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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  Fun Car - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Wally - May 4 - 9:50 am

  First American car in 15 years. Traded a VW new Beatle that was terrible. Love the PTs versatility. Very comfortable and smooth on the highway. Plenty of power. Slightly heavy steering but feels good at high speeds. A fun car to drive with good human factors. Quality of finish very nice. Had to have steering rack replaced at 8000 miles but will assume that was an anomoly. Dealer handled the repair nicely and the alignment was perfect after repair. Much better quality than my VW. Very good warrantee. All in all I am pleasantly surprised. Time will tell if quality is comparable to Toyota or Honda. However his car makes me smile when I look at it and that goes a long way!

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  Fun - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Maureen - May 3 - 2:20 am

  I just love my new PT Cruiser! Its bright red and my husband and I bought some aftermarket chrome to jazz it up more. We put the chrome beltline on it and chrome around the lights and added a wood-look dash/radio control kit. It is the 2CK option with the leather seats and chrome body side mouldings and chrome wheels. It is beautiful and fun. I love the way it handles and it has more pickup on the highway than my old 4-cylinder "Mommy Van" I get 19 city and 22 hwy mileage. Not great, but about what I got with my other 4 cylinder van. I can fold down and tumble up the seats to fit two dog crates in it and this weekend I fit an ocean kayak in it! It does everything I ask of it.

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  never again - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By never again - May 2 - 6:33 am

  What a piece of garbage this car is. The front suspension is so weak and clunky, no one can seem to fix it. Yes this car is fun to drive but I expect problems when I drive it. I dont Dare hit a pot hole because it sounds like the bottom is going to fall out. Never again will I buy a Chrysler.

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  Fun Convert - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Bill - April 28 - 4:00 am

  This is one great performance car, that turns heads where ever it goes. Being Plum in color with optional chome wheels sent it apart from all others, while still getting 28 MPG and better on high test.

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  My little hot rod - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Hot Rod Sandy - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It has features found on the more expensive cars. It is great to drive. You can see the road and it is easy to enter and exit the car. I will buy another cruiser. I hope it lasts as long as my Neon which has 167,000 miles and still going strong.

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  Used As A Designer Car - 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By ptcrusier - April 22 - 11:58 am

  The second owner which we were looking for a vehicle that is good on gas, is reliable, room, and with a look for the designers. Never had a only have had Jeep Wranglers with Chrysler and being a car and not a car person it is cool to drive at night how it lights up. The only problem is the AUX set broke when hooked into a I-PHONE but most factory stereo are junk any way. Very Happy with this car and am going to set up for company used vehicle runner/ designer cars. COST OF OUT COME EVALUATION!

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  Eventual suspension creaking - 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Robert Walinchus - April 20 - 9:33 pm

  After 4 years of driving, overall great fun and sexy looking. Unique shape stands out, especially with red paint.

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  nice ..but complete junk - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By scott s - April 18 - 11:16 pm

  When I bought this car, it was my first car. I was very happy at the time I bought it. I bought it for 10,000 dollors and ended up putting another 7 on repairs. I only had this car for 6 months. 3 of which it was in the shop. It drives Nice, but it has to many problems. I need a new engine. The turbo leaked twice. The radiator leaked twice as well. The car overheated with coolet in the car!I am to poor to put that much money into a car .. So I traded it in for a 2208 Chevy silverado and gas isnt that much worse

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  Buy best yet from chryler - 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By chrysler pt cruiser - April 18 - 11:10 am

  Ive been buying Chrysler all my life yes since I could drive. My dad was a master mechanic. This car is my best all over yet. Riding and just home running, i am disabled and it really helps me with the lumber adj. In the seat on the drivers side, and have all electric is a big help too. The size I love is, brings me back too the 1970s. My only sad thing is that chryslers busy is going out the door. My place that I bought my cars for 30 years and fix them. Have no longer been able to keep what they had. Dont know all the notes but, this is a sad issue for me I dont want to buy any other vehicle. Bring back Chrysler.

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  Second Time Not As Good - 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser
  By Second time Around - April 17 - 2:33 am

  This is my second PT. The first was an 02. Both were five speed and got surprisingly good mileage-22/28. While I like the keyless entry on the 07 but the reliability has not been as good as the 02: I have replaced the AC fan (28000), THE CLUTCH (29000), and the control arms (31000). When I traded the 02 in on the 07 it had 73000 miles and the only thing I replaced were wheel bearings. The 5 speed is fun to drive addition to providing better acceleration-a common complaint-and better mpg.