2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review
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Used PT Cruiser for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Unique styling, low purchase price, roomy and flexible interior.
Cons
- Only 150 horsepower, engine noise at high rpms, initial demand will exceed supply.
What’s new
Classic styling and modern utility were the guiding forces behind Chrysler's PT Cruiser. Based loosely on the Neon platform, this small van offers a flexible interior, head-turning looks and, sadly, only 150 horsepower. A more powerful engine is already in the works.
Edmunds says
More than a retro styling exercise, the PT Cruiser is also fun to drive and surprisingly functional.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$211/mo for PT Cruiser Base
PT Cruiser Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Chrysler has done it again. In 1984 they gave birth to the minivan and forever changed the face of family transportation. Then in 1993 they brought us the Jeep Grand Cherokee, an attractive combination of luxury appointments and off-road prowess that helped establish the current popularity of SUVs (that's right, it's partially Chrysler's fault). Now comes their latest segment-buster: the PT Cruiser.
Based on the Neon platform, Chrysler expects the PT Cruiser to serve as the ideal "city car" with its combination of compact exterior dimensions and spacious interior layout. Although shorter than a Neon in overall length, the Cruiser sports 120.2 cubic feet of interior space. Chrysler took a page from the New Beetle/Focus/Echo design school when creating the PT's tall shape. The result is an interior package that bests the Neon by 18 cubic feet and supplies both front- and rear-seat passengers with plenty of head and legroom. Adding to the PT Cruiser's functionality is a highly flexible interior that allows for easy removal of the 65/35 split-folding second seat. With the second seat gone, 76 cubic feet of cargo-carrying capacity await your load-hauling needs. If still more room is required, the front passenger seat can be folded nearly flat, allowing longer items to be carried within the Cruiser's confines while keeping the rear hatch closed. A final storage provision comes in the form of an adjustable cargo-area shelf that can be used to stack items or positioned as a tailgate table during those summer picnics.
Powering this stylish package is the rather pedestrian 2.4-liter inline four that has served duty in Dodge's Stratus and Plymouth's Breeze. With 150 peak horsepower and 162 foot-pounds of torque, the engine doesn't live up to the PT Cruiser's "hot rod" image. A turbocharged, 200-horsepower version of this powerplant made the show-circuit rounds in a concept car dubbed the "GT Cruiser." We've heard a rumor that next year, a turbocharged or supercharged PT will be available for sale.
Standard features you will find on every PT Cruiser include air conditioning, AM/FM stereo radio with cassette and six-speaker sound system, driver and front passenger one-touch down power windows, and a user-ready child seat-restraint anchorage system; all for $16,000 plus destination charge. Jumping from the standard model to the Limited Edition PT Cruiser gets you a Touring Suspension, leather front seats, fog lamps, a chrome exhaust tip, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for front occupants, overhead console, power moonroof, speed control, fold-flat front passenger seat, power heated fold-away mirrors, remote keyless entry, power locks, and 16-inch chrome alloy wheels. Options include ABS and traction control, and a fully loaded Limited Edition model tops out around $20,000.
Chrysler has a history of creating fun cars that appeal to a wide range of customers. The PT Cruiser looks to be another successful blend of price, practicality and personality.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
5 star(56%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(1%)
161 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
Lovely, Lovely!
mocknozzier, 12/25/2014
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
I bought my 2001 5-speed PT Cruiser on February 19, 2014, and it has been nothing but perfect so far! I only paid $2,500 for it, 85,000 mi, and numerous people commented on what good condition it was in (I had test drove another PT at a different dealer; it was higher priced and was in bad condition). I learned to drive stick in this car; it is particularly more easy to stall in this car … than in other stick shifts. It's not very good in the snow, so it's best to wait until the roads are plowed and salted to take it out. I have a lot of tall friends (around 6 ft), and for being a small car it has a lot of leg/head room! It is also a dream to parallel park and is very spacious on the inside!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Great alternative to an SUV
lmatracia, 11/10/2012
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
I have always wanted a car with a back-hatch (due to always owning large dogs). I purchased this car in 2011 with 132k from my mechanic. He combed through it with a fine tooth comb, so i knew it would be reliable. My car has leather seats, power everything and a sunroof. I enjoy the leather seats, being a dog groomer means lots of dog hair, but the leather is easy to clean. My only … complaints are that the ride is a little noisy and rough (but i think it needs new shocks, being a 12 year old car), and i have had issues with the alloy wheels. the rims have slightly corroded (nothing visible to naked eye) but it was causing my tires to lose air regularly. bead seal was quick inexpensive fix.
5 out of 5 stars
Most versatile car ever
Ed, 02/13/2016
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Tremendous interior room and cargo hauling. High seating possition. Easy to drive. Love the styling. Nothing like it on the market.
I have reluctantly sold the Cruiser after 16 years and 160,000 miles. Its replacement, Elantra GT, is just not the same. I still get heart throbs when I see a Cruiser on the road.
5 out of 5 stars
Love this car
elsa anzalone, 09/25/2016
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
I bought my 2001 PT Cruiser in 2003 with 36K miles. I love the sunroof and the shelf in the back. It was always fun to drive and while Chrysler was not known for reliability, I didn't think I had a lot of problems because I am attentive to maintenance. I have had my car for 13 years and gone from 36k miles to 172k and STILL love it.
2001 PT Cruiser Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $15,935 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $211/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver2 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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