2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Consumer Reviews

Buyer's Remorse

Written by: jmw on 04/08/2008

Vehicle

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Edition 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Sad to say, this car has been a nightmare in repairs and mechanical problems. Chrysler customer service has been no help. At 40,000 miles I had to replace the engine, in the last year I have spent $7000 on repairs. Many PT owners have had the same bad experience. Shame on Chrysler for pawning off defective vehicles on customers.

Favorite Features

Nice look, good internal room.

Suggested Improvements

Terrible quality. Poor workmanship, poor customer service.

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Had fun while I had it, but goodbye

Written by: Brian on 02/23/2008

Vehicle

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I had the car for about 4.5 yrs. The fuel pump just quit on me in my driveway and was replaced under warranty. The back liftgate wouldn't open so I had to take it in for that. The AC fan went kaput one summer in S. Alabama and shot out a lot of Freon on the H.P. discharge valve. I had that replaced 1 day short of owning it for three yrs. It wouln't idle worth a d, the dealer said the injectors were dirty and had that "cleaned" for a 180 bucks! (my bad) It started idling rough again shortly after that so I raised the idle speed myself with a little wire. I used it for a maintenance work car for three yrs and workrd great for that. It was fun to drive and held a lot of stuff, stereo was good

Favorite Features

Seats removeable and you can configure the interior in various ways. Tough sheet metal, built like a truck. Roof rack was handy in carrying a ladder etc. Good seating position like you were sitting up in a chair with good view of the road. Pool cue ball shifter was nifty. 5speed manual.

Suggested Improvements

Better turn radius, better gas mileage, I was getting about 18 in town and 25 in hwy. Tires wore out quickly and brakes too.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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We Won't Get Fooled Again

Written by: Matt on 10/22/2007

Vehicle

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited Edition 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We loved this car when we first bought it, and thought that maybe the curse of the American made car was finally put to rest (remember the "K Car"?). However, within 3 years, it feels like we've replaced everything in it! Transmission, air conditioner compressor, power steering, ball joints - and those are off the top of my head. Of course, none of these were covered by the warranty due to the high amount of highway miles we put on it from my wife's work commute, which means I've been basically making 2 car payments for the past 2 1/2 years. Regardless to say, we're going back Honda or Toyota when I trade this in next month.

Favorite Features

The stereo is amazing, the seats are comfortable no matter where you sit, and there's a lot of cargo room when you fold the seats down. Also, I still love the retro exterior design.

Suggested Improvements

First, maybe make a car that lasts! I've owned several Honda's that have never had these kinds of problems..... Also, this car is not made for tall people. Very poor headroom with a windshield is slanted so much that I have to either lean my seat back like I'm "cruising" or hunch down. I'm only 6'2

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Not happy with performance

Written by: boomers pt on 09/04/2007

Vehicle

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited Edition 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Traded in 300m for Cruiser, have 77000 miles on it. I have had passenger side wheel bearing replaced 3 times and drivers side replaced once. Going on the third set of tires. Car is in the shop at least once a month. Numerous front end issues. Thank God I purchased the extended warranty. Added a K/N filter no improvement on gas mileage. Have had struts, tie rods, and numerous other front end replacements

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Practical but costly

Written by: dpatern on 08/17/2007

Vehicle

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have had the car since new and alway serviced at the dealer. I have 43000 miles on it and way to many things have gone wrong. Tie rod ends, water pump, air conditioning and transmission lines. The car rides good and is super practical to own. The amount of items you can haul with the seats out is remarkable. I am just tired of Chrysler's bad reliablility. This is the only car I ever got an extended warranty with and I am glad I did. Oh yea, small 4 cyl with little performance and lousy gas mileage.

Favorite Features

Auto locking doors, removable rear seats. What other small car can you put 8 ft. 2 x 4's inside?

Suggested Improvements

Better gas mileage, console and reliability.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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No longevity

Written by: KC on 07/27/2007

Vehicle

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Edition 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

For the first 70,000 miles the vehicle ran perfect with no problems. Just as the warrenty ended, the transmission went out $3,500. Then shortly after that the ac went out $1,200 and has been troublesome since. The interior quality is great and tasteful. I am currently at 100,000 miles and have not replaced the brakes yet. Overall a solid vehicle still tight after 100,000 miles of semi aggressive driving. Great handeling for a little wagon and acceleration is adequate without the turbo. I was told by a dealership that the transmission problems are normal for Chrysler. I am afraid to hit 140,000 to replace the trans again. Poor trade-in value. Pay it up quickly and trade before 70,000 miles

Favorite Features

Moonroof, truck seating off the floor, handling, stability, and versatility.

Suggested Improvements

Transmission and ac and reliability. After years of purchasing Chryslers, I am giving up. The looks and comfort do not make up enough for the reliability issues.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Consumer Report said don't buy a 2003

Written by: Karen on 05/09/2007

Vehicle

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Too bad I didn't find out until 3 years later! Replaced power steering pump, ABS is out, sensors burning out all over, replaced pricey turbo belts in first year, my dash looks like a Christmas tree with all the failure lights I have had to respond to. I love the car, but I hate the money I have to put into a car I am still paying for. Oh, and it has the turning radius of a brick. But love the look and heated seats and all the really fantastic extras -- a ton of room, really great for moving!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Cute car, poor quality mechanically.

Written by: Cathi on 05/02/2007

Vehicle

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Edition 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I was so excited to get this car. That didn't last long, we had to replace the battery the first week we brought it home. It was purchased new. We have replaced the battery 2 more times since. Head gasket leaked the first year, a/c has been out several times, radiator leaked, now the transmission is completely out, needs rebuilding. I have had this car only 4 years. Turn radius is limited, gas mileage is poor. Drawer under the passenger seat won't close without much difficulty. Very disappointing.

Favorite Features

Very cute, fun to drive, like the interior for the most part.

Suggested Improvements

Passenger side storage bin needs to be redesigned. Quality parts and mechanical redesign are needed. Improve the turn radius.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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I loved my car until recently.

Written by: Liz on 03/14/2007

Vehicle

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We bought our car new and loved it right away. It has lots of room and can carry a lot. I loved the look of it and I always thought I felt like I was sitting in my kitchen chair when I drove it. Last year I changed my mind, I no longer love my car. We have had it in the shop during the past year 8 times for the same problem. It won't start. The battery has been replaced 2 or 3 times, the starter has been replaced twice, the starter relay once and the wiring harness once. The last repair did last for many months but we are back to the same problem again. We would never, ever buy another Chrysler. Very bad reliability.

Favorite Features

The look of the car, the versatility of the interior and the way it feels to drive.

Suggested Improvements

The electrical system is a shambles and no one seems to be able to fix it. Reliability needs to be improved 100%.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Truth about the PT, from a real owner

Written by: Wanabeeditor on 03/02/2007

Vehicle

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Great car for the price. No unscheduled service stops or repairs after 27,000 miles. Just tire rotations and oil changes. It hugs the curves well on off ramps and loves to eat up 40-45 MPH curves with the cruise set at 55-60. The handling gives you a lot of confidence in the platform. Steering feel & effort is very good with a nice on center position. It takes very little correction to keep the PT in your lane. The engine is well suited at 150 HP to motivate our 4 speed auto PT just fine, low R.P.M. torque is pretty standard for a 4 cylinder car. Even the engine at idle sounds a bit retro which is nifty, but takes on a smooth feel/sound at speed. Hauls anything, great gauges and supp. seats.

Favorite Features

Pros: Styling, road feel/steering, sporty handling, cargo capability, good tires & brakes, 4 speed automatic w/overdrive, 30-80 MPH acceleration is superb and passes anybody with ease, multi-position shelf, nice sounding 6 speaker CD stereo, white faced gauge cluster/night view, lg. door pockets

Suggested Improvements

Cons: Rear windshield wiper doesn't have an ample spring to keep the blade in contact with the window. Rear brakes squeak after 20k when the car has been sitting for more than say an over night. Mileage not good, I Commute 400 miles a week to work, 74% hwy/26% city. and I get 24-25.5 MPG

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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