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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  Stunning design with crappy drivetrain - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Clinton70 - April 27 - 3:00 pm

  If you want a car with one of the most awesome designs ever, in and out, and have alot of money to feed it gas, this is the car. Actually, the mileage is still better than a pickup truck but at 17 city and 22 highway, the V6 Mazda 6 and Buick LeSabres I had later had way better mileage and more power. Chrysler always knew how to make cool looking cars and put crappy engines and cheap plastics in them, even in 2008. Reliability was pretty good though, outside of a broken vent knob (plastic!), cupped tires, and even after a "fix", the alignment was still off. This car never left me for dead though and it went on a 4000+ mile trip to the west three times. It was the perfect road car too.

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  the worst car i ever had - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By jane - April 27 - 12:00 am

  First week of purchase had solenoid replaced in the transmission, 3 batteries in 1 yr; 2 radios in one year, emission sensors replaced, several recalls, motor mount replaced; makes constant noises like cracking sounds..mechanics have various opinions..always in shop. chrysler doesnt care...never again!

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  Fun, Practical, 100% Reliable - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Yar Mosnar - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Having the first is always a gamble, but this vehicle has been 100% spot on. From delivery to over 30,000 miles: zero defects, zero problems. Change the oil and enjoy. Loaded with everything on it except the roof rack. Everything continues to work perfectly. From cross country trips with 4 adults, to hauling sod, Its been hands down excellent. Could you find a better vehicle? Im sure you can... for twice the money. The dealer experience has been outstanding. Would I buy another? You bet! But this time with the turbo. (Maybe a turbo convertible next year? - Chrysler, are you listening? - Put the turbo in it!)

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  If I had only known - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By BarbaraSomething - April 18 - 10:00 am

  I should have known when I had to take my car back to the shop the very first day I drove it off the lot, and it stayed there for a week, that I was going to have a problem. It has been back since then for the same problem, and it doesnt even have 6000 miles on it yet. It is nice looking though and gets alot of comments, while it is sitting broken down at the side of the road! (that was added for sarcastic value by the way)

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  I like it - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By glover - April 17 - 9:00 pm

  This is a happy car to drive,I have never had a vehcicle I have enjoyed more. It needs better gas milage, its tight between the door and the seat and I have a "bucking" problem that cannot be solved. Could use a more powerful A/C unit. Love the car, will get another one because it is so easy to get in and out of and I cant believe the room it has.

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  My college daughters PT cruiser - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By jlsh - April 13 - 9:56 am

  For what we have spent fixing this car in the past 3 years, we could have purchased a better vehicle. The physical shape of the car is great and it has many extras but, the garage where we have repairs made knows my daughters voice when she call!. We just spent 1500 dollars on repairs this winter and today she called and her steering wheel is locked up and wont turn.

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  disappointed good lookin car - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By rosa rector - April 2 - 9:13 pm

  i bought a2008 car in june 2008.i always wanted a pt cruiser,finally got one.beautiful looking car,hear lots of road noise on drivers side.taken car back to dealer several times,they say they cant hear anything.taken again was told this was normal ride for pt cruiser.front end out of align when got car,was told this was a normal ride for pt cruiser.sound like my window is down all the timeand i cant take my eyes off the road.very disappointing.was out of oil,oil light never came on.good thing is get good gas mileage.gas pedal now squeaks.wiil not buy another.my daughter refuses to drive because she is afraid of too many problems

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  best of all worlds - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By graphicguy - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Started looking for a "hauler" to do chores I would never attempt in my "regular" car. I looked at: Pick-ups--not my cup of tea minivans--definitely not my cup of tea SUVs--never go offroading, never had problems driving in snow before Vibe/Matrix--no low end torque Protege Wagon--no power Subaru WRX--not very quick with an automatic trans (which I need for my wife), no need for AWD That brought me to the PT GT: -its fast, very fast -handles as well or better than the Protege -sterling build quality -very reconfigurable for tons of room -best looking of anything out there

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  The best car I have ever owned - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By taupismoon - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned! I like getting in my car everyday to drive to work. People ask me about it all the time. What is it like and how does it handle. I have never had a better vehicle before. Chrysler was inspired to build this and I just love it!

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  Not as good , as it looks - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By journey1010 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Had an accident a year later and none of the air bags deployed. Dealership was not honest on delails important to safely. Would not buy from Chrysler ever again.