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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  Curious - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Chava - August 6 - 10:00 am

  the car runs great and now I am thinking that perhaps I should have bought something else

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  dont even - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Stinks - August 5 - 8:36 am

  Poor turning radius, under powered, stiff handling, inadequate braking, over all a loser.

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  Its a Great Car, but... - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By ONeill - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the PT Cruiser for eighteen months and it has been a lot of fun. I have had zero problems with the car and it has never been back to the shop. The downside is that it gets around 17 mpg city and 21 highway. I called my service manager to see if there was a problem and he confirmed the mileage was common for the car.

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  A Beautiful Car - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Ayladragonfly - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I love the style of the PT Cruiser. Sometimes it may not have that "get up and go" when the air conditioning is on, but it will still "go" if given time. It has lots of leg room for a growing grandson. It is wonderful to pack up for a picnic. Everything can be at your fingertips. The interior should be in more colors. But all in all, I just love my PT. I hope they continue to make them. I would buy another one in about five years.

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  2005 Chrysler Pt Cruiser GT 2.4Lturboho - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By ddillard - July 30 - 2:53 am

  This is a great car, its my moms but I drive it most of the time because my car (1985 for ltd Crown Vic) is not reliable and has terrible gas mileage the worst. It is very fun to drive and my mom loves the car, but I keep it up. It is a very easy car to wash and wax untill you get to the lower grill in front. The engine that it has is only in 3% of pt cruisers so its cool. The tires for the 18 inch wheels are expensive but look soooo amazing.

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  Miyas Cruiser - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Mike T - July 29 - 10:36 am

  Too wide of a turning radius. Underpowered. Hard acceleration into traffic hurts mileage. Cant carry much with back seats in use. Otherwise I like it!

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  Worst Money Pit Ever - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By mw - July 27 - 12:43 am

  I bought this car with low mileage as a dealer shuttle car. I figured since the dealer used it to simply shuttle people back and forth it would be reliable. Wrong, even the best mechanic couldnt save the horrible reliability of Chrysler. I have spent over $3500 in repairs to keep the car from over heating and to regulate the engine fans. My mechanic said he sees this all the time on Chrysler cars. No wonder this company cant stay afloat. I will never ever buy another Chrysler again. Thanks for making the WORST American made cars around. Stick to Ford.

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  Tranny at 65K - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By MDH - July 24 - 1:50 pm

  I like my cruiser, but I feel leery of the reliability. Ive replaced the control arm bushings at 50K miles(known problem) and now the transmission went at 65K miles. Luckily the tranny was covered under the 7/70K warranty for a $100 deductable. Just an FYI for anybody buying a used one, Chrysler will let you register the car for warranty coverage even if you are not the original purchaser(I’m technically #4). I registered mine right after I bought it in 12/08. Just call them and say you want to register. Might just be the 7/70 warranty (2003-2004), so check. Im not sure I would buy another one, especially when I drive about 20K miles a year.

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  PT pity - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By why pt - July 22 - 2:00 am

  2002 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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  Wheel Bearings @ 60k - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Bob - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Have to replace both front wheel bearings & rotors @60k! $700+. Never had to do this on any car Ive owned. Cant find the horn to repair it, weird. Otherwise car is alright for basic transportation. Hopefully no more expensive repairs.