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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  Bad Dangerous Buy - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Button - November 15 - 7:36 pm

  I am very disappointed in my PT cruiser. Steering ratio super bad. Visibility when backing is dangerously bad. There are blind spots. Looking to buy another car and other brand as soon as possible.

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  I love it - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Robert Howard - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I have only had mine for a week have 500 miles on it now. We love it, our kids love it. It is a great little car for taking weekend trips. We have ea two year old she has a custom baby seat with a cover for the sun. This car handles great , good gas mileage, just all out fun. I was deciding between the Mercedes CLK320 convertible and the Audi at convertible. For the money and the style, couldnt go wrong.

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  Fun but pricy - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By elljay - November 4 - 10:00 am

  it is a head turner. performance is ok with the 170hp turbo. very good seats for long drives. fuel economy is not very good even with careful driving. interior design is good. exterior is very nice,good lines. quality is ok. the fabric used feels like velcro on skin. reliability is yet to be determined.

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  Happy PT Convertible Owner - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Mike Mermelstein - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had my PT Convertible for two months. It performs very well. I have not had any problems with the vehicle at this time. The Turbo engine has lots of power. It performs very well on straight aways as well as hills. It has more power than I had expected. I like the auto stick transmission. It gives me the opportunity to drive the car like a stick shift. I especially like this feature on the curves and the hills. The car has an autostick transmission. It performs very well. The vehicle is very roomy. It seats four comfortably. There is more room then in larger convertibles.

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  Excellent Car - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Doug in Florida - October 25 - 11:46 pm

  I cant say enough good things about the PT Cruiser. I drive an 04, and we were so happy with it we purchased my wife an 07. The car is excellent, a great tradeoff of comfort, utility and economy. The fold down seats and interior room allow us to carry just about anything we need. I purchased an 8 countertop at Home depot, folded down the seats pushed the countertop in and closed the hatch. Mileage not the greatest, but still good. My wife and I both get about 24 city and 30 - 31 highway. My 04 has 98,500 miles and has been trouble free. Daughters boyfriend just purchased an 08 PT based on what he saw with ours.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Dennis - October 24 - 8:50 pm

  Bought in 12/2001. Now has 98K. Replaced suspension & exhaust w/better quality aftermarket. Car has no lean into curves like other PTs. Replaced 16x6 wheels w/17x7. Replaced air cleaner w/cold air box for more power & better sound. Sunroof glass shattered, brake caliper bent, bad LED light but no other probs. Always synthetic oil. Never a prob w/inspection. Disabled & it fits my needs perfectly. Cargo area will gobble up anything you want to put in it. Fits 4 tall adults w/no complaints. Cant really fit 5 because of load limit not because theres not enough space. 3 recalls all important. One of the best designed cars Ive ever seen. Daimler cheapened subsequent years so avoid them.

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  Best ragtop for cost/benefit available - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By ckgrick - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Have had a 2005 GT 5 speed convertible since May 2004. Ive had as well as driven a number of ragtops and this is by far the best one. Time will tell, but right now the car is quiet at highway speeds (unlike the Chrysler Sebring), an accomplishment. This car is just plain fun to drive with power to spare. Rear seat is real and not just for kids or people you dont like.

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  Had fun while I had it, but goodbye - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Brian - October 22 - 8:06 pm

  I had the car for about 4.5 yrs. The fuel pump just quit on me in my driveway and was replaced under warranty. The back liftgate wouldnt open so I had to take it in for that. The AC fan went kaput one summer in S. Alabama and shot out a lot of Freon on the H.P. discharge valve. I had that replaced 1 day short of owning it for three yrs. It woulnt idle worth a d, the dealer said the injectors were dirty and had that "cleaned" for a 180 bucks! (my bad) It started idling rough again shortly after that so I raised the idle speed myself with a little wire. I used it for a maintenance work car for three yrs and workrd great for that. It was fun to drive and held a lot of stuff, stereo was good

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  Bought a Friday car! - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By sweetc - October 21 - 5:36 am

  Unfortunately my experience has not been great. Although everything that has been wrong with it is somehow related to the wheels so this could just be a Friday car. Even at the dealership they couldnt understand why the wheel bearings were falling out or the brakes wore prematurely (there was a notch worn through them). I love the style and I love the versatility. Gas mileage isnt great for me average 19-20.

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  2002 Dream Cruiser - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Bob Howey - October 14 - 9:03 pm

  Very fun and reliable car with excellent features and comfort. This car is fully-loaded and has been very reliable with cost of ownership being quite low. Performance is noticeably impacted by running the air conditioning.