Putting a turbocharger on Chrysler's PT Cruiser is like wearing a push-up bra. It is meant to attract new admirers, but in reality nothing has changed. That said, we could find nothing to warrant paying a lot of extra money for the turbocharged GT for three reasons.

First, it doesn't need it unless you haul heavy loads or insist on an automatic transmission. Secondly, it requires the use of premium fuel and the gas mileage fall ten percent. Finally, they load the GT up with lots of nice options, but it comes with a price increase that pushes this Cruiser into a different category.

Now, don't get me wrong, I liked the turbo and felt it gave the PT a little life. But, the 4 speed automatic drained much of the 215hp. In other words, the turbocharger makes this Chrysler a little more playful, but it's going to cost you.

However, the GT is not just about 65 more horsepower for the extra thousands. It also offers better braking, shocks, lots of extra standard features and a more elegant interior.

Mom's view: The ride is stiff, the seats aren't the most comfortable and the adjustments are difficult to reach, and the price is difficult for me to accept.

Thus I can't justify the extra cost of the GT model. In fact, I prefer the standard 150 horsepower engine with a manual transmission. As for using the PT, I can only marvel at its exceptional ability to transform itself into nearly any configuration.

Dad's view: The new turbocharged GT is truly loaded. It handles better, stops faster, and has such features as antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, sport seats, and a more modern interior look to go with the more potent engine. The problem with the 3182 pound GT is its pricing.

It is not that the turbocharger is not worth a little extra, but you have little choice of options if you want the more energetic power plant. Thus despite the versatility of this vehicle, you are looking at some serious money.

For example, the wonderful Chrysler van with power everything costs nearly the same. The souped up Dodge SXT Intrepid with 244 horsepower is also similarly priced. So you really have to like the GT version to want one, although you certainly get a much more exciting Cruiser to drive.

I enjoyed the superior handling of the GT with its stouter suspension and wider tires. It clearly is a better driving car, but parking it is another matter. It has a whopping large turning radius making three point turns at malls a certainty if you don't tack before entry. Finally, the deeply set gauge clusters are difficult to read and the chrome door handles are slippery.

College going male's view: Wait for the PT convertible. The GT is nice, but you still can't tell it from a base model and the turbo and automatic transmission don't always do a good job of talking to each other.

The GT only got 19 mpg on premium and with a tank that holds just 15 or so gallons long trips require more planning. The non-turbo gets almost four miles per gallon more on unleaded. Good stereo and easy to manipulate seating arrangements make it fun to use. I consider myself creative, and so I liked the idea of the more base model so I could use the extra money to personalize it. With the GT your money is already committed to more performance.

Young working woman's view: A dandy car. It has positive vibes, drives easily, and atones for its bashful nature by trying to please you with its ability to adjust to your mood.

It is not too noisy, vision is good, and Chrysler dealers are doing there best to find these Cruisers good homes. Look for some lower priced turbocharged models coming soon without all the options. Now that would leave no excuses not to own one of these Jack-of-all-Trades mobiles.

Family conference: If you carry heavy loads, the 65 more horsepower the turbo add is well worth considering. But beware that even with 215 horsepower this is not a hot rod. For that try Chrysler's Neon SRT-4 with the same engine. Now that is a hot rod, and it costs less than the Cruiser.

Written by The Car Family