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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  great 07 cruiser convertible - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By vwcamperman - April 8 - 6:23 pm

  My wife and I bought this car slightly used 4 years ago with 23k on it..It is fun to drive,and one of the most dependable cars ever owned.The vehicle has 70k miles now and minimal maint issues.Brake pads at 50k(Approx 40.00 bucks) and cam sensor at 63k miles..( 39.00 dollar fix)Thats parts only..I do my own maint.Thats it other than a set of tires.We live in a climate with lots of snow and found this car to be unstoppable with studded snow tires on front..Yeah I know.You might be a redneck driving a convertible with studded tires in the winter.LOL.We chose this over the Beetle convertible because it has much better interior room,especially in the back seat where adults can sit comfortably

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  2003 PT Cruiser GT turbo - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Grant Watson - April 4 - 8:43 am

  A very fine car, I enjoy driving it very much. The only thing I have any problem with is seeing the instruments in day-time. I thought I should get better city mpg.

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  What A Piece of Junk! - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By HateThisCar2008 - April 2 - 6:36 am

  Bought used with just under 20K on it, and now has 25K. Had for just 5 months. In that time, the 1st time we turned on the a/c the car would shudder/stumble and then almost stall. They replaced the compressor. After that, it did the same thing (which they said was normal, ha!), but then it didnt even blow cold. They replaced the fan control module. Then the lower control arm bushings needed to be replaced. And now the car is going out of control in traffic! Step on the gas, it doesnt kick into gear, and when it finally does go, the power steering goes out and youre lucky you dont die! But the dealer gets no codes and it test drives fine, so it MUST be fine according to them. NOT!

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  Perils of Age - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Toms Mom - March 25 - 1:50 pm

  Ive had my PT (Tom––Tom Cruiser) since the get go and cant say enough good things about it. Although its been an accident magnet, it has survived several minor crashes and a major clash with wildlife and has done very well. My only complaint is that I keep my cars a long time (10 to 12 years, over 150,000 miles) and my little PT isnt holding up to age like Id hoped. The wheels are a chronic problem for mine and several others I know. They corrode from the inside out and lead to slow leaks in the tires. The chrome peels away if the wheel is fixed. Radiators also seem to be a common problem. Body trim is popping off. So while I love my PT, Tom just isnt aging as well as Id hoped.

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  I take the Long way home - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By mostly - March 24 - 3:00 am

  Nothing better than a drive down country roads with the top down. The turbo engine gives pickup that never disappoints.

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  Exactly What We Were Looking For - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By jaxstephens - March 24 - 2:00 am

  We have just loved this fun little vehicle. It is like a small car with a bigger cars heart. By that I mean that, while its footprint is small, it still feels like youre higher up on the road than many others. Not quite like an SUV, but close. Get a PT Cruiser; I promise youll love it!

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  My First 4 Months With the Cruiser! - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By dvdirv - March 22 - 10:00 am

  The PT Cruiser is a vehicle that is hard to describe: part car, part SUV, part truck. It performs well on many levels including comfort, smoothness and quiet inside the cabin. Its shortcomings are primarily the low MPG for such a size vehicle (21- 29).

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  Great car! - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Mikekoz13 - March 21 - 2:40 pm

  What a great car. After totaling my Aztek, I looked at a lot of car models. They all looked very generic to me with the exception of a couple of Hondas & Toyotas.... and the Cruiser. I dont pay extra for the "privilege" of owning a Japanese car so I looked at the Cruiser at my salesmans suggestion. I couldnt believe I could get a car this nice for an on the road price of less than $14000. I was a little worried about gas mileage after reading some reviews but Im averaging 27MPG combined and almost 31MPG highway. WOW! Im only sorry that I didnt buy a Cruiser the last time I purchased a vehicle two years ago.

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  I love mine! - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Peggy - March 15 - 11:03 am

  I personally have not had any problems with my cruiser. It has plenty of room for a 4 cyl and plenty of storage and space if needed. We have 5 people in our family and can all take long trips in comfort and style. We have owned numerous vehicles with no such luck. Gas is really good in mine and it still drives like a new car. No problems what-so-ever. I would definitely recommend this car to others. My mother in law has had one for the last 7 years and has never had a problem with hers. She just loves it. She recently traded hers in for a 2008. Good luck to everyone and hopefully you will enjoy yours as much as we do ours!

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  2005 GT/2006 Limited Owner Reviews - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Brad - March 12 - 5:06 am

  Have two - a 2005 GT and a 2006 Limited. The 2005 GT is truly an amazing car for the money with great build quality. Visually, the design integrates some of the best styling cues of the 30s and 40s, but the design and engineering is cutting-edge. I havent had this much fun and performance since my 1964 GTO! The 2006 Limited gets over 25 MPG, is comfortable and a great value. Both have lots of room and a solid, quality feel.