2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review
2004 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
- Distinctive styling inside and out, spacious cabin with multiconfigurable rear seats, smooth ride, spirited acceleration on turbo models, reasonable pricing.
Cons
- Acceleration can be sluggish with base engine, awkward seating position for shorter drivers, unimpressive fuel economy.
What’s new
For 2004, a PT Dream Cruiser Series 3 "True Blue" model is available in limited production. Also, a 180-horsepower turbocharged engine will be available on the Limited and Touring Edition models. Additionally, a Chrome Accent Group is available for the Limited that includes various exterior accents (including a chrome fuel door), as well as metallic-finish pedals and shift knob.
Edmunds says
A practical wagon with some Hollywood style, the PT Cruiser can also be fun to drive, especially in turbo form.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 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
$198/mo for PT Cruiser Base
PT Cruiser Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
After Chrysler received a tremendous response from the chop-top PT that was originally shown at the 2001 New York International Auto Show, it decided to go ahead and slate it for production. Major changes from the current model include the switch to a two-door body style, a roll hoop over the top and fold-down rear seats that give access to the cargo area.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
5 star(76%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(1%)
212 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.38 out of 5 stars
Average Vehicle
nightfrog65, 04/09/2013
2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Edition 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Wife owns one of these, so I get a chance to drive occasionally.
Not overly impressed with this car, but don't hate it.
Acceleration is average, but the engine seems under-powered for the weight of the vehicle. The turbo version is better.
Wife's car is auto-perhaps the 5 speed is better suited for the engine.
Working on vehicle is difficult for many tasks given that engine is tightly … wedged in compartment-changing timing belt and water pump is a real nightmare-I let the dealer do that job :)
Styling is ok-wife likes it better than I do.
That being said, it is pretty roomy on the inside-can easily fit 5 adults and cargo.
Fuel economy suffers due to weight of vehicle.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Bigs good, littles--not as much
OverlordR, 09/01/2010
2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
I bought my PT GT used with about 37k miles. After the dealer performed a realignment the handling became quite good. I have been in a few low-speed front impact accidents, and the car has protected me quite well and been repairable. In a region of weather extremes (-20 to 105 degrees), I have never once been unable to start my car, outside of my effort to stretch more time out of my … battery (college student). I commute to school, about 800 miles a week the last year, and the PT GT is quite an able speeder; it merges quickly and confidently on the highway and can hold 80 mph at a mere 2500 rpm. Much of the car is rock-simple, but the vitals (engine, drivetrain) are rock solid as well.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Enjoyable ride
turbocruiser, 04/24/2005
2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited Edition Platinum Series 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
I've always driven larger vehicles and after looking at several PT's I decided on a Platinum series. I was suprised by the pep the turbo adds and the 'roomy' interior. I've driven the car about three months/2000 miles now. People constantly look and ask qestions. The car handles well. The headlights are bright, unlike our Caravan. The local gas mileage is at 18. Highway, well I've … travelled across state once and the mileage wasn't much better. Probably due to the fact I couldn't contain myself. The car is a pleasure to drive. The mid-range acceleration is so smooth and quick. Yikes!!! Maybe the next road trip I'll set the cruise. Until then . . . .
4.88 out of 5 stars
A FUN-TO-DRIVE, VERSATILE CAR
citygal57, 10/29/2013
2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
I purchased my 2004 PT Cruiser GT a year ago after an auto accident had totaled my 2001 Ford Escort (no great loss).
I had driven one previously as a rental in Florida and fell in love with it.
When I bought it a year ago, it was fully loaded, all chrome, leather interior, great sound system, automatic seats, sun roof, spoiler, etc.
It was a one owner vehicle and had around 55,000 miles … on it; I paid about $6,000 for it.
2004 PT Cruiser Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $17,490 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $198/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 19 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the PT Cruiser include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 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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