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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Loved the car but always in shop - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By akiva96 - December 31 - 6:53 pmI loved this car initially but in the less than 3 years I owned it I had to have the front wheel bearings replaced, as well as the front suspension rebuilt and/or replaced (depending on the component) the steering was becoming clunky (maybe a CV joint issue?) and the front speakers failed. I finally got tired of dropping the car off at the dealer every other weekend and traded it in for another car. (Not a Chrysler!!!!)
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Love into hate - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By ElkyDori - December 24 - 9:33 amPerformed own maintenence over 52000 miles including syn oil changes w/ filter every 5000 miles. Versatile space allowed two kegs and bags upon bags of booze to be transported. Bizarre power window switch placement, nice 5MT shifter, clear gauges, knuckles hit passenger seat when operating e-brake, single centered interior light a stupid idea and seating position too high and not laterally supported. Car now gets no better than 20mpg at absolute best, and burns thru a quart of oil just over every 1000 miles with no sign of leak, even up on lift. I need three additional quarts between oil changes. Questionable fuel gauge accuracy. Odd masking tape residue marks on gray bumpers appeared.
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Get ready for several recalls - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Shayen George - November 13 - 10:00 amChrysler trying to capitalzie on the popularity of the orginal PT model is now building them very quickly, with very cheap components. Mine has been in the shop 3 times in as many months. The transmission went out as I was driving the car home from the dealership. Also, the seals in the right rear break cylinder failed, causing break failure. Also, the 6 CD changer had to be replaced. While this last problem was minor compared to the first 2, it does suggest some serious problems with quality control.
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Lacking Build Quality - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Srpass - September 5 - 2:00 amDrives nice. Eats a lot of gas and am concerned about the safety factor. Car feels like its made pencil thin. Nice design and interior design.
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Torquey but problematic - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By lsimy - August 30 - 2:00 amI bought mine slightly used from a Chrysler dealer. Two weeks in, I had to have the tranny completely rebuilt and a PCM swapped out.
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PT pity - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By why pt - July 22 - 2:00 am2002 Ltd has 7000+ mls on it. Sure it has a lot of features for the price, but what is with the build quality? Drivers window rattles from day one. About 3000 mls lower dash lights stopped working. At 7000 mls the vehicle rolled backwards in park with key out of the ignition. And most recently I had an accident from brake problems at highway speed. But Chrysler had a special investigator look it over and he said he couldnt find any error codes. So in his opinion there is nothing mechanically wrong with it. Good for him, he can have the car. I will NEVER drive it again. I am trading it in, and it looks like Chrysler is unwilling to help me at all. How very Ford/Firestone of them.
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Longterm Lemon - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Kbtoys - July 3 - 2:53 pmThis car has no go, and uses more gas then my truck. Just traded in with 88,000 miles on it and was lucky it made it. Once the car hit 80,000 miles everything fell apart. Sensors kept going out every 2000 miles. Something with a transmission sensor went out and had to get the car towed. Save the trouble and buy something else.
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Very bad car - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Kris - May 22 - 12:40 pmThis car has the worst turn radius! It also has lots of problems with the engine. My blew at 70,000 miles and Chrysler wont fix it. I advise you not to buy this car. I use to be so happy with it until a well taken care of blew for no reason.
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Worst Car Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Tisa - May 20 - 11:10 pmThe turbo failed completely at 29,000 miles nearly destroying the engine. At 36,035 mi the car began to barely run, jerking on any acceleration, stalling if air conditioner is used, backfiring and putting.
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5 spd manual PT cruiser - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By JB - March 14 - 6:53 pmI have had the car for 3 years and and have driven nearly 48,000 miles. The fuel economy is not very good and they car feels like a toy on the highway. The manual transmission is ok but the car has very limited power.
