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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Yet again - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Chelsea - October 29 - 3:33 amWelll I worte the previous comment and I am having to write one again! I bought this car brand new on January 1, 2008 and it is December 31,2008! I drove it all day long, then when I went to drive home I turned my car on and the check engine light came on! Are you serious right now? I am trying to drive and my car isnt accelerating! Then it started to, then it jumped then it was just reving at 4rpm!! It isnt switching gears! So over this! This car must be a lemon! Its going back to the dealer on Friday! I dont even want a replacement I just want a different make & model! No more Chryslers for me! For real this time!
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Im in love with the PT Cruiser - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Boren - October 24 - 10:00 amI love this car. Its comfortable, easy on gas, certainly turns heads every- where I go. Its roomy, holds a lot of stuff. Lots of people ask me about my PT Cruiser, and I tell them all the same thing. I Just Love My Cruiser. Also, I think it has all the speed anyone needs, it certainly goes up hills great. It really takes off. I couldnt be happier with the PT Cruiser. I want to keep it forever.
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cool car - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By edmund j. - October 18 - 2:00 amReplacement for a 1973 Merc Capri v6. Had to replace a classic car with a comparable car. Affordability, quality, and performance were all considerations. Fun to drive, rides great, handles good, not exactly fast (180hp), and several blind spots to get used to. Havent taken it on a long trip yet, but 22-23 mpg combo city/fwy. Mileage could be better. Smaller turbo packs some punch. Wish it was a v6.
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Screw the Editors - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By TCU0505 - October 7 - 10:00 amThe editors say that the interior is not very good. Have they seen inside a limited PT? Chrysler uses the same materials in my PT that they use in the Mercedes C-class! The only thing that is disappointing (especially now) is the fuel economy. I have after-market rims and my fuel economy has dropped to about 16-17 MPG
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Fun in the Sun - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Dianaj - October 7 - 10:00 amThis is my third PT. I kept upgrading till the convertables came along. Love It!
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Gas mileage is great! - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Sam and Linda - October 6 - 10:03 amWe get 23-25 mph with air conditioning. We get 30+ on the highway. Plus, if a car cuts in front of you the PT is so easy to maneuver yet it hugs the road. We feel very safe in the car and its look is wonderful. We both love the PT so much out next and next and next car will be a PT Touring. Just wish we could get the Bright Blue color again. Hear its not available any more!
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Going Home in Style - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By RetroMan - October 1 - 6:16 pmI was hooked on the style of the PT even before it came out so I guess I was pre-sold. But it took me 6 years to get one since I needed the size my old Mopar van had. Now I have my PT and I love it! Sure, its a base sedan with just an automatic and A/C but it has all the toys I need and corners sharp and my teen-age grandson thinks its "cool". Im a "husky" six-footer who finds the headroom generous and the legroom more than adequate and can reach all the window/stereo/HVAC controls without stretching. Gripes? Well, it could get better mileage but it weighs 3100 lbs (a Z-06 Vette is only 700lbs more!). It reminds me of my old PV544 Volvo: same handy size, same old-time looks, same swagger!
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The whole truth and nothing but... - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By susieqt - September 30 - 4:56 pmOk so here is the truth about my 2007 convertible pt cruiser base model black. I bought the car brand new in 2007 and just recently traded it for a Nissan Maxima ONLY because my family complained we needed more space. I loved the car and wish I could have kept it too! pros: fun, cute, no mechanical issues ever cons: not much room inside, bad on gas.. i did have a tear in my carpet which is odd it was barely driven... and my visor broke off one morning just simply opening it, guess the plastic was cold. For the price its an fantastic little car! I bought it at 27 years old and was so much fun. Now it was to hold my son and husband... just not enuff space.. but I will miss the "turtle"
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Great Car - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By RUSGC - September 30 - 10:23 amThe car was bought to be my wifes toy. My toy is an 84 Porsche 911. Im not going to say this is close to a Porsche, but it is a lot of fun and a real head turner, guys and gals, and it gets lots of looks and questions. Weve driven it on two trips, 1500 miles and 2800 miles..great trip car, very comfortable, GREAT performance from the turbo engine, very comfortable with top down. At Interstate speeds, we can converse at normal voice levels, and hear the radio/cd player, which, by the way,is easy to use and has good sound quality.
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A realistic rating - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By The YARDI Guy - September 27 - 9:10 pmMy first review wasnt posted, so heres a more informed and probably more realistic review than my first. This car is a street-legal version of the bumper car you find on the carnival midway. That said, I like it very much - too much to subject it to a supermarket parking lot or a recently oiled and sanded road. But, honestly, a four-banger automatic is not a "10" in performance. And 20/26 MPG is mediocre at best. It IS tops for fun, especially the "hey, look at me - I bet you wish you were driving under the sun in this than "couped-up" (thats a pun, not a misspell) in that Lexus" smile I wear when Im behind the wheel. I even like stoplights so I can give them all a good look-see!
