2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The PT Cruiser Base model is unchanged for 2003. Now in its third year of production, the in-demand PT continues to turn heads. However,...
The PT Cruiser Base model is unchanged for 2003. Now in its third year of production, the in-demand PT continues to turn heads. However, as earlier models start to get older, owners have begun to voice complaints about Chrysler'ss well-known build quality and service issues.
The PT is powered by a 2.4 liter DOHC inline four, producing 150 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is included, and a four-speed automatic is optional. Gas mileage is estimated at 21/29 mpg with the manual and 19/25 mpg for the automatic.
The PT's unique chassis offers class-leading cargo space, and the flexible seating arrangements allow drivers to create additional space. Standard features on this model include front airbags, air conditioning, a CD audio system, power windows and mirrors, and intermittent wipers.
This base model offers prospective buyers a reasonably affordable route to PT ownership. Yet, many owners are finding that the true cost of ownership is not what it should be. For a compact car, the mixed driving fuel economy is comparatively low (low 20s), and the cost service for minor but nagging problems can add up quickly.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers of the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser find it to be a unique and fun car with solid handling and spacious interiors. Many owners appreciate its versatility, good fuel economy, and reliability, especially for daily driving and light hauling. However, the car's performance under acceleration tends to disappoint, and some have experienced issues with build quality and dealer service."
I like the PT Cruiser, but it is a pain to work on. Not much room when replacing starter and stuff like that. When they built it, they put the most come fixes, when trouble shooting, in the worst places. Is very frustrating most of the time. But when mine runs, it is a nice ride. Keep up with normal wear and tear maintenance and it is good to go.
May 3, 2025The car has been a great asset to my collection!
May 13, 2008Performance - A word that this car was not built to understand. Imagine driving a world war 2 tank with a Chevy sprint engine....Although, once you finally got up to speed it did handle really well. I still attribute that to the german tank weight Build Quality - Unlike the average Dodge/Chrysler I didn't find that this thing rattled right away. It seemed respectable Appearance - Grew on me quickly from pictures I saw...then we bought one.....not such a pretty thing up close Cost of Ownership - Didn't cost us a nickel other than gas. But it did like to use a fair bit of that....thinking back I would guess it ran low to mid 20's for us.....aweful Fun Factor - Ok once again once you could take acceleration out of the equation and just rip around corners it was alot of fun. It stuck to the road like my kids hands stick to his fork at supper. That really was my only positive memory of this car
January 16, 2009What owners say
I like the PT Cruiser, but it is a pain to work on. Not much room when replacing starter and stuff like that. When they built it, they put the most come fixes, when trouble shooting, in the worst places. Is very frustrating most of the time. But when mine runs, it is a nice ride. Keep up with normal wear and tear maintenance and it is good to go.
May 3, 2025The car has been a great asset to my collection!
May 13, 2008Performance - A word that this car was not built to understand. Imagine driving a world war 2 tank with a Chevy sprint engine....Although, once you finally got up to speed it did handle really well. I still attribute that to the german tank weight Build Quality - Unlike the average Dodge/Chrysler I didn't find that this thing rattled right away. It seemed respectable Appearance - Grew on me quickly from pictures I saw...then we bought one.....not such a pretty thing up close Cost of Ownership - Didn't cost us a nickel other than gas. But it did like to use a fair bit of that....thinking back I would guess it ran low to mid 20's for us.....aweful Fun Factor - Ok once again once you could take acceleration out of the equation and just rip around corners it was alot of fun. It stuck to the road like my kids hands stick to his fork at supper. That really was my only positive memory of this car
January 16, 2009Its got a really nice interior. It's quite roomy. I really like how it handles too. Its overall just a great car. I have a few minor mechanical problems from time to time, but nothing I can't fix myself. Another thing is that it really stands out from the crowd, and for me, that is a good thing. It also drifts really nice too.
January 23, 2010I can throw the seats down and haul my Kayak to the lake!Gets around in the snow pretty good...hasn't needed any major repairs. The glove box and part of dash board matches the color of the car. It's semi-classy. Mileage is better then a truck. And the auto-window controls are in the middle above the radio.
March 1, 2009Acceleration is lacking. brakes are good and the car handles well. Repairs have been limited to regular maintenance and one accident. Due to my heavy foot, fuel economy isn't great. the leather seats are cold in the winter. Interior could use higher quality materials.
April 22, 2010It 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.
September 19, 2011It'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.)
April 12, 2008Perfect car for transportation. Not much power but decent gas mileage The one I bought had only 32,000 miles on it. It was great buy. I would compare it to a mini cooper
May 6, 2022I loved this car but realized after I purchased it I needed an automatic. No other problems or complaints about this car at all. I would recommend this car for any small family, student, elderly person or anyone wanting a great little sporty and peppy ride. So much fun to drive. Thank you, D.Lodge
August 6, 2013Trims & specs
Base MSRP $19,665 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 150 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $17,720 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 150 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $27,420 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 215 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $23,430 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 215 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $21,905 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 150 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
