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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PT NOT FOR ME - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By myhoganybrown - December 25 - 5:36 pmI only got the car because it was the most affordable. I ended up hating this car 1 year later not because of its reliability but because of its looks. This car is definitely perfect for older people. Why anyone under 50 would drive this car is beyond me? Although, I wasnt forced to purchase, it was a regret. However, no big maintenance issues. I just think it has no sex appeal.
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water stains seats - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By jane - October 19 - 8:13 pmThis care is loud, as far as being noisy while driving on the highway. To hear the radio, you must turn it up very loud. The seats stain from water. After 3 months, this vehicle looks old and junky on the inside - come on - rain water staining seats!!!! I am not happy with this vehicle.
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Piece of junk - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By SCGURL1974 - September 14 - 9:40 amI have never owned a car that has had so many issues! I bought this vehicle almost brand new and in as little as a year I already had issues with the fuel pump and a year later my power steering has gone out. Of course it is no longer under warranty so I have had to pay all this out of pocket. The dealership mechanic told me he sees the cruiser all the time. I should have kept my Kia!! This vehicle is a piece of junk and I am stuck with it. Chrysler should be ashamed and I will be writing them a letter.
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Curse of a car - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By juliarose - May 18 - 1:27 amI got this car in 2006 from my aunt who had bought it new in 2001. Before she gave it to me (luckily I didnt pay anything for it), she had MANY things replaced. The car is poorly engineered, any work done to it is a pain because of the constricted space in the engine. Since I have had the car, every 2-3 months something huge goes wrong with it. The things I have had done since I have had it: 2 radiators, 2 coolant fans, new wheels because they were leaking and causing my tires to go flat, shocks, timing belt, brakes, head gasket, fuel pump, water pump, thermostat (engine overheats, AC broke, fog lights wouldnt go out (removed the fuse box), hatch broke twice. Gas mileage sucks too! Awful.
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Bad Cruiser - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By TDH - February 27 - 4:13 amThe car was fine for the first two years, but it has been a headache ever since. The turbo blew out when the car was 2 years old. It was still under warranty. The dealership performed shoddy work, and it ended up in the shop again for repeat repairs. I would never again purchase a Chrysler. I have spent almost $10,000 in repairs. I hope Chrysler and it subsidiaries go down in flames. No bail out!
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Big Mistake - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By QA - December 21 - 5:50 amBecause the seats sit higher, you are able to enjoy an overall better view of the road. However, I wouldnt recommend anyone to purchase a PT Cruiser. The workmanship on the car is poor. The parts are of poor quality and break quickly. The price to fix the vehicle is outrageous due to its design. It is a completely unreliable car. I have owned the car for 3 years. It has brokendown and needed towed 4 times. Each time I was told that the part with the problem wears quickly and it is not unusual to have it replaced.
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I hope nobody makes the mistake I did - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Teddy B - October 15 - 6:53 pmIf there is anything I can do to convince you to not buy this car it would be worth it!! As a car I have to say its horrible. 16 MPG average (not city)!! It rumbles when you drive it. I wish i never bought it. You cant take it threw a carwash because of the top. You sit high compared to most cars, witch can be a good or bad thing. The car is slow and i am not exaderating about that, I got passed by a civic and I had it kicked to the floor. This car does not come with ABS atandard or Traction control, there is drumb breaks on the rear tires so when the raod is wet you have no traction and the car slides all over the place
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Faulty Transmission - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By ecartner - August 3 - 10:53 amAfter 70k miles, car begins to have a hard time cranking. At 90k miles, transmission goes completely out from "metal shavings". This was a well maintained car & should be on the road for longer with no problems. Ive found others online that have had the same problem. I will never buy another Chrysler in my life!
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Worst Car Ever - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By nat9 - April 27 - 11:19 amThis car is the most unreliable car I have ever owned. Several ongoing challenges; I have had to change camshaft sensor, powersteering line, window motors would constantly stick and windows wouldn,t move. Terrible with gas, I have to fill my tank twice per week. A/C stopped working after one year, only blows hot air. This car has cost me so much money. I purchased this car January 2006 and have owned it almost 5yrs. When I first purchased this car I felt it was too soon to write a review. Very dissapointed that I will need to purchase a new car again. When I am driving on the highway, i feel like the wind will blow the car away because of the flimsy, lite material it is made of.
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the worst car ever - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By demi - January 23 - 4:23 amI feel like a sucker for buying this junker.Back in 05 I thought buying new would give me worry free driving for atleast 4 to 5 years.Man I could have not been more wrong. I bought in May and by October it was at the dealer for 7 weeks because the whole instrument cluster was shot to hell.The problems have not stopped since.I have replaced the drive shafts 5 times already.The box is not big enough to list all the problems that I have had.If I did not have friends who are mechanics and had to bring this car to the dealer, I would be near $20,000 in repairs.With one year left in payments near $4,000 I am so tempted to drive this piece of junk thruogh the front window of Chryslers head office.
