2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Chrysler introduced the PT Cruiser for the 2001 model year. A convertible model was added in 2005, and several interior and exterior...
Chrysler introduced the PT Cruiser for the 2001 model year. A convertible model was added in 2005, and several interior and exterior styling updates came in 2006. Changes this year include a new headlight design, altered taillights, and a restyled grille. The dashboard has also been redesigned, for a more mature look, and a new audio system features an input for portable devices. The center stack, seat fabrics and panels have also been changed.
There are three power plant options for the PT Cruiser. The base engine is a 2.4 liter DOHC four cylinder engine, making 150 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The Limited and Touring trims may be equipped with an optional turbocharger, which bumps up horsepower by 30. The GT gets an enhanced version of the 2.4 liter four, which delivers 230 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque. The turbo versions of the Limited and the Touring use a four-speed automatic transmission. The GT is available with the automatic or a five-speed manual.
Chrysler offers the PT Cruiser in two body styles and four trims. The base PT wagon is equipped with power accessories, a CD audio system, and keyless entry. The convertible adds air conditioning. The Touring model adds a few additional standard features, and the GT provides more of a sporting orientation. The Limited PT includes a power driver's seat and a moon roof. A six-disc CD changer and heated seats are optional on most models. The Limited trim is only available with the wagon body.
No PT Cruiser is particularly sporty with respect to handling, but the GT provides the best driving experience. Along with the 230 horsepower engine, this top shelf model gets a firmer suspension and wider tires. Drivers have reported noticeable body roll through the tighter turns, and base engine acceleration which requires a great deal of patience.
The PT Cruiser has been in high demand since its 2001 release, largely due to its unique styling and flexible interior. However, low gas mileage (especially considering the PT's compact size) is a very common owner issue.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers appreciate the Chrysler PT Cruiser for its reliability, unique style, and comfort. They like its fun driving experience and spaciousness, especially for road trips. However, some owners have expressed concerns about performance issues, power reduction, and certain maintenance challenges that may arise over time."
Car has a lot of quirks and defects that diminish its overall appeal. Even though it is a GT, there is not enough torque and acceleration on this vehicle.
November 19, 2007I loved this car so much. Never left me stranded or had any technical or mechanical difficulties. As long as you keep up with the scheduled maintenance it should last for a very long time. It is a nice size to race around town in, go on road trips, beach cruise, or to haul items around in. Trustworthy car and has kept me safe since 2006. Fun fact: I named her Beluga because it is white and reminds me of a Beluga whale!
July 12, 2013Just a little to small for my family, we need more space, but is great to have for work and traveling, i haven't had any problems out of it ! just the minor oil change, fluids breaks and battery. Great On Freeway
March 3, 2012What owners say
Car has a lot of quirks and defects that diminish its overall appeal. Even though it is a GT, there is not enough torque and acceleration on this vehicle.
November 19, 2007I loved this car so much. Never left me stranded or had any technical or mechanical difficulties. As long as you keep up with the scheduled maintenance it should last for a very long time. It is a nice size to race around town in, go on road trips, beach cruise, or to haul items around in. Trustworthy car and has kept me safe since 2006. Fun fact: I named her Beluga because it is white and reminds me of a Beluga whale!
July 12, 2013Just a little to small for my family, we need more space, but is great to have for work and traveling, i haven't had any problems out of it ! just the minor oil change, fluids breaks and battery. Great On Freeway
March 3, 2012This is a car I would sell with full confidence to any of my friends. It is reliable and fun! Things I really like: electric top makes it fast and easy, great acceleration (Turbo), comfortable ride, and unique....I've not seen this color combo (red/beige) anywhere!
March 19, 2011I was one of those that was actually suckered into liking the design and have test driven 3 of these cars. However, they have no suspension, the road noise is intolerable, they are not safe, and the power in the engine is pathetic. I do like the setup and styling of the interior and even the style of the outside but prefer the HHR to the PT
January 7, 2008Seats feel great! I just wished they had been leather for sanitary reasons. Everything else is great for me
November 12, 2020Although this car is ugly on the outside, it makes up for it's lack of beauty on the inside. Sporting a 4 cylinder engine, this car will get the job done. In our 3 years of ownership, there has never been anything wrong with it. It still drives like the day we bought it! Gas mileage ranges anywhere from 19mpg to 27mpg! The indash computer tells you how many miles you're averaging to the gallon, and how many miles left you have on that tank! With the wide wheel base, even on the windiest days you stay in a straight line. It does, however, make U-Turns a little tricky!
July 9, 2009I liked that it was very easy to maintain and gave me little to no problems. The car is very responsive and gets up and gos. I didn't like, however, the turning radius or the mpg because it got only average gas mileage.
August 17, 2014I love to drive this car. Great for road trips. Has more cargo space than many small pickups. I even carried a full sheet of plywood in it once! I always get comments about my fun car. Great family car. My grandkids loved to travel and the back seat could hold three car seats comfortablly.
July 5, 2011Really not to bad of a car. Had everything on it: spoiler, ally rims, ground effects, andit was also a automatic. On top of that, I LOVED the color. However, I was living in Hastings, NY when I had it. Since it was so low to the ground, I felt like a snow plow when I drove in the snow. MAN, I got stuck so many times also.
May 26, 2009Trims & specs
Base MSRP $19,535 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 150 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 21.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $17,120 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 150 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 21.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $29,700 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.4L 230 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 21.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,245 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.4L 150 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 21.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $15,125 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 150 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 21.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,285 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 230 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 21.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $20,530 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.4L 150 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 21.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$15,125 - $29,700
Current avg. market price
$5,108
Trending down by 0.7% this month
May 2026 - October 2026
