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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  2003 PT Cruiser - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By MW - May 2 - 12:23 pm

  Overall disappointed with vehicle, gas mileage terrible for a 4 cylinder engine. Turns like a truck

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  Unreliable - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Do not buy Chrysler - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is extremely unreliable. It has been one problem after another. The latest problem is a smell of a burning electrical system. Do not purchase this headache.

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  Loved it when I bought it, nothing but problems now! - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By telly89 - March 19 - 5:43 pm

  When I first bought my car I loved it I was very excited to own a new car. I have only had the car for about 3 years and now it over heats very easily, the check engine light will come on and it shutters, down shifts hard, and then sputters to a stop. the fan for the a/c doesnt work so the interior wont warm up in the winter now (or cool down in the summer) it has very poor gas mileage for a little car, I know it’s not a sports car but its gutless! I keep up on the regular maintenance (oil changes, transmission flushes, tire rotations) but can’t afford to fix all the other problems that it shouldn’t be having if Im keeping up with regular maintenance! oh and the turning radius sucks!

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  Turbo? no way! - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Viviana - December 14 - 9:43 pm

  My first pt a brand new 2002, loved my car, had it for 7 years only two problems with it and we solved it fast,Now I have a new 2008 turbo and it has been at the dealership about 12 times, they cant find nothing wrong with it, they said its all normal, but it feels that you are riding on a tractor at the farm.gas milage is so poor,tire ligh on, the ratleling noise it makes, the squeaks andthe power seat handle broke off. Iam so upset that this pt is so sad!give me my 2002 back. Whats wrong with the people at the dealership?

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  Worst car ever owned! - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By classicsrock - August 6 - 7:46 pm

  i bought a 2001 pt cruiser 3 weeks ago...a weeks after i bought it i had to put in new ball joints and bushings and put 4 brand new tires on it. then last weeks i broke down on the side of the rd, the timing belt went and ruined all the valves and failed the compression test, the motor was junk so needless to say i will NEVER buy another one complete junk! i should have bought the Chevy Camaro i was headed to go look at the but saw the pt on my way their biggest mistake! now Im out a couple thousand dollars and no car. for anyone thinking about buy a pt, dont, just keep driving!

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  Crummy Cruiser - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Mary Roth - July 6 - 8:50 pm

  Before the warranty was up I had to have a new transmission and two new air conditioners. Since then, the AC has had to be fixed again (by someone other than the dealer.) The gas mileage is poor for a small car. This is a cute top on a Dodge Neon platform and I am very unhappy with it. The service from Tommy Manuel is very crummy and I would never buy from them again.

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  Horrible car - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By mrloyd - June 29 - 8:50 am

  The car gets 17 mpg, which is awful. You cant see traffic lights if you are the first car because of the sloping roof. The seat feels like you are on a bar stool and about to fall off, and is so narrow you have to sit on top of the bolsters, and I am thin! Front end drags when you hit the slightest dip. When cornering, tornado effect throws all loose items around car. Passengers usually complain of motion sickness. If something falls off the seat you will have to pull over to retrieve it. If you try to get something out of the passenger floor, the seatbelt will stab you in the ribs quite painfully. The removable seats are so heavy you cant remove them, or but them back. This car is terrible

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  not what expected - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By bboy - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Interior design is poor... Suspension system is poor... Interior is noisy... difficult to check blind spots...

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  EWWWW.... Too many problems!!! - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Jay1121 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I have purchased this vehicle and I will NEVER buy any Chrysler again!!! It was my second Chrysler and now I learned my lesson!!! This car gave me in less than 2 months apart $2500 worth of repairs. I took it to Chrysler Service and I felt "ripped off". First time in service was about $1000, and the second was about $1480. I had 60k mile warranty on this car, and as soon as it turned 61208 it started with problems. As if it had some computerized mechanism to do so. Go figure!!!

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  Feet of clay - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By rickevans033050 - April 14 - 11:53 am

  I rented one of these doofuses for a trip to the Grand Canyon because Enterprise didnt hold the Kia Rio I reserved. Talk about clumsy and underpowered. It could barely hold 50 mph flooring the pedal to the metal climbing the hills between Phoenix and Flagstaff. Its a 6000 climb with some fairly steep grades. But we were being blown by Aveos, Corollas, Sentras and Neons. Its fuel economy averaged about 21. In handling my Corolla CE could run circles around it. I dont get those who think its "fun to drive" Interior is comfy and many like this retro wannabe but frankly the styling is dowdy.