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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  Even better than 2003 - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By nick - February 24 - 12:03 pm

  Had a 2003 pt and had exceelent experience no problems. Leased a 2006 and this one is even better quieter and even more solid than 03 Only drawback is still gas milaege poor for a 4 cylinder. around 18 to 20 mpg mixed driving. Would still recommend car.

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  Parking Challenged - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Still Cruising - February 20 - 7:36 pm

  I bought my Limited Turbo new. It was the styling that sold me. I love the roomy interior vs: the small exterior. Tall people dont do too well in the back seat however, (heads rub the roof). The original tires all went bad before 25K. Mechanically it has been sound. Has plenty of power for my needs. MPG could be better. Turning radius is wide so plan ahead, thats my only real beef right now. No issues as of 28K. Overall I have been happy with this car. Someday I may even calibrate the compass.

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  Will never buy again. - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By vickad76 - February 18 - 8:46 am

  Was dreaming about buying this car for about two years. Finally a year ago Ive made enough money and bought the car of my dreams for $7,000.00 with 60,000 mi on it. For the first half of a year I really enjoyed it, but suddenly in the middle of a winter it stopped shifting gears. After I added transmission fluid, it worked well till the spring. Once it got to be warmer the old problems went back, and the car would stop shifting gears whenever it likes. Now I went through three months of nightmares already and need to pay about $2,000 for the repair, for the warranty is already expired. It was the last Chrysler vehicle Ive bought.

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  PT Cruiser Is A Great Value - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Alan Seals - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2001 PT Cruiser Limited Edition in March 2002. Since it was last years model and the 2002s were in, I got a good deal. It is very fun to drive and has better acceleration than many V-6 engines I have driven (5-speed). There is plenty of room for tall adults in the front and back and there is plenty of storage space. The look and design on the interior and exterior are great. Though I have put only 6,000 miles on it so far, it has been a reliable car.

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  Lots of Storage and Comfy Ride - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Dee - February 17 - 1:06 am

  I rented a 2006 Touring Wagon before I settled on a 2005 Limited Ed. The seats in the Limited were much more comfortable, and seat comfort was my "only" issue in the rental. I purchased a former rental vehicle and saved oodles off a new car PT price as a result (didnt take a hit on first year depreciation). I took my four (good sized) teenagers for a ride with the spouse and went shopping. Three teens in the back seat rated that back seat a unanimous "thumbs up". After grocery shopping and a few other stops, we still had room in the trunk! Even my husband, who is 61" and 245 pounds, found the ride comfortable, especially head room. My family thinks I finally bought a "cool" car!

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  2003 Steel Blue GT - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By SteelBlueGT - February 17 - 12:20 am

  Bought the car in late 2002 and it has given me over 40,000 miles of fun driving and very little trouble. An oil sending switch, a balky airbag light, and resetting the trip odometer is the only trouble so far. It does not burn oil in between 3000 mile oil changes. Original tires lasted 40,000 miles as did the brakes. Good on long trips and loves the highways. I get 19 mpg in town and 24 on the highways. Ride is firm but never harsh and handling is as good as it gets with my all season Yokohama performance tires. Interior comfort is great for both myself 6 Ft and wife 5Ft. Back seat is very roomy for four and a tight fit for five as the car is not that wide. Love the seating choices.

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  Water stains seats! - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By psupanda - February 9 - 6:03 am

  Weirdest thing EVER. If a drop of water gets on the seats it leaves a watermark. Ive had my car for only a few months and the interior looks terrible. I tried to clean it, and that only made it worse. Wherever the cleaner went it left a watermark stain.

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  Underpowered and Blind Spots - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Techshark - February 8 - 10:00 am

  We liked the looks of the Cruiser but have found it hard to drive. It has large blind spots at the rear quarter panels and is grossly underpowered. We often have trouble getting up hills at highway speed. Also the fuel economy is not great, 20mph at best. Had we known these items we would not have bought the car.

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  the blue bullet - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By robert#44 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  easy to customize,great standard features,needs more power

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  We Wont Get Fooled Again - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Matt - January 31 - 1:03 am

  We loved this car when we first bought it, and thought that maybe the curse of the American made car was finally put to rest (remember the "K Car"?). However, within 3 years, it feels like weve replaced everything in it! Transmission, air conditioner compressor, power steering, ball joints - and those are off the top of my head. Of course, none of these were covered by the warranty due to the high amount of highway miles we put on it from my wifes work commute, which means Ive been basically making 2 car payments for the past 2 1/2 years. Regardless to say, were going back Honda or Toyota when I trade this in next month.