2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser User Reviews

I believe this car is way over priced for what it is.

Very Good. — I've had the car about 3 years. Bought it with about 81000 on it and it now has 91000. Haven't had any problems whatsoever with this car. Just change the oil every 3000, changed the plugs and plug wires and the air cleaner. Oh yeah, a volo chip for performance and one size larger tires(215x50x17). That's about it and it handles well with plenty of power. This thing would outrun most V8s I've owned over the years, and some were fairly fast. 69 Camero 327, 73 Gran Sport 350, 72 Torino 351, 5.0 Mustang, and many more. It just moves pretty good with the tubo spooled up.

Not Lovin' It. —

It was fun for the first couple of years. Now I drive it because it's paid off. I will (Lord willing) NEVER own another Chrysler product again. My Toyota Truck - 138,000 trouble-free miles. Had the clutch replaced at about 135,000 miles. Never leaked oil. Never was low. Never had transmission leak. Never had to top off fluids or even add coolant. Reservoirs were always full. Fluid always clean. Jump to PT Cruiser with Mercedes at the helm. This car is a giant bag of suck. It drinks oil like a drunken sailor on shore leave. No oil leaks - it just gets consumed by the car. No blue smoke. Passed 100% of emissions tests every year for 12 years. Where is the oil going??? My theory is my car is hoarding the motor oil in case of some emergency, for when the cars all become sentient and kill us off; that way it'll have what it needs. Rear tire alignment - the car is "off" from the factory and is fixed in this position - they cannot be aligned. Thanks for that, Chrysler. Because of this, I need tires more often than and was informed by the tech that shims could be installed but they wouldn't really fix the issue. Performance - Maybe most other drivers don't know how to squeeze anything out of an engine smaller than 5.7L but the 2.4L does an okay job, given how tiny it is in relation to the weight and non-aerodynamic shape of the vehicle. Non-turbo does just fine. Has good torque and is fast for what it is if I want to lean on the pedal in the lower gears. Manual transmission probably helps with performance. Fuel economy is horrible in the city - like 18-19 MPG, which would be okay if the engine was more powerful... If I'm on the freeway driving to San Antonio, it'll pull 30 MPG. If I'm doing mixed commuting/ city driving, then average of about 24MPG. With good tires, the car handles great. I've had 10 years out of the replacement brakes. Still no chirping, squealing or issues with discs. No uneven wear, no warping (but then I don't brake like a maniac, either). It's not the worst car I've owned (that goes to a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am) but it's definitely not the best. Can't wait to retire this vehicle.

Primary Use: Family transportation

Great Value In A Basic Transportation, Yet Cool Auto — The only problem encountered to date was a broken timing belt at 91,000. Other than that, I keep it well maintained, and it keeps running!! Not only reliable, but it's a cool ride!! I need 6 more words, there we go.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Project Car — It still needs some improvements and upgrades. I just sold my Mitsubishi Eclipse GT and this bug is my new project. I hope to make a little monster out of it. The clutch just gave out, but I thinks the previous owner did not really know how to drive the manual transmission. I plan to lower the car and improve its stability by installing stability bars (sway bars). Then I want to install a Magnaflow exhaust system and improved downpipe and cat. The electrical system also requires a serious stabilization. I have a voltage stabilizer from my Eclipse. I will install it soon when I receive additional ground wires. I already installed new rotors and new ceramic pads. All in all, it should be a nice ride when I am done with it.

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)