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:

• 

  Pay attenion to gas milage(or lack of it - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By n10043 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Engine used oil first 10,000 miles but has tapered off...it will not get anywhere near the EPA...everything else is good....

• 

  Fab Little Turbo Cruiser - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Artchicken - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Fast, versatile little car. Great for city driving, no worries merging into highway traffic with this car. The turbo is fast and quick to respond. The leather seats are comfy and sit high in the vehicle for good road visibility. The car accomodates tall people very well, both in front and back seats, in fact the back seat has tons of leg room. The suspension handles road variations and pot holes well. Tons of storage and cargo space.

• 

  Always fun to drive - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By bustergunn - June 14 - 9:43 pm

  Outstanding small call, best interior design of any car. Versatile in every respect, from hauling five passengers to hurricane shutters from home depot. Very comfortable seats with good head and leg room, height is good for easy entry.

• 

  Style monster - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By tt-rexxx - June 13 - 5:53 pm

  I am retired. Great car/suv for short trips. Entry comfort is perfect/style has no equal. No mechanical problems. Cheap to buy and maintain and insure. Production has ended at the end of 2009. Parts will be available for years. I think Chrysler made a mistake in getting rid of this one. HHR sales have never equaled PTs. This car/suv will be a retro classic and we all want to go back to the past.

• 

  WHAT ?! - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Gahto - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I almost didnt buy this PT because of all of these needles about the lack of engine performance. But I drove it once and I was hocked. Below 65 it drives & handles like my old 1965 356SC Porsche. I dont baby this puppy and throw it around pretty well. Accelerating into highway traffic is a breeze! (Standard trans) Mileage in town is 23 MPG & I dont do enough highway to track it. Get a life people! You should have bought a standard!

• 

  not what expected - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By bboy - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Interior design is poor... Suspension system is poor... Interior is noisy... difficult to check blind spots...

• 

  Still Got the PT Cruiser Blues - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By garcande - June 5 - 6:11 pm

  Hi, its me again. Ive already told you about the AC going out and the top not going up or down. Now, after I picked it up from the mechanic the last time it started making a thumping noise in the front right. I thought it was something the mechanic had done, but no, it was the right front motor mount! Now, Chrysler recommends you PULL the engine to replace the mount, but my man said he didnt have to do that. Only cost $700 this time. And by the way, he said, there were only 2 out of 4 bolts holding the mount on and thats why it broke! Also only 2 out 4 bolts on the power steering pump at only 27K miles! To be continued...

• 

  YA BABY !!!!!! - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Tom & Catherine - May 29 - 2:10 pm

  Purchased in August 04 with the consent of my wife we now have our second PT Cruiser. (05 convert GT) What a car. Its quieter inside than our 02 PT. (we still have) The performance is great, more power than youll ever need and fun to drive. We have had no problems with it yet other than attacting lots of attention. With the top down it is surprising quiet. I have been in the car business for over 30 years in service depts.for different companies and I have to say that Chrysler has a "winner" here. A fun and reliable car. Two of ours friends have bought new convertibles (GT & Dream Cruiser) after seeing and riding in ours. YOU JUST HAVE TO TRY IT OUT. BET YOU CANT BUY JUST ONE!!

• 

  2nd PT - 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Second PT - May 28 - 5:50 pm

  My first PT was an inferno red 02 with Moon Roof, heated leather seats. I loved it so much, I traded it in with 100,000 trouble free miles for the final PT year, a Sliver 2010 with Moon Roof, heated cloth seats. They have made some nice minor changes. Consumer R gives the 08 good marks for reliability. It has a great sound system with one year of Satelite radio thrown in. I have carried couches in the back of my old PT. You cant beat the interior design. Chrysler offered a 7 year 70,000 mile, new car, bumper to bumper, extended warranty for a mere $1,400, so I took it. I also got $2,000 cash back. A very unique exterior so you wont look like everyone else. A great car for the money.

• 

  Eye Catcher - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By n1nj4r0u63 - May 28 - 12:50 pm

  To start off, the PT is a great vehicle. I love the hybridness of it, as I can haul people, haul large items, or just book it down the highway like a racecar. The seating position is very upright and gives the impression of an SUV. I have grown to appreciate the centrally located window controls (though it still is a bit odd sometimes). The car really needs a warning beep or light when the head/parking lights are on, either that or standard auto on/off. Silver with standard painted silver wheels gives the whole car a monochromatic look that glistens in the sun and is easily recognizable, keeps the interior cool as well. Overall, a very impressionable car!