2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The PT Cruiser was introduced in 2001 as the production embodiment of both a 1997 Plymouth concept and Chrysler's desire to capture its heritage in a unique new model. The 2001 PT Cruiser was named the North American Car of the Year, and it also appeared on Car and Driver's Ten Best List.
Two trim levels were offered in this initial year: Base and Limited. The Base model's standard features included air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, and power brakes and steering. The Limited added a power moonroof, keyless entry, fog lamps, power locks, heated mirrors, cruise control, leather seats and chrome wheels.
Both models were powered by a 2.4 liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder, which produced 150 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission came standard, and a 4-speed automatic was optional. Both route power to the car's front wheels. Fuel economy was estimated at 20 mpg city/25 highway with the manual and 20/26 with the automatic.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
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by Allen C
Apr 22, 2014
Fun driver, quick for a 150 HP car, handles well, cost effective, excellent storage, good room in he cockpit area. Increasing the tire size to 225 has improved the handling characteristics.
Well worth the money, maintenance cost quite reasonable. A wider foot print wood be great.Apr 22, 2014
by Gary R
Mar 21, 2014
The PT was unique in looks and styling. It had all the modern upgrades of todays cars, but it had the look of the older unique cars of the forties. It was fun to drive, handled well in all kinds of weather and on all kinds of road surfaces.Mar 21, 2014
by Paul T
Feb 19, 2014
Just turn the key and go. Very low maintenance vehicle. Relatively easy to work on. Only wish it had a bit more power. A small vehicle which can transport a lot of "stuff". Even moved a full size kitchen range with rear seat out.Feb 19, 2014
User rating:
by Allen C
Apr 22, 2014
Fun driver, quick for a 150 HP car, handles well, cost effective, excellent storage, good room in he cockpit area. Increasing the tire size to 225 has improved the handling characteristics.
Well worth the money, maintenance cost quite reasonable. A wider foot print wood be great.Apr 22, 2014
by Gary R
Mar 21, 2014
The PT was unique in looks and styling. It had all the modern upgrades of todays cars, but it had the look of the older unique cars of the forties. It was fun to drive, handled well in all kinds of weather and on all kinds of road surfaces.Mar 21, 2014
by Paul T
Feb 19, 2014
Just turn the key and go. Very low maintenance vehicle. Relatively easy to work on. Only wish it had a bit more power. A small vehicle which can transport a lot of "stuff". Even moved a full size kitchen range with rear seat out.Feb 19, 2014
by Craig D
May 17, 2013
The PT Cruiser was one of the best cars from the Chrysler family. It changed a
lot over the years, but the basics were still the same.
Performance wise, there's an OK amount of power with the non-turbo model,
and more than enough when you get the turbo engine.
Handling is pretty good and the solid (and weighty) car really holds the road.
Handles easy and stops very well.
It is always a blast to drive the car, and I get a lot of looks with all of the
modifications done to make the PT Cruiser into PT Bear*Num, an award winning
"Woodie" PT Cruiser.May 17, 2013
by Shvonne S
Feb 16, 2013
We are approaching 200k miles on the vehicle and haven't had any major issues with it. We are the 2nd owners of the car. It's gone back and forth to Virginia, Maryland, Boston, and New York with no problem at all.Feb 16, 2013
by Anonymous
Dec 03, 2012
My 2001 has been a very reliable car for our family. It is also very roomy in the cargo area. Currently we have roughly 208,000 miles on our vehicle. Having a small problem with the oil sensor light which comes on at llow idle 800-1000 rpm.Dec 03, 2012
by Darryl C S
Nov 11, 2012
Have loved everything about this car except the gas mileage. It looks great, handles fun, comfortable inside, and excellent cargo space for a small car. The Limited trim package is tasteful and not overdone. For Chrysler's first year making this car, excellent product!Nov 11, 2012
by Arli J
Nov 10, 2011
its a nice little car to get around in. its not a great car for hualing around a lot of
people but i like it that the back seats come out. other than it feels like i'm driving
in a bumper car.Nov 10, 2011
by Anonymous
Apr 11, 2011
Its a nice little car. Good on gas. I can fit the kids in it when I need to. Its comfortable for a long ride and pretty decent in the snow.The front end is a tough one, I seem to always need an alignment. working on it is sometimes a problem real tight under the hood. I cant really complain. I bought it used and I got more than my moneys worth from it.Apr 11, 2011
by Anonymous
Dec 30, 2010
Loved this car from the moment I saw it. Had to have one. Bought base
model with 5 speed standard - much better performance than
automatic, Upgraded to a K&N cold air intake - great added pop and
makes a wonderful noise at 4,000 rpm. Good car for fooling around in
traffic, big enough for 4 adults, or 3 adults with golf clubs and carts.
EASY TO GET IN AND OUT OF!!!!!(I am tall). Cheap car, great fun to
drive, lot's of rattles and clunks. room for lots of stuff. Not great on
gas, but that's my fault and the great noise at 4,000 rpmDec 30, 2010
by Jeff W
Aug 12, 2010
Love this car. Nothing to complain about whatsoever. Build quality is fantastic. Performance is great for a car like this. Cost of ownership is easily affordable. VERY FUN TO DRIVE esp manual! It goes through turns like a hot knife through butter. It sits well and it keeps its footing in almost all conditions.Aug 12, 2010
by Jeff W
Mar 31, 2010
It picks up well. It's spacious. Looks semi classic and has many possible modifications. Handles long trips very well with the touring suspension. Gas is decent. The stick shift makes it fun to drive, but if I had to buy again I would buy the turbo model.Mar 31, 2010
by Dawn B
Oct 21, 2009
Problems with defective paint on bumpers. Didn't show up for a couple of years. By then the dealer wouldn't fix it. Slow upon acceleration, but the power is there on the other end, if you need to pass someone. Gas mileage isn't that great. Brakes need replacing fairly frequently because the car is probably too heavy for the frame. I recommended it to two friends and they both bought one!Oct 21, 2009
by Michael K
Sep 19, 2009
This car is somthing I'm having trouble making a decision on. It is very reliable, has a lot of room for a little car, and has a manual tansmission which, in my opinion, is supirior to atomatic transmissions. However, I'm not a big fan of the color, and i would rather have a Jeep or Mustang.Sep 19, 2009
by Gary B
Aug 12, 2009
it has a lot of power for a 4 cylinder & gets very good mpg easy to work on when you know how i do most of the repair work myself & its fun to drive but my wife hates to drive itAug 12, 2009
by Anonymous
Aug 04, 2009
I bought it used in 2002 and have had to replace the brake pads and change out the battery a couple of times - that's it. The ride is harsh on bad roads, but otherwise it is a wonderful, practical car.Aug 04, 2009
by Joshua B
May 02, 2009
I like the fact that my car stands out in a crowd. The only thing that I can't stand about it is that it is so weak in the engine. I wish that they had produced a 6-cylinder at least. The 4-banger is a descent one that does have some good pick up, just not enough for me.May 02, 2009
by Brian N
Apr 24, 2009
Handling is incredible, interior size is great, small on the outside, big on the inside. Kinda likea minivan except cool. Not a speed demon, but good top end and great looks. If the car fits your personality, then you'll love it, but this is one you need to drive to see if its for you. I love my PT Cruiser, your results may vary. Apr 24, 2009
by Ernst J
Dec 04, 2008
Super Great car, good performance , nice to tune lots of parts available on the net,
and after 7 years, there is still no car i like more, in the same price class
COO, Cheap car if te gass is cheap
good family car, am 2,02 CM tall and i have space enoughDec 04, 2008
by Justin F
Oct 11, 2008
I like my car because it is sporty and is fun to drive. It is very responsive with the five speed. The overall gas mileage is pretty decent the maintenance is pretty simple. it is very fun to drive it corners good it looks awesome and is a very comfortable car.Oct 11, 2008
by Tom H
Aug 23, 2008
It's a love it or hate it car. I'm on the love it side of the fence and have been since they came out. It's a fun car, next one will be a turbo convertible! It's difficult not to smile while I'm driving this car. I hope they make this car for a few more years.Aug 23, 2008
by Simon A
Aug 08, 2008
Turns like a truck, but loads of character - some major mechanical problems now it's getting older (with the transmission). Also problems with the bushes on the steering, parts are expensive too - but the engine is sound, and the body work has no problems (only self inflicted ones!) In all - it lives up to it's name - it cruises!Aug 08, 2008
by Adam C
Jun 07, 2008
It's my current car (but mine's black)
While it might not be the fastest thing on the road, it sure is a pleasure to drive.Jun 07, 2008
by Adam G
May 23, 2008
its an overall nice looking, handling car. only problem is its way, way, way to underpowered.May 23, 2008
by Merrisa M
May 01, 2008
Nice car because it was newer... Neon Motor- typical problems. I had fun with it but handeling was an issue. It was okay on gas but got me where i needed to goMay 01, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 19, 2008
You can't get a better value with more versatility.Apr 19, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 19, 2008
Just purchased this vehicle in Jan. 2008. So far I have no major complaints. It's fun to drive!Apr 19, 2008
by Jamie H
Apr 05, 2008
slow, but feels better than the caliberApr 05, 2008
by Nick A
Apr 01, 2008
What is this car? Is it a car? Or a wagon? Crossover? The PT Cruiser is difficult to classify as it looks like a combination of many things, you sit in it fairly high like a small truck or crossover and for the most part it drives like a car. The engine has surprisingly more than enough torque for everyday and spirited driving though fuel comsumption suffers when pushed too much. Its handling is quite good though a bit on the touchy side, while the brakes are unacceptably touchy and overly assisted. If deciding what to call it gave you a headache then avoid the interior as its layout makes no sense at all. Window switches are centrally mounted on the console and rear seat passengers have no switch of their own. Doors lock manually and individually. Really the only good part is that the rear seats fold and can be removed to increase cargo space.Apr 01, 2008
by Garry J
Mar 26, 2008
Awesome!!! Loads of space and looks different to all the other blandomatics on the road.Mar 26, 2008
by Steven Y
Mar 17, 2008
I have owned this car for 2 years and i love it. Not the fastest car in the world but it has a lot of head and leg room. Gets good gas mileage.Mar 17, 2008
by Tim L
Jan 21, 2008
It's a gret car with few issues since I have owned itJan 21, 2008
by Jonathan V
Jan 07, 2008
I love all the extras and the leather and chrome. It arguably an ugly car...but it doesn't care, I think that is what makes it amazing. This car is like nothing else on the road.Jan 07, 2008
by Jennifer A
Nov 13, 2007
This is a really reliable car.Nov 13, 2007
by Anonymous
Jul 05, 2007
I like the hot rod look but wish it was powered by a V8 and rear wheel driveJul 05, 2007
by Anonymous
Jun 25, 2007
Turning radius sucks --- gutless when carrying adults ----- Got hosed when car was
purchased because of dealer markup.Jun 25, 2007
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Pricing
Original MSRP
$16,500 to $20,560Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
