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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  5 Speed the way to go - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By local cruiser - December 12 - 10:00 am

  The over-all quality of the car is very good. Only problem found is the 4 speed automatic transmission. This transmission has problems in getting stuck in second gear after a complete stop. No codes register so the dealer cant address the problem as per Chrysler. Chrysler .... what ever happened to "customer service" ...

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  Some Scarey Reviews - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By newowner - December 2 - 6:46 pm

  Hoo boy! Some (most?) of these reviews are real stinkers. Then again, most people who like their cars are out driving them and having fun, not sweating over a keyboard. I read the reviews and then went out and bought a 60k miles, fully optioned turbo/auto stick 2003 GT for $7,995. One owner, clean as a whistle and rides/handles/accelerates like a champ. I have driven it all of 40 miles and since buying it for my wife this afternoon. Will we still love it after another 4,000 miles? Will my good car Karma prevail? Ill write again, same time next year. Then again, maybe not -- if were having fun.

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  Nice, sporty and fun car - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By CA Paul - November 5 - 11:46 am

  Have had this PTC for about 2 mos. It was a previously owned rental vehicle and was in very good condition (in and out). It rides smoothly, has a nice road feel and get around 25 mpg (overall). Its not a very economical city driver (below 20 mpg) but most folks (like me) use primarily highway. I get people commenting about it all the time. They/I like the styling (the convertible looks much nicer than the sedan), the color (opal) and the fact that is can seat passengers in the back-seat with reasonable comfort. The trunk is a bit small but slightly above average, for a convertible. The 16" alloy wheels are sharp (but I will soon replace the Goodyear tires - which are awful).

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  Platnium PT - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Jimmy T. - October 7 - 11:40 pm

  I bought this car because of high gas prices and my Explorer was a gas hog. This car is a blast to drive with the turbo. Nice interior with chrome accents and leather and suede seats. Platinum silver exterior paint looks real nice with chrome wheels. Was surprised with fuel mileage, only gets 21 city. Should do better. Brakes squeak when you first start out but stop after a few stops. Checked brakes and they have no wear, a mystery. But overall a great car for price. Only $9000 with 32,000 miles and loaded.

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  Wifes first new car - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By John King - October 6 - 3:56 am

  The PT replaced my wifes 72 VW. It is the base model with Auto trans air cond and power windows. It is extremely roomy front and back. Im 63" and have more than adequate leg room in the back seat. My wife is a school teacher and has to haul a lot of supplies which fit easily in back with the seats folded or removed. Only drawbacks are so so fuel mileage (19 city 24 highway) and it takes two hands to open the tail gate.

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  New purchase/old car - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Henry Reitz - September 25 - 6:22 pm

  Just recently purchased my ptc. So far, I love it. It has low miles for the year and is in excellent condition. I have put about 2000 miles on it so it is difficult to rate anything other than performance. I only average about 17 mpg in all city driving and am very disappointed in that. I have previously owned a 1999 Chevy Tracker an got about 20mpg on it doing the same type of driving under the same conditions.

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  Lots of fun - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By SchatzieII - September 24 - 2:20 am

  24,000 worry free miles. No repairs. Tires needed replacing 22,000. Front end out alignment. Saved a lot of delivery charges but had to pay back to Crysler with their 90 day servicing requirement. Have automatic. Loved to kick in Turbo. Rxd around 13 to 14 mpg in city and mostly 22 mpg on highway. With Ac off got 26 mpg (once). Rides and handles very well. Tricked out the car with a lot of accessories and then grew tired of it and traded it in. So many PTs out there now so only received $9200 on a new 5 speed GT Mustang Convertible. Oh I forgot to tell you I am 70. The PT rides better and was a lot of fun. But I have to have excitement to wake up each morning.

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  looks great, but - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By michigan pt - September 18 - 8:50 pm

  wish the car rode better, mpg is very disapointing 20-22 city and highway. expected more on highway. purchased new and spent multiple times in shop for sensors. paid for bumper to bumper warranty. brakes seem bad since new and has always had weird steering shimmy-like bad rotors, was told there was no problem and they turned the rotors. thankful i bought the warranty 60 months/65000 miles. no out of pocket. learned my lesson with my LHS, which i miss, that was a great car.

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  bought 1 wish I had not - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By kahuhn - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Car in shop at least 6 times within 5 months. Vibration in steering wheel, pulling to left while driving, pulling to right when braking. Rotors needed replaced at only 6000 mi. car still having same issues,brakes wearing uneven. Research forums before purchasing, seems Chrysler cars/suv/minivans all having similar problems with brakes.

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  A good deal, but nothing to brag about - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Italian Capricorn - September 12 - 1:50 am

  It is not an economy car. I purchased it for my son, who just got his drivers license. The back seats can be removed, which is a plus when a teenager is driving the car. Studies show that the collisions occurs when a number of teenagers are in the same car. Reducing that number to only a driver and a passenger reduces the risk.