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 PT - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By tommy - January 15 - 6:23 pmMy family bought our PT Cruiser in August 2002 about 9 months after my aunt had just bought one of her own. Compared to our other Daimler-Chrysler models (97 Jeep Cherokee, 03 Dodge Dakota) The PT has held up the best, gets the best gas mileage and the biggest problem we have had with it is changing the tires at only 20k. Our repairman said that DC has been putting low grade (20k or less) tires on all new models in order to save money.
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Cute and Fast Dream Cruiser 3 - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By SandeeW - January 13 - 10:00 amI have only had this car 2 months. I love it. It is gorgeous and very peppy. My biggest gripe is the VERY wide turning radius, making it difficult to park. Also, I think the gas mileage could be better. 0-60 is much quicker than I ever thought. It takes some getting used to, to sit so high up in the seats, but the leather seats in this DC3 are very comfortable. I love the hot rod look (low in front) and the chrome trim. Sirius radio is a nice touch too. I guess if I redesigned it, I would want the seats to sit lower, almost like a sports car, but the retro look is what I fell in love with. This car turns heads! Then of course maybe its me?!
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got to luv it or hate it - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By ily - December 13 - 10:00 ami find that i luv my pt...but there are always a few things you dont like about everything.....for one brrrrrr cold car in the am...need to warm it up...had trouble with drivers window....had to bring back twice...but other than that and the putting of gas in more often.I LUV MY PT!!!!! ily
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Its a Fun Little Car - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By jwarnke - December 5 - 10:00 amAlthough somewhat underpowered, I set the cruise at 75 on the highway and have no problem. The kimited is pretty heavy and therefore rides very confortably - it also really affects the gase mileage.
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Had I of known... - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By IN2SIRFIN - December 1 - 2:00 amThe gas mileage is no where near what the window sticker says. And this was what I was looking for. As I drive to San Diego on weekends, I needed good mpg. I didnt get it. Fun car to drive. Might have been happieer with the Turbo model, but not for what they were asking for it. The salesman said the turbo model got less MPG, later the service tech, said the Turbo got better.
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Baby Boomer Fun Car - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By wts - December 1 - 2:00 amFun to drive. We get alot of looks. We own the GT TURBO with 220 HP. Im afraid my wife will get a speeding ticket. Very quick, handles great. More room than it appears to have.
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05 PT Cruiser convertable - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By PJNodianos - November 21 - 10:00 amordered as soon as I heard was avail. three month wait, however worth it. the cool vanilla color looks a lot better with the light brown top.(another re reason to order it to your own specs.) rides like a champ, keeps up with highway traffic verrry well...goes from cruising at 70 to 120 mph no trouble....however when you do "punch it" hold on! Make sure that ya get the light color interior with the vanilla color, also.
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WOW - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Ric W - October 31 - 2:16 pmI have discovered that the need for "TURBO" is no need at all. The 5 speed has just as much pickup, and is much more affordable.
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Cheated - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By Ron - October 13 - 8:53 amOil leaking unreliable crappie car and will never be a sucker to anything made by Chrysler. Bought new and now have a 5 year history of problems. 7 year 70,000 mile warranty. I have 72,000 miles on it now and the camshaft seal blows pouring out oil. At 3700 miles just 2 months old engine pulled for oil leaks. Chrysler wont help with warranty just 2000 miles over and history of this lemon even under the 7 years. The engine needs taken completely out and apart to find the problem. I feel cheated and wont waste any more money on it. Gonna go back to Ford. The most reliable vehicle I ever owned was a 1993 Ford tempo.
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Car with pep - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
By 1Daddeo - September 29 - 11:06 amWe test drove a regular PT and found it to be sluggish. We just about gave up on the PT, when I found out that the GT version has 230 HP (I chirped tire in 2nd gear on the automatic) as opposed to the standard 150 HP. The car is not only stylish, but has tons of energy. The suspension and steering are tight and responsive. The new interior fits well the exterior. I only wished they did a few things extra like a glove box light, a light near the door handle and a little more chrome on a retro looking auto would help, but they make tons of aftermarket parts so you can customize to your taste.
