Positive Review
I have owned and driven my PT for 10 years/140K+ Miles. It's kind of like owning a Harley - to keep it running, you have to know how to work on it yourself. Most of the problems it had were electrical. If you own one, there's a few cheap fixes you can do that will make 90% of your problems go away: (1) replace the half-melted radiator fan connector with standard bullet or flat connectors from the auto parts store. This fixes everything from overheating to A/C issues. (2) fix the loose/worn grounding strap on the engine, which will cause false sensor errors. (3) repair and then add a cable tie to hold up the alternator wire that's rubbing on the drive axle. (4) check the voltage with the engine revved to 3500 rpm before replacing any sensors - if it's below 12 volts, the problem is not your sensors (5) if the starter does nothing when you turn the key, check for a broken "ignition switch actuator" shaft inside the steering column. It's a $30 part from Dormann. Other than that, the only other problems it had was a wheel bearing ($60 part + $45 to press), an alternator ($140) and a clutch master cylinder($250), which are all normal problems for any car that's over 100K miles. This PT Cruiser averaged about $300/year in repairs, I'd say. Par for any under-$10K car. That's still way better than the $2700 I had in one year with a chevy malibu.
Critical Review
When it first came out I wanted it badly, I am glad I waited to purchase this car, The first thing they had to replace was the Smog stuff that was under warranty, Then 3 months later I had to replace Air Conditioning metal hoses - A really bad design. cost over $600 to fix It still to this day keeps acting up. 2 years from purchasing and less than 100,000 miles the Transmission went out that was a $3600 charge and on top of that the Motor mounts broke $400 and since then I have replace a Cam sensor $100, Ignition sensor $100, Water pump Timing Belt $600.00, Air fan $150.00, Motor Fan assembly $650.00 - Totaling over $6200.00 in 4 years - I purchased for $5500 + traded my 1998 Dodge Caravan for it. Nice looking Car.. But A major LEMON when I bought it!!! They should use the body and put on a Toyota Prius drive train. I still own this car only because I have to much into it. and at least I know it's gonna work for a while. It should last me at least 100,000 mile.. The Transmission is under warranty.
Showing 8 of 1,493 reviews.
Turbo Auto Shift moonroof two tone leather heated seats
Preimum Gas Recommended
I've had my 2003 PT Dream Cruiser 2 Turbo for 16yrs. Just now putting some money into it. It's been a great car. It's the caddy of the PT's. lol
Like my faithful, kind, smart, best friend German Shepherd, my PT has been a good part of my life, and we will stay together til the very end. My dad, in heaven now, must be beaming big smiles as he finally produced a reliable, beautifully designed, functional car for me, as I had asked him to do for so long. He did not like me driving those foreign cars (Toyota, Hondas, and especially my little VW beetle). He always said to us kids, especially after NAFTA, to please buy American! I finally did and have had better luck with this car than all the others. - from a Motown Chrysler Exec daughter of the 60's.
5sp manual, limited— continues to be a great car. Yep, Gas mileage -19-20 mpg consistently delivered in town or highway— it doesn’t fluctuates. 5sp feels faster than auto, it continues to delivers
Great seating for 4 adults, wheelchair access, cargo area
Gas milage could be better
PT Cruisers are fun and easy to drive We have owned 3: 2 new, 1 used SPECIAL BONUS - seat height makes easy in/out accessible seating for most everyone - including wheelchair patients! Back seat passengers have plenty of headroom and legroom. (Real Estate Agents love them) The rear cargo area is easily accessible and very functional with a movable back shelf, and extra power outlet. Great for tailgating, camping, touring national parks. With 60/40 folddown seat backs and fold down front passenger seat, we have fit in twin mattresses, 9 - 4ft evergreens, camping gear with large tents, and almost 300 lbs of prepared hot food for a large outdoor holiday gathering. We've had Camaros, Subarus, WindStar and Odessy. PT Cruiser is our favorite of them all. 2024 we still have our 2010, and we love it. Anyone that rides with us wants one. They need to trick out the PT Cruiser with updated slick LED lighting, improve the gas mileage and start manufacturing PT Cruisers again for the 2020s. Keep the base prices low by leaving out the unnecessary and expensive technology that drive up purchase prices, repair costs and ultimately, insurance rates. America needs a fun, functional and affordable car that is also eyecatching on the road - PT Cruiser is the epitome of that This is a great First car Beach car Camping car Exploring car Commuting car Family car Retirement car
No accidents, working AC, 76,000miles I am second owner. First owner elderly relative. I have had it for 10 years
It is like a light truck and you can remove all th
Not so fast when you first start out
This car has been well mechanically taken care of had a few fender benders been repaired in the front bumper is new and passenger fender and light new tail lights, driver side, tail, light scratched interior needs overall cleaning but all panels and glass etc. in good condition. The car rides very nice makes up popping noise that's not showing up as any of the suspension problematic new brakes regular oil change replaced tie rod what a beautiful orange color hard to match has gold trance, loosen red black copper, all of pearl essence and clearcoat etc. may have custom paint job on it soon new tires car carries a doughnut will be decorated honor of Lila P Ehrlich baker..v.E.S. Change oil and spark plugs on planes in World War II for our fighter pilots, and so the fabric on made of canvas.......
Never been smoked in and kept in garage one owner before me have had it 2 months looking for a honest offer to buy bigger vehicle
Unique Retro Vehicle
Gas mileage is terrible for a 4 cylinder
I have owned the vehicle for 23 years. It has had more break down repairs than routine maintenance. I think I kept it all this time because I just love the old school style of it. It was the first car I fell in love with that I could actually afford to buy new! lol I've poured a lot of love and a lot of $$$ into it. Gas mileage is terrible. I gave it 4 out of 5 just because it has sentimental value for me not because it is a good car mechanically. I bought a new car in 2017 and still kept it because I just wasn't ready to let it go. I don't know if I ever will be.