2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The PT Cruiser entered its second year of production in 2002, following a year of reviewer praise and great consumer curiosity. Chrysler...
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.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser appreciate its spacious interior, versatility, and unique styling. Many drivers enjoy its fun-to-drive nature and decent fuel economy. However, there are complaints about brake noise, sluggish acceleration, and some reliability issues with the engine and brakes over time."
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 :-)
October 30, 2012Car 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.
August 20, 2012More 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.
June 15, 2008What owners say
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 :-)
October 30, 2012Car 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.
August 20, 2012More 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.
June 15, 2008Bought 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.
June 18, 2013absolutely 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.
September 12, 2008Acceleration 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!
August 27, 2010There 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.
September 7, 2009I 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 car
July 27, 2009This 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 penny
December 19, 2008i 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.
December 9, 2007Trims & specs
Base MSRP $17,040 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 150 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $23,395 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 150 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $21,105 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 150 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $18,755 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 150 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
