2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a reviewOur experts haven't test driven this car yet.
Our experts haven't test driven this car yet.
Our experts haven't test driven this car yet.
Our experts haven't test driven this car yet.
Our experts haven't test driven this car yet.
Our experts haven't test driven this car yet.
User reviews for 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Louann K
May 06, 2022
Perfect 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 cooperMay 06, 2022
by Richard M
Jun 22, 2021
Well appointed. Did not see carfax or it’s equivalent. Always curious as to whether car has been in a flood or not. Can’t tell. Not enough details as to cars history. Jun 22, 2021
by Richard A
Apr 05, 2021
the PT cruiser does not have a good history Ill pass on Them.Apr 05, 2021
User rating:
by Louann K
May 06, 2022
Perfect 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 cooperMay 06, 2022
by Richard M
Jun 22, 2021
Well appointed. Did not see carfax or it’s equivalent. Always curious as to whether car has been in a flood or not. Can’t tell. Not enough details as to cars history. Jun 22, 2021
by Richard A
Apr 05, 2021
the PT cruiser does not have a good history Ill pass on Them.Apr 05, 2021
by Darcy J
Dec 30, 2020
I wasn’t expecting to be picking up an almost pristine 2003 vehicle due to how old it was but I did. For the price I paid for it and how well maintained it was I was astonished at how well the vehicle was. The reason why I gave it a 4 was bcuz it said that it wasn’t in accident and come to find out it was BUT the repairs to have a very well vehicle was worth it. Thank you car gurus. Dec 30, 2020
by Al C
Dec 24, 2020
I believe this car is way over priced for what it is.Dec 24, 2020
by Robert Y
May 05, 2015
I've had the car about 3 years. Bought it with about 81000 on it and it now has 91000. Haven't had any problems whatsoever with this car. Just change the oil every 3000, changed the plugs and plug wires and the air cleaner. Oh yeah, a volo chip for performance and one size larger tires(215x50x17). That's about it and it handles well with plenty of power. This thing would outrun most V8s I've owned over the years, and some were fairly fast. 69 Camero 327, 73 Gran Sport 350, 72 Torino 351, 5.0 Mustang, and many more. It just moves pretty good with the tubo spooled up.May 05, 2015
by Anonymous
Apr 24, 2015
Alignment never seems to be right. even after new tires, new brakes, the works. This car is still despite any flaws one of my favorites to drive. fits my life style perfect.for hauling children, taking trips. Garage sales, shopping . Easy to load fun to drive very good handling in winter weather even without snow tires.Apr 24, 2015
by Rob B
Jan 06, 2015
It was fun for the first couple of years. Now I drive it because it's paid off. I will (Lord willing) NEVER own another Chrysler product again. My Toyota Truck - 138,000 trouble-free miles. Had the clutch replaced at about 135,000 miles. Never leaked oil. Never was low. Never had transmission leak. Never had to top off fluids or even add coolant. Reservoirs were always full. Fluid always clean.
Jump to PT Cruiser with Mercedes at the helm. This car is a giant bag of suck. It drinks oil like a drunken sailor on shore leave. No oil leaks - it just gets consumed by the car. No blue smoke. Passed 100% of emissions tests every year for 12 years. Where is the oil going??? My theory is my car is hoarding the motor oil in case of some emergency, for when the cars all become sentient and kill us off; that way it'll have what it needs.
Rear tire alignment - the car is "off" from the factory and is fixed in this position - they cannot be aligned. Thanks for that, Chrysler. Because of this, I need tires more often than and was informed by the tech that shims could be installed but they wouldn't really fix the issue.
Performance - Maybe most other drivers don't know how to squeeze anything out of an engine smaller than 5.7L but the 2.4L does an okay job, given how tiny it is in relation to the weight and non-aerodynamic shape of the vehicle. Non-turbo does just fine. Has good torque and is fast for what it is if I want to lean on the pedal in the lower gears. Manual transmission probably helps with performance.
Fuel economy is horrible in the city - like 18-19 MPG, which would be okay if the engine was more powerful... If I'm on the freeway driving to San Antonio, it'll pull 30 MPG. If I'm doing mixed commuting/ city driving, then average of about 24MPG.
With good tires, the car handles great. I've had 10 years out of the replacement brakes. Still no chirping, squealing or issues with discs. No uneven wear, no warping (but then I don't brake like a maniac, either).
It's not the worst car I've owned (that goes to a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am) but it's definitely not the best. Can't wait to retire this vehicle.Jan 06, 2015
by Dewayne L
Aug 06, 2013
I 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.LodgeAug 06, 2013
by Anonymous
May 11, 2013
The only problem encountered to date was a broken timing belt at 91,000. Other than that, I keep it well maintained, and it keeps running!! Not only reliable, but it's a cool ride!! I need 6 more words, there we go.May 11, 2013
by Anonymous
Oct 03, 2012
We've owned this car for just over 5 years, it has been pretty dependable. It had a few issues that were fixed under warranty but the service departments at the two dealers made me wonder if they knew what they were doing. While I can't speak for every dealer the 2 I've dealt with weren't very helpful. I had better luck doing it myself.Oct 03, 2012
by Anonymous
Jul 31, 2012
Everything about this car is great. Great car for shopping, driving around town, and vacation. Is easy to park and fun and safe to drive. A comfortable car to be in. Auto Stick Transmission is great in traffic. Great acceleration when getting on the highway.Jul 31, 2012
by Anonymous
Sep 19, 2011
It 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. Sep 19, 2011
by Anonymous
Jan 17, 2011
pretty peppy for a 4 cylinder
Love the color and the interior
wish the gas milage was better
nice wheels but would like newer rims
fun to drive
would like to drive the turbo version of this car that would be funJan 17, 2011
by Anonymous
Jul 19, 2010
I love this car, saw it on the lot and decided not to test drive and just buy and I
was not let down. AWESOME!!!!!! It has it all performance, appearance (black,
sleek, and sexy with the perfect flames of coarse). Turbo, don't want anything less
than that. gas mileage is great. And it very fast.Jul 19, 2010
by Todd R
May 31, 2010
great car ,turbo lots of power ,nice leather interior ,sunroof ,factory xm radio disc cd / high output 2.4 litre turbo charged engine abs 4 wheel disc brakes. 17 inch chrome wheels ,heartthrob exhaust ,great value for the buck ok found 40 wordsMay 31, 2010
by Chris I
Apr 22, 2010
Acceleration 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.Apr 22, 2010
by Christian D
Jan 23, 2010
Its 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.Jan 23, 2010
by AmyBeth A
Jan 23, 2010
It crushes like a can during an accident. Bur it handles like a dream. It has some balls but only if it has a turbo. Gets great gas mileage. Great for a first car. looks good in black. ha haJan 23, 2010
by Kat E
Nov 26, 2009
it has everything that a vehicle that isnt a truck should have kicking sound system bad A## paint job awesome engine with a turbo and all the extras cause its the limited edition i only drive the best lol its not a truck but its still awesomeNov 26, 2009
by Brian H
Oct 15, 2009
Overall I really liked my PT, but with a little over 100,000 miles
there was sure to be some problems. The check engine light
came on and I took it to the shop four times and reset the
system but the light kept coming on. Therefore, that was
very annoying. Also, the performance tires that I had on the
car looked great but had a LOT of road noise. But other then
that the turbo charged engine was very fun to drive.Oct 15, 2009
by Dennis M
Jun 29, 2009
I have a lot of mods. It puts 280 hp to the wheels. I have broken 2 sets of half shafts. It is a rare getrag 5 speed.
Same engine as a srt-4. Many people say it is the best looking crusier they have seenJun 29, 2009
by Jennifer B
Apr 24, 2009
I hated this car for many reasons. The transmission busted near the end but before that it was air conditioning issues. It just was not a well built car. Look up forums on it and you'll see I'm not the only one who thinks so.Apr 24, 2009
by Amy Manser H
Mar 01, 2009
I 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.
Mar 01, 2009
by Stephen P
Jan 16, 2009
Performance - 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 carJan 16, 2009
by Judy K
Oct 31, 2008
LOVE MY CAR - SO SAD THEY ARE OFF ASSEMBLY IN 2009
IT DRIVES GREAT ONLY PROBLEM IS - THE BREAKS SQUEAL .I KNOW HOW TO FIX THIS SO --- NOW NO PROBLEM
GREAT CAR FOR SHORT PEOPLE GOOD MILEAGE LOTS OF SPACE
REALLY SHOULD POLL POPULARITY BEFORE THEY GIVE UP .GREAT CAR FOR YUPPIES LIKE MYSELF -- LOVE THE LOOK PEOPLE STILL ASK -- IS IT ROOMY?? I ENJOY SHOWING MY CAR /MINI TRUCK WITH EAT OUT OR UP Oct 31, 2008
by Garry Y
Oct 17, 2008
Other than ripping 1 transmision out this car has held up better than the dozen new cars I bought befor it. It looks good in a old person sort of way, rides good seats dont make my back hurt (thats amazing for a cheap car) oh yea and there cheap.Oct 17, 2008
by Linda E
Aug 26, 2008
best car since my beetle and trans am glad I bought it never thought this was a mid sized car looking forward to not being a viper in training.in this economy it is the greatest on fuel and like to add things for performance. fun to drive great stick. looking forward to a new paint custom paint jobAug 26, 2008
by Vickie F
Aug 05, 2008
I love the room in this car as well as the versatility. Its a small vehicle but has the features of a mini van and small SUV all rolled into one. It may be a "Cruizer: but the turbo engine makes this thing go like stink and takes the corners with ease. It may be 5 years old but people think its new. The body has held up well and it runs like new. I love the leather interior and the heated seats in winter. The gas mileage is not bad for a vehicle this size and weight and It is easy to get in and out of for any one of any age. Although the ride can be similar to a truck this vehicle is fun to drive.Aug 05, 2008
by Kevin M
Jul 27, 2008
Um, I got it cheap, put a ton of miles on it, sold it back, I hated it all along but I did use it to haul everything to renovate my condo. gas mileage was okay but engine was loud and lazy. still think it looks like a mini hearseJul 27, 2008
by Kyle R
Jul 12, 2008
FWD.
Completely Stock.
BTW (I'm lying)
I'll never stop with the mods.
Put it this way, it ain't your Mama's PT.
If you talk the talk, walking the walk is required.
I don't just talk, I run, catch my drift?
Jul 12, 2008
by Rosa G
Jul 09, 2008
It was my dream's car! till I received it from my Lord, Jesus like a great gift. Its a wonder testimony, God help me to get it ... how? I went to the dealer looking for a Mustang GT but walking to the exit there it was & only can I tell you is that ..I can't believe it until !!CHRIST DID IT!!Jul 09, 2008
by Nicole A
Jun 19, 2008
Overall a very nice ride, it handles very well but is a little sluggish when accelerating. The interior is spacious and is great for hauling things in as the rear seats not only fold flat but come out. The road noise in minimal and the sound system is decent. I want to put some suicide doors on some day...Jun 19, 2008
by Shawn G
Jun 19, 2008
reliable but not the right car for me personally.Jun 19, 2008
by Andrew V
Jun 19, 2008
Don't hate on the Cruiser! Soccer Moms unite!Jun 19, 2008
by Gary H
Jun 14, 2008
I like that the seats come out completely to make room for a lot of storage. I like the size which is easy to
find parking with. I like the heated seats, the sunroof and the turbo. I DON'T like the low profile tires since
they break on pot holes and cost $400 each. I dont like the gas mileage which is about 20 mpg city. Overall
the car has great pick up for a small car since it is turb. Jun 14, 2008
by Susan S
Jun 08, 2008
I love my carJun 08, 2008
by LaTeef W
May 15, 2008
this is a neat cool car for a female high school student, but for more than that i dont think the car is worth the effortMay 15, 2008
by Colby B
May 13, 2008
The car has been a great asset to my collection!May 13, 2008
by Craig M
May 11, 2008
We had 5 for work, served its function but was bad on gas for an inline 4. Holds a lot of mail and packages though.May 11, 2008
by Bonnie J
Apr 23, 2008
Great car, highly recommend itApr 23, 2008
by Cassandra S
Apr 12, 2008
It'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.)Apr 12, 2008
by Rachelle C
Apr 08, 2008
What can I say my car is awesome because I own it!!!!Apr 08, 2008
by Devon M
Jan 02, 2008
a lot of fun to drive, but it is still big.Jan 02, 2008
by Yvonne O
Dec 16, 2007
Not bad, quit a bit of power (if i added a turbo)Dec 16, 2007
What users have asked
No questions found.Have a question?
2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Pricing
Original MSRP
$17,720 to $27,420Price 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 · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Headrests
Number of rear headrests: 2
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
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 · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · 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 · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · 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
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · 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: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · 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 · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent