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 Cruiser 4 dr wagon std - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Mike A - December 30 - 5:36 amChrysler could have done better. The seats are hard as a rock and uncomfortable over long drives. No cruise control means a lot of physical driving. Reliability sucks. The brakes had to be replaced twice and tires wore out quick. I didnt hot rod this car, I babied the heck out of it and still the little things broke down. I had sensors go bad after I bought the car. BIG repair bills. Gas mileage is the same as my Dodge Caravan SXT! 22 mpg on the highway for a PT Cruiser? Thats just dumb. I love the color and the interior are nice to look at. I dont like the vents though. Cant use my cell phone clip to hold my phone. Forget about self repairs. Cant get to the oil dipstick w/out moving hoses
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Speechless - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Piggy - December 8 - 2:10 amI just bought the car a few weeks ago with 40,000 miles. Thank god I bought an extended warranty because it is already going to the shop. My wife noticed a hesitation in the acceleration while driving down the highway, the new brakes make a lot of noise, and the engine makes a squealing noise at cold start-up until engine is warm. I hope that this isnt the beginning of endless problems.
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Seats as hard as rocks - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Roter - October 28 - 2:00 amThe seat in the standard PT Cruiser are the most uncomfortable thing you could sit on. I have driven my cruiser 100K miles and look forward to getting a soft riding Buick.
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PT PROBLEMS - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Cindy - October 9 - 4:13 amBought 2001 PT Cruiser in 2003 with 34,000 miles on it. At 86,000 overheating caused head gasket to blow. Went ahead and replaced water pump, oil pump, timing belt, all accessory belts while engine was torn down hoping to save some labor later on down the road. Cost to repair 1,792. 2 yrs. later started to lose oil.The bracket that holds water pump in place broke and moved forward into oil pump and timing mechanism. Had to replace water pump, oil pump, head gasket, timing belt, accessory belts etc AGAIN. $2,200 for repairs. 13 months later overheating AGAIN. Needs cooling fan. Cost $720. Sunroof motor $750. Rim corrosion. Cheapest found 350.00. REPAIR HOG!
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Please - where did you all get your PT? - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Jo - July 16 - 4:33 pmI have had nothing but disappointment with my PT. Yes, it is cute and sporty, but the last 4 tanks of gas have gotten me 17.4, 17.3 16.4 and 16.4 miles to the gallon! I have called, had the car looked at with Chrysler giving me excuses about the engine is new, it needs to be broken in, you are not driving it right, you have to change how you drive...It is a 4-cyl car, I repeat 4-cyl car, and should be getting better mileage. I drive 50% city and 50 % highway. My parents 8 cyl Jaguar getting better mileage... The car is simply average but sells on emotion, sentimentality and looks. My only regret is that I may be waiting 1 year to trade it in for a better performing and economical car.
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Lemon Pt-Cruiser - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Pt-cruiser :( - May 26 - 9:50 amsince I purchased this car, all Ive had is problems. -1st the door took air and was very noisy, had it looked at 5 times to be told, that Id have to like with it. -The the door take in water when in a carwash or when in heavy rain - Had had constant noise with the motor and of course when you take it in does not do it for them, grrr - Brakes needed to be changed 4 times - the bouching its a suspensing thing twice - I had to buy the extendeed warrenty at a cost of 1200$, was less expensive to take that then the repair cost I had to place on it at a lil over 60k - then the a/c stopped working and had to get all 4 tubings replaced and had to par a 100$ detection, yada yada yada
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Wish I knew how expensive it would be to repair - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By sim40son - May 15 - 10:42 pmI have had this car since 2007, it was fine for the 1st year but I had to put brakes on a fairly new car. Have to buy new tires all the time it wears them out, new brakes every year because of the ceramic brake pads bad design. wiring harness went and something else that was not suppose to ever go bad, chrysler paid for that. I have had to put new wheel bearings on, when the timing belt brakes it takes out the whole housing expensive, even a tune up is outrageous. I am reviewing cars this time. I like my PT cruiser, but I do not like the huge expense of repairs, chrysler parts are expensive. My mechanic told me that chylsers are very expensive to repair. wish I new ahead of time.
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the overheating PT CRUISER - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By PAUL WILLIAMS` - January 26 - 10:00 amI bought a 2008 pt cruiser what a nightmare, bushings go every single year they went 3 times in 2 years. Also overheats when in idle a lot the dealership tells me its the engine cooling fan module thank god I bought the extended warranty on it. The module cost over 400 dollars plus labor. Not my favorite car but it heats well in the winter. Gas mileage is very poor for some reason its only a 4 cylinder car it shouldnt be that poor at all.
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Steer Clear of Chrysler PT Cruiser - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By JenniferDenise - October 31 - 6:33 amIve had nothing but problems with this car since I purchased it. I barely get 16 mpg when I should be getting over 20. The car stalls when the air conditioner runs. It wont shift going up hills and has a lot of trouble taking off. The check engine light flashes during every up-hill battle. Ive replaced the brakes, rotors and spark plugs twice. I was told it needed a tune up which was done but the problems came back a few months later. Ive now been told that it needs another tune-up. I paid 10,000 on the car and Ive now paid over 4,000 in two years on "maintenance". My powertrain warranty hasnt covered the cost of any repairs to the engine or transmission. Ill never buy Chrysler again
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Ive given it all shes got captain! - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Eric Peterson - June 6 - 1:06 amAt first I loved this car, I ve had it for 2 years and I stay on top of its maintenance. My biggest complaint is a common one; fuel economy (20-) and performance. Another major factor is its complete inability to drive in the snow (Connecticut). The power to weight ratio just doesnt work. It strains at highway speeds, especially uphill. Its a good looking vehicle with lots of functional space but I wouldnt buy it again without some design changes.
