Chrysler PT Cruiser (00-08) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
Last Updated: 11 November 2008
Chrysler's PT Cruiser combines hot-rod looks and retro style with a healthy dose of practicality. It's an off-beat alternative to the family hatchbacks like the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra, although it lacks the engine choice, build quality and refinement of these popular models. The plasticky interior feels cheap and it's not especially comfortable with a rough ride on uneven surfaces. However, it's affordable, quite practical and worth considering if you're after something out of the ordinary. A 2006 facelift added fresher interiors and a more powerful 2.2-litre diesel engine.
2.5 out of 5

Other Chrysler reviews

2.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£12,995 - £18,575

Used price range:

£855 - £6,905

View all used prices

Get a Chrysler PT Cruiser (00-08) information pack

Next steps

Chrysler PT Cruiser cars for sale

Use our cars for sale search facility to find great deals on second hand cars. We have 55 models like this for sale, starting at £995.

Find used Chrysler PT Cruisers for sale

Distinctive retro-styling, reasonably practical, earliest cars are very affordable

Lacklustre engines, dated and poor quality interior

Chrysler's PT Cruiser combines hot-rod looks and retro style with a healthy dose of practicality. It's an off-beat alternative to the family hatchbacks like the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra, although it lacks the engine choice, build quality and refinement of these popular models. The plasticky interior feels cheap and it's not especially comfortable with a rough ride on uneven surfaces. However, it's affordable, quite practical and worth considering if you're after something out of the ordinary. A 2006 facelift added fresher interiors and a more powerful 2.2-litre diesel engine.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    2.5 out of 5

    "Initially there was only a single engine, a 140bhp 2.0-litre petrol. Performance was adequate,..."

  • Handling

    3 out of 5

    "The PT Cruiser is an easy car to drive, but the wide turning circle makes manoeuvring in town more..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    3 out of 5

    "The PT Cruiser isn't really an MPV - you should think of it more as a larger hatchback. As a..."

  • Practicality

    3.5 out of 5

    "The rear seats are removable, but they're heavy and bulky, which makes it a more difficult job than..."

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5

    "Three trims were initially offered, Classic, Touring and Limited. Standard equipment on all models..."

  • Behind the wheel

    2 out of 5

    "A highly-adjustable driving position makes for an adequate drive, but the dash is confusing, with..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    3 out of 5

    "Parts, servicing and insurance are all quite reasonable, but fuel consumption on the petrol goes up..."

  • Green credentials

    2 out of 5

    "The PT Cruiser is quite a polluting model - the best model is the 2.2 CRD model. This was upgraded..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    2.5 out of 5

    "The PT Cruiser earned a three-star Euro NCAP rating when it was tested in 2002, a poor score when..."

  • Reliability

    3.5 out of 5

    "Owners report very few problems - only the occasional gearbox niggle. The PT Cruiser appears well..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    4 out of 5

    "PT Cruiser was quite expensive when it was first launched, to go head-to-head with MPVs. But it's..."

  • Buying used

    3 out of 5

    "There are plenty of PT Cruisers on the second hand market but it is best avoiding early cars unless..."

  • Selling

    2.5 out of 5

    "When it was first launched the PT Cruiser caused quite a fuss, but it hasn't aged particularly well."

Gallery

  • Interior Chrysler PT Cruiser (00-08)
  • Exterior Chrysler PT Cruiser (00-08)
  • Exterior Chrysler PT Cruiser (00-08)
  • Exterior Chrysler PT Cruiser (00-08)

View full gallery

Owners' reviews