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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Too expensive with the gas prices - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By PT Cruiser Facts - December 18 - 11:23 pmI am at 12,000 miles now and getting 17 highway mpg. I have the 4 cyclinder engine so there is no power and no fuel economony. The car also needs a 1/4 mile to turn so its not the most nibble bike on the block. The car has no wind silencers so you may want to bring your earplugs if your going to be going over 50. The car is attractive and very spaciouse but when a minivan made by the same company gets better gas milage something is wrong.
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PT 2001 Im totally disappointed - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Ibeanhead - November 11 - 10:00 amIts a beauty,,,but Ive had nothing but problems since day 1.They do not want to acknowledge that yes this vehicle does in fact have problems. #1 window molding fell off first week. steering fuel leaks.had a brake job done then 1-2 months,car is not doing more then 10 mil but the RPM are at 4. They tell me they see no problem. but keep the car for 2-3 weeks. they replace the master cyclinder brakes.it wasnt a year old yet. signal lights stop working if I use my hazard light.The sun has also damaged the d
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frustratrated - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By tman - September 5 - 10:46 amsqeeking brakes and a banging noise whenever i hit a road bump of any size. invested about 2000.00 in repairs and still the same.dealer mechanics cant find anything wrong.. anybody out there want to buy a cruser?
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Hmmm... - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Jo - August 18 - 3:13 pmAfter 1 year I am averaging 17 mpg I get excuses from service dept. "You dont drive it right, different emissions, only under certain circumstances. will you get good MPG, the car is new, others are getting less (and this is something to be proud of?) When will the fuel mileage increase? I even got a call from Chrysler Corp. More excuses...
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We have a Love / Hate Relationship - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Yankeemare - July 2 - 2:03 amI LOVE this car and HATE the constant repairs! 2 full sets of brakes in 3 years, new transmission at 80,000 miles, fog lights wont turn off - had to have the lights disconnected, but the LCD interior light stays on all the time, engine overheating, water pump, thermostat, timing belt and serpentine belt being replaced as we speak (97,000 miles). I love the design, comfort, interior, passenger and cargo capacity, and its very easy to get my grandson in and out of his car-seat in the back seat. Im shopping for another hatchback but it sure wont be a PT Cruiser and that makes me very sad. If Chrysler could up the reliability quotient, Id be a PT Cruiser buyer / owner forever
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Radiator replaced TWICE - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By 56981101 - June 25 - 11:23 pmHave had radiator replaced twice - both times the radiator CRACKED - first time, hit a small cat, second time, a pothole in the road. Currently having problems with the car overheating and no one can find anything wrong with it. Purchased in December of 2006, basic model. Our only requirements were that it fit three car seats in the back (it does), and that it have A/C (it does not, although we were told it did). Not happy with this vehicle overall. Will be trading soon, if we can get a decent trade-in on it. Not counting on that, though. I agree with the person who said PT Cruisers are lemons.
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Hate It - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By summergurl08 - March 27 - 8:00 amI bought this car a year ago thinking I would be much happier with this car then my previous one but i hate it. Water stains the seats. It really makes the interior look terrible. I had to replace tires on this car after only having 20,000kms on it. I drive this car in the winter and half the time the fan doesnt work. Try driving a car with fogged windows all the time! I am looking to get out of this car very soon and would not recommend this vehicle to anyone
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Cute car, poor quality mechanically. - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Cathi - March 4 - 1:10 pmI was so excited to get this car. That didnt last long, we had to replace the battery the first week we brought it home. It was purchased new. We have replaced the battery 2 more times since. Head gasket leaked the first year, a/c has been out several times, radiator leaked, now the transmission is completely out, needs rebuilding. I have had this car only 4 years. Turn radius is limited, gas mileage is poor. Drawer under the passenger seat wont close without much difficulty. Very disappointing.
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Fun car or worst piece of crap!!! - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By wewing - March 3 - 9:27 amI bought my PT Cruiser used. It is a 2003 and I bought it in 2005. I have replaced the waterpump (inline), the power steering,I have had work done on the struts,front bearings, I have had electrical problems and replaced the battery, and it eats oil at a rate higher than I would like. I have spenr over $3500 dollars on repairs and it had 30,000 miles on it when I bought it and I have just less than 70,000 on it now. There is a small leak somwhere in the cooling system either coming from the water pump$700, the head gasket $1000 or the engine block $2000. I am a little unhappy with the reliability of this car.
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Horrible Gas Mileage - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Robyn - December 7 - 5:06 amI bought this car new after selling a 1996 Ford Explorer. I thought with a 4 cyl it would get good gas mileage. It was HORRIBLE. My 96 Explorer got better. I kept it for 18 months, and recently traded it in for a Chevrolet HHR. I was very disappointed in the gas, and at over $4.00 a gallon, could not justify keeping it any longer.
