro-styled 4-door wagon with a hatchback and removable rear seats, rolled onto the scene in 2001. Basically unchanged since its debut, a convertible 2-door model joined the lineup in 2005 and the model received a significant facelift inside and out for 2006. Chrysler has offered many different variations of the 5-passenger, front-wheel-drive PT Cruiser, including many different limited-edition models. All models share the same 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, but the Limited model adds a turbocharger for more power. A 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic are the available transmissions. In EPA fuel economy testing, the Chrysler PT Cruiser earned ratings of 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with the automatic transmission. In our 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership, the PT Cruiser ranked among the top three models in its segment. For the 2009 model year, Chrysler has discontinued the convertible model.
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Other Small SUV models:
