2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The PT Cruiser entered its second year of production in 2002, following a year of reviewer praise and great consumer curiosity. Chrysler could not build enough PTs in 2001 to satisfy the demand, but both production and variety were increased for 2002.
The 2001 PT Cruiser was offered only in Base and Limited Trims, but two new variants are now available. The Touring finish, which was previously an option package, is now a trim level. Chrysler has also added the Dream Cruiser Series. New special appearance packages for the PT also have a retro focus: wood-paneled sides or flame decals are now available.
The PT's unique body style is certainly head-turning, but it is also functional. Seating arrangements are highly configurable, and the extra height allows for greater cargo capacity than other compact cars. The PT offers 19 cubic feet for luggage alone.
Once again, there is only one engine choice. All models are powered by a 2.4 liter DOHC inline four, which provides 150 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Buyers may select a four-speed automatic or five-manual manual transmission, and both route power to the wagon's front wheels.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
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by Allison L
Aug 10, 2022
This pt is a basic model. Manual locks, no sun roof. But has power windows so thats a plus. I think the price was a bit high but in the current market thats to be expected. The car is in overall great condition with low miles so I bought it. Aug 10, 2022
by Anonymous
Mar 18, 2015
maintenance cost is incredibly high and overheating is a major prob.
once fixed, you are free to cruise around town. a Chrysler PT cruiser is a car that needs to be driven at least once in any driver's life timeMar 18, 2015
by BRIAN C
Jun 18, 2013
Bought my 2002 for $21k in Jan 2003 and enjoyed it for ten trouble free years and 104k miles. Only major repair was for cooling fan that seems to blow its fuse whenever the battery is changed out. I painted the bottom half to make mine a two-tone which it seemed designed for. Loved this car and held onto it long after I could afford something a little more high end. Was the go-to car for lunch because it could comfortably seat five while my colleagues Mercedes' could only seat four. Rear cargo space was a big help through two moves and many Craig's List finds. Finally broke down and replaced it with a used 2006 Lexus SC 430. I like cars with a little pizzaz.Jun 18, 2013
User rating:
by Allison L
Aug 10, 2022
This pt is a basic model. Manual locks, no sun roof. But has power windows so thats a plus. I think the price was a bit high but in the current market thats to be expected. The car is in overall great condition with low miles so I bought it. Aug 10, 2022
by Anonymous
Mar 18, 2015
maintenance cost is incredibly high and overheating is a major prob.
once fixed, you are free to cruise around town. a Chrysler PT cruiser is a car that needs to be driven at least once in any driver's life timeMar 18, 2015
by BRIAN C
Jun 18, 2013
Bought my 2002 for $21k in Jan 2003 and enjoyed it for ten trouble free years and 104k miles. Only major repair was for cooling fan that seems to blow its fuse whenever the battery is changed out. I painted the bottom half to make mine a two-tone which it seemed designed for. Loved this car and held onto it long after I could afford something a little more high end. Was the go-to car for lunch because it could comfortably seat five while my colleagues Mercedes' could only seat four. Rear cargo space was a big help through two moves and many Craig's List finds. Finally broke down and replaced it with a used 2006 Lexus SC 430. I like cars with a little pizzaz.Jun 18, 2013
by Randy K
Oct 30, 2012
The PT Cruiser was a phenomenon even before it came out. With retro styling and "Tall Car" 4 dr., hatchback practicality and rear seats that can fold up or be taken out completely, it filled many needs... a 5 passenger people hauler or cavernous mini-van. The sculpted, flared wheel wells sets it apart from any other shortish "Tall Car." There are many PT Cruiser Clubs around the country and parts are easy to come by since so many PT Cruisers are still on the road. The Limited comes with heated leather seats, a moon roof, tinted windows, roof rack.
Gas milage comes in at 20 mpg. It has a 15 gallon tank that will ask to be filled every 280 miles. Only a handful of times have I push past 300 miles before refueling. In twelve years it's never left me stranded except for a dead battery... highly dependable :-)Oct 30, 2012
by Anonymous
Aug 20, 2012
Car has it all. Not just a family car, but great for vacations, shopping. Going to work, going to Church, going out on the town. It fits right in everywhere. Cross between a car, a van, and a truck. Great Car.Aug 20, 2012
by Erin K
Dec 19, 2010
Great car! i like it a lot i would recommend it. It doesn't do very well in the snow thou so ya better be careful with it. But other than that i think its an over all good car. yupDec 19, 2010
by David S
Oct 01, 2010
dont like the constent problems i have but i love the ride and feel the car has and for a small car it has alot of interior space it is overall a quick car but it does have a very weak engine.Oct 01, 2010
by Miguel Z
Aug 27, 2010
Acceleration is sluggish, but handling, braking and ride are good. It is surprisingly roomy and is a good vehicle for road trips. $2500 in repairs (suspension and cooling system) at about 80K miles. Low maintenance, but not good gas mileage, as it is a bit underpowered. Fun to drive!Aug 27, 2010
by Brandon M
Oct 06, 2009
Underpowered. Built good aside from crappy Chrysler rims. Looks nice. Costs nothing; uses standard gas and does not require any special oil are other maintenance. Doesn't get that great of gas mileage. Rides real quiet and smooth. Would recommend buying a used one.Oct 06, 2009
by Mary N
Sep 07, 2009
There is not one thing I don't love about my PTC! If any improvement could be made it would be to add flames. This is a fun car to drive. Later models they screwed up the interior. The last perfect PTC models were made in 2002. Sep 07, 2009
by Ed R
Jul 27, 2009
I like the styling and the handling. I wasn't expecting the handling performance. Nice suprise.
No guts to this engine. I didn't get the turbo. Had to upgrade the coil, plugs, and wires to get about another gallon and a half per mile. Only about 25 mpg tops. Disapointing for a small carJul 27, 2009
by Ray B
May 23, 2009
Break away from the ordinary! Styling separates this car from all other sedans. Surprisingly roomy with a very flexible cargo area. Fit and finish is quite good, except for early failure of chrome on wheels. Interior is retro but not luxo. A pleasure to drive, even on 2,000 mile solo trips.May 23, 2009
by Taylor T
Feb 14, 2009
I love my PT Cruiser Limited Woody. The ride is smooth, untill the tires get out of balance. Gas mileage is decent at 19/21. It accelerates a little slow, but holds speed well. I give this car an 8 out of 10.Feb 14, 2009
by Chris F
Feb 13, 2009
Build Quality I don't think they have built a better car since for the price
Fun Factor just like a BMW with a lot more cargo space
Performance I can keep up with that BMW if I wanted to.
Cost Of ownership Ive had minor problems but over all the car is very good.
Feb 13, 2009
by Paul B
Dec 19, 2008
This car is the best i ever owned,reliable, fast, road holding and acceleration was v. good. I would buy another tomorrow if i had the money. Mine had all the kit, full electrics, leather and chrome. well worth every pennyDec 19, 2008
by Matthew B
Sep 12, 2008
absolutely love it. runs on regular, and somehow, 25
miles to the gallon, its a beast. it is also an awesome
car to drive, and can corner pretty well. hasnt had a
trip to the garage for quite a while. im 6-1, 6-2ish,
and i can sit in this car comfortably. i love it.Sep 12, 2008
by Jenny G
Sep 05, 2008
its a good car for a first time driver. good quality. the performance is good at first but goes down over the years. not sure about the cost. comes in a variety of colors. it is very fun to drive. does have some blind spots that are hard to see when your driving it.Sep 05, 2008
by Jacob M
Aug 03, 2008
Comfortable car. The manual transmission makes everything better, it's practically an anti theft device now days. Fun to drive and surprisingly fast for such a tiny engine. Decently fuel efficient. The high roof gives lots of clearance for taller people and makes you feel like you're in a car twice the size.Aug 03, 2008
by Rachel C
Jul 29, 2008
My old car was getting rather old and before my family had to put even more cash into her to keep her tiptop shape we just decided to get me a little newer car. So we ended the long and grueling search at my now present car, the PT Cruiser. I had driven in one before with one of my friend's at the time car and I enjoyed it. Although it's lacking in the get up and go dept, she still is a blast to drive with the winds rolled down and the music playing it's a great car for a college student or even a "single white female" lol. And another thing is that gas mileage is a heck of a lot better then my old Camery.Jul 29, 2008
by Maggie R
Jun 15, 2008
More spacious than expected. Seats and interior are nice. Factory breaks sound like you're skinning a cat, which is not attractive, and makes everyone cringe.Jun 15, 2008
by Dan R
Jun 09, 2008
Most versatile car I have ever owned.Jun 09, 2008
by Brian H
Apr 23, 2008
I've never had any problems with this car! It's been there thick and thin and even through some hectic times. It might not be for all people, but don't knock it till you try it.Apr 23, 2008
by Cassandra S
Apr 18, 2008
It's a good kind of cheep car. (Insurance is a bit pricey because they are so new.) Has an over all good performance. Can do speeds well and turns are smooth. Is a bit sensitive to the passengers moving from side to side. But the wide wheel base helps prevent it from tilting. Has a lot of room for a small car. Can fold down, fold up, or remove back seats for more storage room. Also the front passenger seat folds down to make 75" of storage room. (found out how much room when I put a coat rack in the car.)Apr 18, 2008
by Vanessa R
Apr 18, 2008
Its kind of a soccer mom car, I like that I can haul stuff around it. People, junk etc. Its nice that I can fold the back seats down and fit my bike. My boyfriend calls it my PodCar. I liked that its got kind of a throw back style to the old school wagons.Apr 18, 2008
by Tom K
Apr 14, 2008
got it a fair price and I was lucky to sell it for a good price.I was able to do little repairs myself and it was generally satisfyingApr 14, 2008
by Alisa B
Mar 30, 2008
Great car. Didn't like its look in the beginning but it grow on me.Mar 30, 2008
by Mike R
Mar 07, 2008
Not a bad car, but the base model is pretty sluggishMar 07, 2008
by Chris T
Jan 16, 2008
If you like the look, don't need to win every red-light race and want something affordable, buy affordable, buy one. If you're worried about quality, don't. I put 70,000 miles on it before anything major needed working on. Jan 16, 2008
by Steve P
Jan 09, 2008
This car has a great deal of versatility and is quite adaptable to different needs.Jan 09, 2008
by Anonymous
Dec 09, 2007
i really enjoy my 2002 dream cruiser.i have had no problems in the 3 years i have owned it.i did make one mistake i bought new tires for and i didn't mention i wanted the same kind of tires that were on the car which were low profile tires,so they put regular tires on it.but i will return to the low profiles next time,they just help make the look of the car.i really hate to see chrysler drop the cruiser,but it will make the car worth more in later years,if you manage to keep one in great condition.as far as the copycat chevy's hhr,not even close.Dec 09, 2007
by Anonymous
Sep 07, 2007
We bought the care new, almost on a whim in Sept 2001. Since then we've put 60,000+ on it, including several long trips. The car has a good ride, is very nimble (expcept for the poor turning radius) and has been trouble free. We replaced the lower cotnrol arms as they had worn out and the fornt brakes/ rotors.Sep 07, 2007
2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Pricing
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