Hiya amigos! Since you're such a learned bunch (and I have no idea where else to pose this question), here goes:

For "bigger" feel, less noise, more pick-up and overall interior roominess (2 adults and a 6yo) which better to rent, both at same price? Oh, will probably be driving 2 6-hour stretches, highway and snow in the Sierras and Tahoe.

Gracias!

Only my opinion, but I have rented both and the PT Cruiser hands down has more room - especially in the back. Although, I am short (4'11") and there are some wicked blind spots in the PT cruiser. I would feel much safer in it though, then the Focus.

Oh, please. Just think how "cooler" you'll look in a Cruiser than in a Focus.

I'd go with the PT as well. Definitely roomier. It is also a cooler car. Since you sit a bit higher up, it is easier for children to see out the windows from the back seat as well.

Not sure who you're renting from - but be aware that you don;t really know what car you're going to get until you get to the lot.

Even the biggest companies have issues with their stock management. A couple of weeks ago I was promised a Corolla - and when I turned up all they had was an SUV. I had to wait 20 minutes to get a Mazda 6 - my only other choice. When I told the agent that the 800# said they had plenty of Corollas - she said - they're in Oklahoma - what do they know - we haven;t seen a Corolla in months.)

consider, also, that the Focus is the Escort of previous model years, albeit re-styled, blah, blah, blah.

Vote : PT Cruiser.

My sister has a PT Cruiser & it is excellent. Very comfortable & roomy. It's the Turbo & really has good pickup when getting on the interstate.
Noise isn't really a problem & it holds a surprising amount in the back "trunk" area. We have taken several 4-5 hr trips in it with no discomfort.
Be aware though that it is low & be careful not to scrape the underneath front when pulling up at those concrete parking spot dividers.
Also, the gas mileage is good but the tank is small.The Turbo has a noticeable difference in pickup over the regular Cruiser.

No contest: the Subaru WRX Sport Wagon.
M

Like others have said, what you find at the rental place may be quite different from what you "reserve".

But just for the record, the PT Cruiser is a bigger and heavier car. The 2.4L engine makes 150HP, but it's a pretty coarse engine. Lots of noise and vibration when you need to rev it. [I doubt a rental agency will stock the turbo versions.]

The Ford Focus has a 136hp 2.0L engine. While less powerful than the PT Cruiser, it's also about 500lb lighter (about 2,700lb vs 3,200 for the PT Cruiser). It'll be the faster car. [I haven't driven a Focus, so can't comment on its quietness.]

People can love or hate the PT Cruiser's look. Seems like most people on this board likes it, but I don't. But people still look at it, while the Focus is basically invisible.

The Focus is also more fuel efficient, if that matters to you.

Just for the record I never said I LIKED the PT Cruiser. But anyone would have to admit someone riding in one would look a lot cooler than in a Ford Focus!

Knew you'd help out, Thank You!

Checked the Specs, and besides the weights, only MAJOR diffrences, in favor of PT Cruiser: Height/Rear Head Room/Rear Leg Room.

So, maybe the added weight makes it Sturdier?

We've reserved at ACE Rentals in LAX.

I'd love to get an SUV like another poster mentioned!

We rented a PT Cruiser once, and found it has as much space inside (headroom and rear space) as the Bronco II we had at home. It's bigger than you think!

PPaul, Bill Gates called and he'd like his Ford Focus back.

The PT Cruiser is a much nicer vehicle. However for storage the focus will have more room as far as trunk space is concerned. Granted the Focus is a small vehicle but it does have more storage for luggage than the PT Cruiser.

Per each manufacturer's Specs, PT Cruiser has much more Trunk space than Focus.

Any thought on ACE rentals in LAX?

Since we are talking Fords, I have to ask if "Focus" is one or two words? :-?

M 'mo-My BIL owns a Suburu shop in Nor Cal and tried to get my big arse into one of those rockets.

I'm satified with my little old Toyota, con mucho gusto!!!

Sister and good buddy have PTs and both luv 'em. The turbo does have smooth pick up.

Gpaul, hmm maybe so I don't know what the specs are on the vehicles. I just got back from a trip this past week where they only had a PT left and we received a free upgrade to a larger vehicle, as we were 4 adults with 1 bag each and not large bags either as it was only a 5 day trip. And we could only fit 2 bags nicely in the back and 3 bags stuffed. The third would have come into the backseat if we would have had to stop quickly. I haven't rented a focus but as I drive a compact 2 door vehicle I would have been able to put double the luggage in my vehicle versus the PT Cruiser door. Now this is just my experience and you will most likely have less luggage than we did with 2 adults and 1 child versus the 4 adults. Just wanted to share my experience with renting a PT on vacation.

That should say Pt Hatchback not door

>>>>Oh, will probably be driving 2 6-hour stretches, highway and snow in the Sierras and Tahoe.<<<<<

Do you know how to put on tire chains ?
Will the rental co. provide them ?
or do you need to purchase them prior to heading up to Tahoe ?
Are you prepared to pay someone to put them on for you ?
Something to consider..
R5

"Chains required...whips optional...."
Gotta love California.