Overview & Reviews
Inspired by the panel vans of the1930s, the Chrysler PT Cruiser caused quite a buzz when it was first released, for model year 2001. It was one of a few vehicles to herald the new retro trend and became an instant success.
As an entire decade passed, the PT's utility and versatility remained intact, but the hype surrounding it faded. Such was the life of the PT Cruiser: a bright spot for Chrysler that was ultimately left alone while other practical yet smartly styled hatchback/wagons were introduced. From a used car purchase standpoint, however, the PT is still a respectable choice, especially considering that you'll have plenty of examples to choose from given its decade in production.
Most Recent Chrysler PT Cruiser
The Chrysler PT Cruiser was produced from 2001-'10 as a four-door wagon, and from 2005-'08 as a two-door convertible. Despite sharing its platform with the much-maligned Neon, it drove better than its DNA would suggest. It was also versatile, with a maximum cargo space of 76 cubic feet, and there was ample seating space and headroom. The rear seats could fold down or be removed completely, and a two-tiered luggage area further enhanced the PT's usability.
Throughout its run, the standard engine was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produced 150 horsepower. A five-speed manual and four-speed automatic were available. Acceleration was adequate, but fuel economy was poor for a small wagon. For 2003, Chrysler added a turbocharged GT model; it originally produced 215 horses and later 230 for 2006. It was discontinued for '07. Those desiring more power after that time could opt for a 180-hp turbo engine on certain trims from 2004-'09.
Besides a minor interior styling refresh for '06 and the gradual addition of more features such as an auxiliary audio jack or Bluetooth, the PT Cruiser was otherwise unchanged.
In road tests, our editors found the Chrysler PT Cruiser to be an entertaining drive. It handled adequately, and its overall ride quality was smooth. The Cruiser's utility also bettered that of many compact crossovers. The main downsides included the tepid acceleration of the base engine and poor fuel economy. In its later years, the PT's design also became stale compared to newer competing hatchbacks and wagons. As for the convertible, its fixed roll bar made access to the backseat tricky and top-up visibility was a perpetual issue. We weren't enamored with it at the time, but it could be a good pick if you're looking for an affordable and stylish drop top.
User Reviews:
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Worst mistake I ever made, dont buy one! - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By 4x4thewin - July 5 - 10:24 amI babied my PT Cruiser, but once it hit 90k miles it all went down hill. Routine service like starter, alternator, brakes is all to be expected but it didnt seem to matter how much I put into it mechanically, every few months a new problem would arise. At 120k it started pouring oil out, had a blown head gasket. Kelley Blue Book value was less than an engine rebuild, so I cut my losses and donated it as is. If your thinking of getting one, dont. I wouldnt take one for free!
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Dont buy this car! - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Michael Pearse - June 28 - 1:22 pmI bought this car 3 years ago in may with 82,000 miles. A week later my fuel pump went out. then a couple months later my water pump and head gasket went out. then shortly after that my transmission went out. I have spent a lot more than it is worth in repairs in a relatively short amount of time. i swear it spends more time in the shop than on the road. Dont buy this car! Please!
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Biggest Mistake - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By convertibe - May 20 - 11:49 amThe PT Cruiser has been the biggest mistake I have ever driven. Forced to drive it as a result of financial difficulties and automobile difficulties, I have been given the reigns(courtesy of a loving family member) to a car which I despise. Let me give you a list of complaints. The styling is horrible. I wouldnt let a blind person drive this car. It is the ugliest car I have ever seen. Its handling is so porous so I believe I can outmaneuver the car with a large Uhaul truck. The acceleration is pathetic. I had a child zoom by me on their skateboard (and I had the gas pedal completely floored...kidding but...) The car has been in the shop almost as much as it has been on the road.
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Pay or Pay - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Buckskincolt - May 13 - 6:33 pmDont buy a high maintenance PT, you need to change plugs every 30k, they get pathetic mileage 20city/24hwy. Brakes grind like they are shot but they are ok, Ive had a head oil leak that Chrysler had a service bulletin on but made me pay because it was 1k out of warranty? And check your used trade value!! This car is only worth $5500 trade in if it were a Honda civic it would have a trade of $9300. This has got to be the worst car I have ever owned, sure its cute but beyond than it is a poor excuse of an automobile. American automakers at work. Where is Lee Iacocca when you need him. This car is a fall back to the 70s when all Chrysler products werent fit for the road. Think, dont buy!
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plastic junk - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By vinny - May 23 - 2:50 ami have a 2006 pt cruiser touring wagon i think the car is plastic junk fuel economy is poor for a 4 only get 19 miles city interior is noisy and cheap and very uncomfortable seats are too hard the car needs more horsepower it also has a bad ride you feel all the bumps i cant wait to trade it in i hate it
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Bad Dangerous Buy - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Button - November 15 - 7:36 pmI am very disappointed in my PT cruiser. Steering ratio super bad. Visibility when backing is dangerously bad. There are blind spots. Looking to buy another car and other brand as soon as possible.
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Nothing but problems - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By sexysloth - August 28 - 7:31 amThis is one of the worst cars Ive ever owned or driven. It gets very poor gas mileage and the acceleration is extremely poor. If even a drop of water get on the seats, it leaves a watermark youll never be able to get out. The dashboard is poorly laid out and I personally hate the circular design of the dash. The check engine light went on and off intermittently for a year, mechanics had no idea what was wrong with it. Whenever anyone sat in the passenger seat, the airbag light dinged loudly every 5 minutes. The car shook violently when idling or over 45-50mph. At 60k miles, the engine was completely shot. We ended up trading it in to a dealership at an extremely low price for a Ford.
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Lemon Lemon Lemon - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Lance Bass - July 10 - 12:36 amPT Cruisers are lemons. After only 6 months with a brand new PT Cruiser I had to have the engine replaced and the entire electrical wiring replaced. The car has spent more time in the shop than it has spent in my drive way. Do not buy a pt cruiser.
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Biggest [non-permissible content removed] ever! - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By David Jordan - November 21 - 2:54 pmI bought mine with 132000 miles on it and it was way overpriced on top of the immediate repairs that needed to be done. Right away it overheated and needed a new battery. The cooling fan and relays had to be replaced. I replaced spark plugs and wires with a new coil pack, new fuel injectors, map sensor, camshaft positioning sensor and it still runs like crap. I have only owned it for a couple months now and every week it is something new. I replaced front and back brake pads with new rotors and drums. There is no power to the engine and gas mileage is iffy. The whole thing shakes even after getting my tires balance twice. Overall this is a junky piece of crap and must be Chryslers April fools joke to society. I think Ill be going back to GM. I have never gotten rid of a car so soon and put so much money into it with no difference in how it runs.
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biggest mistake ever - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By nhmom73 - May 26 - 6:06 pmI hate to write this, because I am about to make yet another repair in the 1k range. And want to get it off my hands very soon after. I bought mine with 14k on the engine for 14k. Have had so many problems I would need a website to list. Knock on wood, the only thing I have not replaced is the transmission. At 32k I had to replace all 4 cylinders. Was very upset that Chrysler would not help with the repair. It was a manufacture issue as they were never correct. They offered free parts if I used a dealership, but that would have cost me more than my mechanic. Then 3 crank shaft sensors...need to bring it in now to find why the 3rd has found... It shakes at 50 and above on the rd...problems
