I'd buy another one
As I just recently purchased the car, nothing has gone wrong with it & after checking the service history for the vehicle, it was never off the road in the year the previous owner had it.
The seats are comfortable
The drive-train is quiet
It could use some more space in behind the rear seats for storage.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th July, 2004
Vehicle has been unreliable
Spark Plugs fell out of casing at about 10,000 miles.
Vigorous Jumping Sensation started at about 10,000 miles (12 times in shop December, 2003 - May, 2004 and problem only goes away for about 500 miles and then returns)
Car decelerated instead of accelerating when passing; around 16,000 miles.
Spark Plugs have been replaced multiple times.
Computer has been replaced.
Coil Ignition Switch has been replaced.
Front and Rear Bumpers showing tape lines 23,000 miles.
The vehicle is very comfortable.
Vehicle is great on gas mileage.
Vehicle can hold more than most vehicles.
Vehicle has let me down enough now that I won't purchase another one.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 8th June, 2004
Your alternator is bad. have it replaced instead of wasting money.
I always liked the PT styling and noticed that Chevy has rolled out a similar model now. So I rented one when traveling and was shocked by the low build quality and a flimsy trunk lid that would pop open when hitting a bump on the road. Remember that Mercedes BOUGHT Chrysler and that this is actually a low quality Daimler-Benz vehicle!
I'm sorry, but I must disagree with the build quality you say about the PT Cruiser.
I am not the best person to take care of a vehicle, but I have had my PT Cruiser Touring Edition for nearly a year now, and I purchased it used. It is a 2003 model and I have nearly 60,000 miles. I have never had any problem with the trunk latch. The only thing I am having problems with is the power mirror switch.
This car is the best I have ever owned, and I have owned a few nice cars in my past.
I had a Ford Focus ZX3 and it was one of the worse brand new cars I have owned and Fords' customer care was anything, but care. I got rid of the Focus and got a PT Cruiser and have been in love with it since.
It just goes to show, not everyone loves every single vehicle style around. They all have their favorites.
Also, I do not like the Chevy HHR. They couldn't even give it a proper name. I have no idea what HHR is supposed to stand for. But I'm sure it isn't anything impressive.
The trunk latch and low quality flimsy build he was referring to was on the "Heritage High Roof" (HHR) he rented, not the PT.
I can't wait until I can buy the convertible
The only problem that I have with my car is that I need to get my tires balanced. It is time for an oil change and it was sold to me pretty much as is. But that is ok, because I got a pretty good deal. The car is fully loaded and it has enough room for my husband and two of friends.
This car eats a lot of gas, but I have squared off with my husband, who now takes my son to the day. That saves me from filling up every three days.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th June, 2004
Looks cool and runs well, but very thirsty
Nothing has gone wrong; it is a very reliable car.
The car gets terrible gas mileage.
I bought this vehicle to drive to work and save my Jaguar XJS from things like snow and salt. I know it isn't a fair comparison in many ways, but I think it is a notable point that my 6-cylinder 4 litre British grand tourer delivers a solid 26-28 miles per gallon while the Cruiser struggles to achieve 23.
Handling is mediocre, but I'm spoiled in that department.
I love the style of the little beast, though, and the interior is great.
Chrysler designed a great deal of efficient space into the Cruiser. It is very versatile.
I would stand in line to buy one with a hybrid engine.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 10th March, 2004
Well, gas mileage depends on your driving habits. Yes, if you constantly drive like your're in the Indy 500, you are going to have poor mileage. If you only drive like that on occasion, you're going to have better mileage.
Best trip mileage we could get was 26 mpg (accurately checked). Disapointing.
I agree totally on the mileage issue. My PT is used for daily commutes to work of 13 miles each way (country roads), with an occasional run on the turnpike every few weeks. It doesn't matter - my mileage ALWAYS hovers around 21-23 mpg, with better mileage in summer than winter. I read the owners manual - the PT's curb weight is over 3200 pounds - which is more than likely the reason for the mediocre gas usage. But I still love my PT - I wouldn't trade it for anything!
I love my Cruiser! Now, having said that, there are times (especially at the gas pumps) that I wish I'd never bought it. I was "caught" by the looks and feel when driving. I was driving a 10 year old van with over 100,000 miles before and it got close to 30 mpg. Imagine my surprise when I could only reach 19 mpg in country road, winter driving. True, it does better on highway driving (22-26mpg). Especially in the spring and fall when you don't need the heater or air conditioner.
I was just chalking up the bad gas mileage to the fact that I bought the car on Sept 11, 2001. Bad vibes that day!!! But that excuse can only go on for so long.
A hybrid would be interesting (and appealing) but this is the last time I splurge on "looks and feel". Next time it will be economy and practicality.
If gas money is not an issue to you, then get a Cruiser. You'll love it!
8th Jun 2004, 20:47
Did you like the Ford better than the PT Cruiser? My dad likes PT Cruisers and I will have to tell him about your review.