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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My Experience with a USED PTCruiser - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Cruiser Man - February 2 - 2:00 amthis car had 44,000 original miles on it. we bought it an love it. good design inside and OUT. has much more interior room then you would expect. not bad acceleration for a 4cyl. (not turbocharged) drives good thru snow. could use a bit better gas mileage, but that is a Chrysler problem in MOST models. I had a 93 Chevy Caprice, with a V8, fully loaded. with 4 adults and a trunk full of luggage, we AVERAGED 30+ miles per. why cant Detroit give us THAT MUCH in a small car????
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Love it but...Frustrating! - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Love it but.... - January 24 - 10:23 pmWanted one the minute I saw it! The day I bought it,master brake cylinder out in busy traffic, didnt get hit!Told by my son-in-law NOT to buy one because of the hood design,little space available to work in.Didnt listen! First:1/2 shaft replaced,front brakes next,Nov.08.Then it began over- heating,June 2009,tried everything possible to fix.Ok now,dont know WHY OR how?Motor mounts broke,and shook bolts loose on everything,starter quit but found out the bolts were loose on it.Running after 3 week search but engine light wont go off or stop blinking.Detected #2 plug misfiring,changed wires/plugs & 2 batteries.Always had chassis noises.Fan cover hits fan, rubber stays broken,cant find any
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the worst car ever - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By demi - January 23 - 4:23 amI feel like a sucker for buying this junker.Back in 05 I thought buying new would give me worry free driving for atleast 4 to 5 years.Man I could have not been more wrong. I bought in May and by October it was at the dealer for 7 weeks because the whole instrument cluster was shot to hell.The problems have not stopped since.I have replaced the drive shafts 5 times already.The box is not big enough to list all the problems that I have had.If I did not have friends who are mechanics and had to bring this car to the dealer, I would be near $20,000 in repairs.With one year left in payments near $4,000 I am so tempted to drive this piece of junk thruogh the front window of Chryslers head office.
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Still goin! - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By rawhite - January 20 - 5:00 amPresently I have 83,000 miles on my PT Cruiser. Ive only had to replace brakes once, tires once and of course numerous oil changes!!! I do a lot of highway driving and get decent mileage, about 25/mpg. Its a joy to drive!
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Fun car - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Rick Morell - January 18 - 2:20 pmIm a middle age person looking to assist his wife purchase a new car. we previously owned a big car. Chevy Caprice. She wanted something different and fun. Boy did she find it, the Cruiser GT Turbo is the most fun car we have driven since high school back in the 60s. I highly recommend it for comfort, handling, and performance. On the down side is the small fuel tank, just 15 gallons and it uses high test (because of the Turbo) Overall its great car.
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2004 Turbo - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By BPH - January 14 - 3:13 pmA small car I can fit my 63" frame in comfortably! Great room, lots of power with the stage I upgrade. Fun car to drive and just Cruise in. Well built car still really solid after 24,000 miles. Gas mileage is better than I expected based on the weight of the car and what Id heard.
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It dont get any better then this - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By MICHAEL E YOUNG SR. - January 13 - 8:20 pmOutstanding in every way. Comfort and leg room are unmatched. Retro dash with that old school clock is awsum as is the lite interior color. Finally a car with character again. Extreemly roomy interior but take home two, their small. If I could I would have one for each day of the weak. Headlights on the 06 make night driving look like day light.
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Stylish - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By jtorlando - January 7 - 1:57 amThis vehicle while not offering endless amenities or perfect fuel mileage still stands out in the endless congested highways crowded with boring subcompact cars that blend together in a monotonous never ending parade of mediocrity. This car still "pops"..never will there be any mistake of what kind of car is sitting next to you at the red light. The ride quality seems to be decent...very little harshness from wind noise or uneven road surfaces. The interior always evokes positive responses from any passengers that have been in my car...it has this..symmetrical (obviously retro) quality to it. The dash is more style and gloss than most other cars. Its about style not performance in this car.
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Fun, fun, fun! - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Jeeta - December 27 - 2:46 pmI have always wanted a PT Cruiser, now I have one! I cant explain why it is so much fun to drive, but it truely is. It is more than I expected. The exterior is beautiful, There is nothing I would change. It is comfortable and very roomy on the inside. I think the dash does not equal the rest of the car, its cheap looking. Im planning on purchasing the wood dash kit (it sounds easy to install...well see). I did purchase the goddess hood ornament and it always stops people in thier tracks, they love it. I love my cruiser, her name is Maxine.
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PT Cruiser - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Debbie - December 25 - 11:46 pmIm disappointed with the power and the fuel economy. I had a 6 cylinder car, so I thought I would sacrifice the power for better mileage, but I didnt get better mileage.
