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:

• 

  Dont buy this car! - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Michael Pearse - June 28 - 1:22 pm

  I bought this car 3 years ago in may with 82,000 miles. A week later my fuel pump went out. then a couple months later my water pump and head gasket went out. then shortly after that my transmission went out. I have spent a lot more than it is worth in repairs in a relatively short amount of time. i swear it spends more time in the shop than on the road. Dont buy this car! Please!

• 

  2003 PT Cruiser GT (turbo) - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By FndlyFmrFlyr - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Fun! Easy to enter and exit. Adults fit in back seat with room to spare. Turbo is very quick with virtually no turbo lag. Best assembled car I have bought. Has a wide turning circle that hinders parking in tight situation. Handling is good but feels better and very tied to the road with addition of rear sway bar.

• 

  PT X 2 - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By RED PT CRUSIER - June 25 - 8:20 am

  My Husband and I both own PTs one is a 2001 and one is a 2002 purchased a month apart. We both love them and we have had them now about three years. I was rear ended by a young girl going 55 mph and no damage was done to me or my PT.

• 

  fun car-some design issues - 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By puddlejumper04 - June 24 - 4:16 am

  for a small car with a short nose one of the worst cars to make a u turn with,needs a city block!!! I had engine mounts replaced at 38,00 now at 60,000 find out they are gone again. $400.00. Had some leaks in my d/w took it to the dealer found out leaking from rack and pinon which had to be replaced and solenoid which had to be replaced. I had the extended warranty as my car only came with 3/36. Cost me 300.00 with deductive,front end alignment and power steering flush. Trouble with the a/c 2x the warranty covered less deductible. The car had 6,000 miles on it and had never been titled used as a demo? Cheated out of 1 year warranty backdated

• 

  It just couldnt take it anymore - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By hawkybaby - June 21 - 1:30 pm

  Dont get me wrong, I loved my Cruiser. I really did. The body, the interior, the functionality and versatility ... they were top-notch! The problem lied in long-term reliability. I drive around A LOT -- full time job, 3 kids, family living far away. I spend a lot of time in the car and on the road. It couldnt keep up with me. After 78,000 miles, I was burning oil like gas, the shocks went, there was an electrical problem causing 1/2 the car to go dark, the transmission slipped going into 2nd gear and she creaked worse than my grandmother did! I had already spent over $500 replacing the radiator, and decided to let her go.

• 

  The best safety rating - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By kc from washington - June 13 - 7:50 am

  I got one of the last 2005 PTs in the area. I didnt intend on buying the Limited Edition but glad I did. My insurance gave it the best safety rating they offer. Costs me less than my Suzuki Vitara (worth half the value). I love the way it handles; drives very sporty. I live in the country and it handles great on the many curves and inclines. Wish the gas mileage was better, but its worth it.

• 

  Help the old fat man - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By vrc50 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  LOve driving it. Has lots of leg room up front... more than my Blazer.

• 

  JB Review - 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Captain626@aol.com - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, No Mechanical problems, Could use a bit more power at low end, but once at hiway speed-takes off!

• 

  Impressed all around! - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Jerry Lang - June 6 - 4:53 pm

  I loved the style when it first came out. I was told it was cheaply made. But, recently I was able to purchase one that had 33K and in my budget. It is fully loaded and though the gas mileage could be better it still beats the Explorer I had. It has the roominess for me and more comfortable than my 4-runner. It handles really nice and I get lots of compliments on the looks. It has lots of room for my needs and I love the speed it puts out. It now has 48K on it and I drive it 80 miles a day to and from work. We had signage put on it for my Wifes business and it sure looks good on the Cruiser with a big yellow sunflower on the back of the onyx green pearl coat. It really stands out.

• 

  Lemon Pt-Cruiser - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Pt-cruiser :( - May 26 - 9:50 am

  since I purchased this car, all Ive had is problems. -1st the door took air and was very noisy, had it looked at 5 times to be told, that Id have to like with it. -The the door take in water when in a carwash or when in heavy rain - Had had constant noise with the motor and of course when you take it in does not do it for them, grrr - Brakes needed to be changed 4 times - the bouching its a suspensing thing twice - I had to buy the extendeed warrenty at a cost of 1200$, was less expensive to take that then the repair cost I had to place on it at a lil over 60k - then the a/c stopped working and had to get all 4 tubings replaced and had to par a 100$ detection, yada yada yada