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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  More Blues from Chrysler - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By garcande - June 1 - 12:02 pm

  Well folks, Im still waiting for the convertible top motor. I had to pay $762.00 back in June before they would order the part and they still cant say when it will come in. Its missed two due dates and now theyre saying December, maybe. They cant give me an explanation, either. Other than that the car has been running fine, though I only drive 10 miles a day to and from work. Thats all for now.

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  Love the PT - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Mark - May 31 - 8:56 am

  This is my third PT. My first of the Limited and I wished it had a little more power and better handling. In 2004, I traded it in for the GT and Ive loved it ever since. But Ive always wanted a convertible so I just traded it in for a Vanilla one with the turbo. I couldnt be happier. Ive read some comments about discontinuing the PT and I hope its not true because Ill want another one in a few years.

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  A Luxury Car Its Not - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By PW - May 24 - 10:00 am

  The car is excellent for what its supposed to be. However, if you are use to luxury, you wont get it here. Youll get lots of space versatility and reliability. You wont get power, fuel economy, or luxury. The noise level is high, and the stereo hard to hear with any real quality. We have tried for 2 years to love it, but failed.

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  2004 PT Cruiser - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By gdhike - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my PT Crusier in October of this year as a second car. So far I have 3500 miles on it and have been very satisfied with the comfort and the ride. The gas milage is around 21 miles to the gallon in-town, which is the same as my Chevy Venture. I recently drove it on a 750 mile trip and got about 24 MPG. The PT is a fun car to drive, but no speed demon since I have the non-turbo engine. The problem I have had is that the engine died once at a stop light. It started right back up and I havent had a problem since. The dealer checked it out and couldnt fine anything wrong either.

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  I loved my car until recently. - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Liz - April 25 - 9:13 pm

  We bought our car new and loved it right away. It has lots of room and can carry a lot. I loved the look of it and I always thought I felt like I was sitting in my kitchen chair when I drove it. Last year I changed my mind, I no longer love my car. We have had it in the shop during the past year 8 times for the same problem. It wont start. The battery has been replaced 2 or 3 times, the starter has been replaced twice, the starter relay once and the wiring harness once. The last repair did last for many months but we are back to the same problem again. We would never, ever buy another Chrysler. Very bad reliability.

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  A fun car seats 4 comfortable adults just on time - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Sandra Bell - April 24 - 2:43 am

  Its FUN

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  So far, so good - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Hunter - April 19 - 8:10 am

  We have had our PT Cruiser for three months now, completely without incident or complaint. The Cruiser was not my first choice, but it appears to be the correct one. For a car that I assumed to be a "fad" vehicle, the fit and finish inside and out is quite good. It handles capably and is quite fun to drive. Not exactly overpowered, but adequate for a second vehicle. The ride is exceptionally good for a small vehicle of this type; it is a comfortable vehicle with more room than I expected.

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  great 07 cruiser convertible - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By vwcamperman - April 8 - 6:23 pm

  My wife and I bought this car slightly used 4 years ago with 23k on it..It is fun to drive,and one of the most dependable cars ever owned.The vehicle has 70k miles now and minimal maint issues.Brake pads at 50k(Approx 40.00 bucks) and cam sensor at 63k miles..( 39.00 dollar fix)Thats parts only..I do my own maint.Thats it other than a set of tires.We live in a climate with lots of snow and found this car to be unstoppable with studded snow tires on front..Yeah I know.You might be a redneck driving a convertible with studded tires in the winter.LOL.We chose this over the Beetle convertible because it has much better interior room,especially in the back seat where adults can sit comfortably

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  Perils of Age - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Toms Mom - March 25 - 1:50 pm

  Ive had my PT (Tom––Tom Cruiser) since the get go and cant say enough good things about it. Although its been an accident magnet, it has survived several minor crashes and a major clash with wildlife and has done very well. My only complaint is that I keep my cars a long time (10 to 12 years, over 150,000 miles) and my little PT isnt holding up to age like Id hoped. The wheels are a chronic problem for mine and several others I know. They corrode from the inside out and lead to slow leaks in the tires. The chrome peels away if the wheel is fixed. Radiators also seem to be a common problem. Body trim is popping off. So while I love my PT, Tom just isnt aging as well as Id hoped.

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  I love mine! - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Peggy - March 15 - 11:03 am

  I personally have not had any problems with my cruiser. It has plenty of room for a 4 cyl and plenty of storage and space if needed. We have 5 people in our family and can all take long trips in comfort and style. We have owned numerous vehicles with no such luck. Gas is really good in mine and it still drives like a new car. No problems what-so-ever. I would definitely recommend this car to others. My mother in law has had one for the last 7 years and has never had a problem with hers. She just loves it. She recently traded hers in for a 2008. Good luck to everyone and hopefully you will enjoy yours as much as we do ours!