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:

• 

  Late-Onset Lemon - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By dokein - October 4 - 12:13 am

  After less than a year, power steering died while I was on the highway. After two years, overheating problems started. Took in for service 4 times in 2 years for overheating. First time the dealer blamed it on a bad power steering motor steering motor and topped off the antifreeze. 2nd time no cause found. 3rd time found a bad fan relay. 4th time (58k mi) water pump failed, causing head gasket to blow, warping the head, damaging a piston & a ring. 2 weeks to fix. Chrysler not fully honoring 7/100 powertrain warranty, making me pay ~$500. Front discs & pads at ~40k. Plug wires after 55k. Several other intermittent problems dealer refused to fix under bumper-to-bumper warranty.

• 

  Money Pit on Wheels - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By jms - August 14 - 2:46 pm

  In the year and a half that I have owned ny cruiser, it has had repairs done on steering problems 5 times. I think the whole steering system must be new! Also, the air conditioning drags the idle speed down when waiting for traffic lights.

• 

  Cruisers Suck - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Chryslersucks - April 16 - 10:00 am

  After owning a PT Cruiser for 1 year 1 month and 3 days the transmission died. Two days after repair the vehichle died again. After owning several vehichle 1 year and multiple issues. I am convinced I will never purchase a chrysler again.

• 

  Will never buy again. - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By vickad76 - February 18 - 8:46 am

  Was dreaming about buying this car for about two years. Finally a year ago Ive made enough money and bought the car of my dreams for $7,000.00 with 60,000 mi on it. For the first half of a year I really enjoyed it, but suddenly in the middle of a winter it stopped shifting gears. After I added transmission fluid, it worked well till the spring. Once it got to be warmer the old problems went back, and the car would stop shifting gears whenever it likes. Now I went through three months of nightmares already and need to pay about $2,000 for the repair, for the warranty is already expired. It was the last Chrysler vehicle Ive bought.

• 

  Underpowered and Blind Spots - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Techshark - February 8 - 10:00 am

  We liked the looks of the Cruiser but have found it hard to drive. It has large blind spots at the rear quarter panels and is grossly underpowered. We often have trouble getting up hills at highway speed. Also the fuel economy is not great, 20mph at best. Had we known these items we would not have bought the car.

• 

  mistaken identity - 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By pat karrick - October 18 - 7:53 pm

  I misread the information on pt cruiser being a midsized car for 2010 and misjudged the vehicles it was compared to. I bought a 2010 which has a 2000.00 discount. I accepted black. The only color said available. I am in a compact car not a midsized car. I have filled the gas tank twice and only put on 300. Miles. Its a 15 gallon tank. I was told and read a 26 mpg. My 1996 Buick regal v6 3800 motor with 200,300. Miles on it got 26 miles to a gallon if not more. I want my old car back.

• 

  03 PT CRUISER - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Phillip E. Taylor - September 3 - 4:30 pm

  At 75 miles, day after purchase, transmission required total rebuild (overdrive hub seal leaked and burned up clutches). At approx. 35k, first battery was replaced under warranty. Since then, two more batteries have been installed, most recent was less than a year old. We discovered, just after 70k, where extended warranty expired, that problem stemmed from fog light switch WONT turn off! We have hence unplugged fog lights, but indicator light on dashboard is always on. Also, transmission required another rebuild at 50k, w/$100 deductible. Also, there is a power steering fluid leak, requiring daily fill-up. Ign. key cyl. wont always turn on & column wont lock w/key removed. TIRED OF THIS!!

• 

  Dont Buy American - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Rhodes - August 15 - 4:20 pm

  I so want to support American-made cars....but when the builders dont support the buyers...there is a problem. HOW TO CLEAN THE SEATS: Use Woolite Oxyclean Spray...it removes all stains and makes the seats look new again. Ive had this car at the dealership too many times (thank God I have a warranty). Would not recommend this car to consumers. Overpriced new...and taking a BIG chance buying it used. Lastly, its a gas guzzler.

• 

  What was I thinking? - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By What was I thinking? - August 13 - 1:00 am

  I have a 2006 PT. The gas mileage is robbing me blind. I had only had the car for 4 months when the air condition may the car run hot. I would have to pull over for it to cool off. I was stuck out of town when it first happened. I missed 2 day of work. The steering wheel shakes. Ive had the tires rotated and aligned. I say it at least once a day that I hate this car.

• 

  PT l loser - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By sucker - May 4 - 3:06 am

  Car is fun to drive but gas mileage is lousy and Chryslers customer service sucks. I will never buy a Chrysler again because they do not respect their customers even though they make some very interesting fun cars