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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  Mistake or not? - 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By unsure - October 9 - 1:16 am

  Im happy to see the positive reviews about this car but I am unhappy with the cars performance. I never thought to ask about it at the dealership or research it. This is the second one Ive owned; but honestly the 01 seemed to perform much better. Did I make a mistake??? Hopefully, my concerns will dissipate with time since less than 700 miles. Ive brought it in the service dept; naturally no signs of anything wrong...

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  Oh my goodness - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By krb21 - October 7 - 10:26 am

  I hate this car! I bought this car as a graduation gift to myself and hate it. Ive had it in the shop more than I think Ive actually driven it. I have 123,400 miles on it which is a lot but even before that Ive had the tires changed twice, the brakes make a weird noise, there is a loud rattle on the back hatch door. This car has given me problems since day one. I bought it and the next year it failed inspection because the tint was to dark. Ive never added anything extra to the car. Just need a good family car. It sucks gas! I fill up 2 times a week just from going to work, picking up my son, and going home. I wouldnt recommend this car to my worst enemy!

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  2005 PT Touring - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Lori - August 27 - 9:10 pm

  I have owned my PT for about two and half years. I went from a Dodge Ram 1500 to this small PT only due to the fact my Ram only got nine mpg and fuel was running $4.00 per gallon. Basically there is plenty of room, with the back seats up, for my two hunting dogs. This was the only reason I bought it, because of the large cargo area.

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  second times a charm? - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By apodpaula - July 1 - 4:53 pm

  Bought new and loved it, since then not so much. At 30K had to have motor replaced because of bad head. At 40K, needed rear end work, now at 58K I find out I have to have motor replaced/rebuilt for a second time due to a oil leak in the head gasket. Im told by the dealership that it will be covered. We will see. After it was fixed the first time, I tried to fall in love with it again, but the honeymoon is over.

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  Happy - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By mike - June 20 - 1:20 pm

  I had a Corolla but turning 50 I wanted to treat myself to something I could call mine. I dont like to spend a lot of money on cars. Driving this car makes me feel good and young like I want to just hit the open highways. So it burns a little more gas than most cars. Hey treat yourself. Dont leave too much behind because someone else will have no problem spending it. Happy motoring

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  Wont Buy Another - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Keri - May 21 - 11:06 am

  I couldnt wait to get a PT after the bad taste my previous dodge had left...however, this car is just as bad if not worse. In 2006 extensive engine work had to be done and in 2009 extensive work had to be done to the engine again.........the car only has 55k miles and the oil is changed as it is supposed to be.......wish I knew what the lemon laws were......this will be my last Dodge/Chrysler auto!

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  never again - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By never again - May 2 - 6:33 am

  What a piece of garbage this car is. The front suspension is so weak and clunky, no one can seem to fix it. Yes this car is fun to drive but I expect problems when I drive it. I dont Dare hit a pot hole because it sounds like the bottom is going to fall out. Never again will I buy a Chrysler.

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  nice ..but complete junk - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By scott s - April 18 - 11:16 pm

  When I bought this car, it was my first car. I was very happy at the time I bought it. I bought it for 10,000 dollors and ended up putting another 7 on repairs. I only had this car for 6 months. 3 of which it was in the shop. It drives Nice, but it has to many problems. I need a new engine. The turbo leaked twice. The radiator leaked twice as well. The car overheated with coolet in the car!I am to poor to put that much money into a car .. So I traded it in for a 2208 Chevy silverado and gas isnt that much worse

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  PT ruined 2 holidays with malfunctions. - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By dutchman - February 10 - 2:30 pm

  We fell for the shape of the PT. thus far we had two major failures (engine management system blocked the car because of blocked fuel line??. replaced spark plugs and cables (myself, check the costs!)) and have had the antenna replaced 4 times. Still dont have reception, only in larger populated areas. Consumption in congested cities like where we live is absolutely sky-high. We hit the 14.1 liter/100km every so often. Doors creak terribly, it wakes our sleeping son in the backseat. Materials are bad: seat material stains with water (unbelievable but true!),dashboard creaks,a rattle inside te steering column. Good things? The looks, but the novelty wears quickly. The headroom in the back

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  I thought i was driving a car, not SUV - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By mzurk - January 22 - 9:30 am

  Wow! Horrible gas mileage! I seriously thought there was something wrong with it when I got it, but apparently its in working order. How can I get 14 MPG in town in 4 cyl and only 22-24 highway. Please. I would expect this mileage from a mid to large size SUV not a car. This car needless to say is gone, or on its way out. Its not that the features or styling that I dont like, which I do, but when youre driving 150-300 miles per day, yea filling that puppy up everyday is just putting to many read numbers in quick book for me.