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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Transmission - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By soburone - May 30 - 10:00 amthe transmission let go after only 60000 easy driven miles.
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bad... - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By NeverPT - May 23 - 1:20 pmbought it brand new but already had a couple of problems after owning it for less than 3 weeks. chirping noise due to misalignment of belt. air conditioning doesnt work well. Brought it to dealer today to have belt replaced and have AC checked. car seats are not comfortable. gas mileage is OK. the first tank got 24.2 mpg, not bad.
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I used to love my car - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Liz - April 29 - 6:10 amThis was the first car my husband and I bought new. I loved it right away. It was comfortable, fun to drive and it was so cute! But it started having problems at about 30,000 miles. It wouldnt start. The dealer replaced the battery. The day after we brought it back it wouldnt start again. Back to the dealer for something else to be replaced. We were told after taking it back to the same dealer for the 5th time to not come back! All in all its been in the shop 14 times in a little over two years! It always seems to be something electrical. Dont buy a 2003 PT Cruiser if you need a reliable car.
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We purchased a wonderful but flawed car - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Debra Jones - March 14 - 9:13 amI love my PT Cruiser, however, we have had to have the transmission rebuilt at 70,000+ miles, repeated problems with the brakes within the first 2 months of driving it (a dealers employee had indicated this was a very common problem.) We have a 60 month loan which will be pd off this Nov., however, we have been told by a body shop that based on their examination, without $3,000.00 additional work completed on it, it will not be running by Nov. Tire rods, struts, AC compressor, a bearing have to be replaced. We have had problems with the quality of work at a local dealership closer to our home in Greenwood (not Eastgate, but Tom OBrien). Defective tires, stripped lugnuts, one Mgr not ok.
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Dependable but uncomfortable - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Donna - February 25 - 2:43 amMy cruiser is very dependable, it had a little over 10,000 miles when I bought it and 15 months later it has almost 50,000! I like driving it, but the seats have to be the most uncomfortable seats Ive ever experienced. Like a park bench. And it has no guts at all, none. The fuel economy is very poor. Much worse that the sticker said. The fun part of the car is all the extras that you can get. Unfortunately, the resale value is a joke. If you purchase from a dealer, after the 1st year, your upside down & it wont be worth even close to what you owe on it.
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Never Again - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Sheila - February 23 - 12:10 amBought my car used w/low miles. The brakes have always squeaked, had checked twice for the same thing. They say they just squeak. Oil pressure light has come on several times for no apparent reason. Check engine light comes and goes. Couldnt find out why. A/C went out the end of last summer, I live in TX and need air. Now my ignition will not turn either way, so I cant drive the car. Mileage is the same as I got in my Grand Cherokee Laredo, maybe not as good.
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PT Cruiser - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Debbie - December 25 - 11:46 pmIm disappointed with the power and the fuel economy. I had a 6 cylinder car, so I thought I would sacrifice the power for better mileage, but I didnt get better mileage.
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Our pt cruiser - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By JIM LESPERANCE - December 17 - 4:53 amThe car has been a huge disappointment for us.The gas mileage is much worse than our ford escape.The seats are like sitting on a rock and they are very uncomfortable.The icing on the cake was when the windshield suddenly cracked while my wife was driving. There were no vehicles on the highway at the time. We took the car to a glass place and were told there were no stone chips and they suggested we take the car to our dealer as chrysler may cover the cost of a $900 windshield.They felt it was a stress crack. The dealer told us the warranty for glass is 20,000 kilometers and we were over that so were out of luck.We have contacted chrysler and are waiting for a response.
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Love it, but it stinks - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By michelle - October 7 - 3:46 amHad almost 3 yrs. Last year nothing but problems, every week something different. Cant trade in, owe to much money and isnt worth much. Now on its last legs, must give back. Transmission died without any warning, brakes front drive line broke on freeway. Whole wheel came off with no warrning, cost $250 to tow home where now it just sits in my driveway. Fix brakes twice in two weeks. I would not buy a used car again. Has 140,000 miles on it now started at 100,000. Doesnt keep its value.
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I will not buy Chrysler products anymore - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By uncleralph - October 6 - 1:41 pmThey might be a decent car when new, but will start to nickle and dime you later. This could have been a great car if Chrysler had put some effort into making inprovements over the years. We own a 06 convertible and a 07 touring sedan. Everytime you turn around it seems you are replacing the front brakes. My wifes 06 a/c went out at 60,000 miles. Comp. locked up. It has a power steering leak since new. Fuel mileage is poor at best. My 07 has had the airbag light on for a year now. My a/c is acting up and will cause the car to jerk or load up at idol. My radiator is starting to leak. I have heard they last 3-4 years. I like the styling and the removable seats. I would not buy!
