2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited Edition 4 cylinder. from North America

Summary:

"distinctive styling" is terrible and attracts negative attention

Faults:

The transmission is horrible. Automatic is definitely not the way to go. Acceleration is horrible unless the trans has had at least 5 seconds to shift down into first. A motor mount broke around 65000 miles, easily fixed by the dealer. The rear drum brakes screech horribly, the dealer says they can't do anything about it besides replace the entire brake set-up. I'm not willing to splurge on that one, not worth it on this car. The "distinctive styling" is gross. Some say there is nothing else like it, but there's nothing worse than it. You feel like you are running down the road naked and everyone is staring at you.

General Comments:

There is lots of room for cargo. My sister plays the double bass (approx 6 ft tall and 2 ft. wide) and we can get that and 3 people in the car comfortably. Laying the back seats down makes lots of room for luggage too. The heat and defroster work quickly and are effective.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 27th January, 2007

28th Jan 2007, 08:26

Will never understand reviewers who gripe about the styling of their car. Seems like that would be something they would have certainly noticed BEFORE they bought it.

Or did they just walk into the showroom with a blindfold on and buy the first car they bumped into?

28th Jan 2007, 11:02

Too right. Why buy a car, if you don't like the styling. Particularly a PT Cruiser, which has either love it or hate it looks.

IMO it is one of the ugliest cars ever built, and can't understand why anyone could like it. But each to their own, I guess.

23rd Feb 2008, 17:35

I can see what the idea is with the PT cruiser- a kind of retro surfin'wagon like a 48 ford woody wagon, but come on, a piddly little 2.0 four pot? it needs to be scaled up in size and have a big V8. and perhaps some faux wood trim on the side.

15th Mar 2009, 22:25

"Attracts negative attention"? What, do people see you drive up in a Cruiser and pelt you with eggs? It may attract attention, but negative? Are strangers now openly hostile towards you?

I LOVE the styling, and though it is getting long in the tooth, it is different than anything else. Except maybe wannabe Cruiser, Chevy HHR!

23rd Oct 2009, 22:18

It's late 2009 & the styling of those cars no longer stands out. There were hundreds of thousands of Cruisers used in rental fleets and the used car market is oversaturated with them. I see one at just about every other stoplight. You want a car with funky styling these days, check out the KIA Soul, NISSAN CUBE, or SCION XB. Those aren't nearly as commonplace as the PT CRUISER, but I have the feeling they will be too in a few years (especially the Scion).

2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2.4 from North America

Summary:

Superb car in many aspects

Faults:

Ball joints started to click slightly at 57,000 miles. Otherwise, this car has been trouble free.

General Comments:

My wife and I ordered this car in 9/00 and got it right after Christmas 00. It has been the most reliable car I have ever owned (and I have owned over 80 in my life so far). The only issue I have had (other than replacing brake pads and tires once), was a clicking ball joint. The dealer replaced it under my extended warranty, no questions asked.

The car is very versatile. I hauled a clothes dryer home from Sears in it (still in its box), as well as a small upright freezer. Was able to close the hatch in both cases.

The performance with the 5 speed is OK, but it's no hot rod. The mileage is slightly below average IMO, I get 22 around town and 26-27 on the highway.

It handles very well for a tall wagon. Mine has ABS and traction control, and in conjunction with snow tires it does very well in the winter.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th July, 2006