Used 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Consumer Reviews
Used PT Cruiser for sale
4...
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
The design is poor, not a good snow car
Kimberly, 09/15/2015
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
10 of 16 people found this review helpful
My ex got this car used, at about 100k miles, for around $4k. From the beginning, I noticed that it seemed to have very poor suspension, and within a short time period the control rod and the tie rod ends started to fail on it. The car is now at 143k miles, and while the engine in it is still excellent and in good shape, the real Achilles heel of this car was its design. It was made for looks, and for mild climates; it's not made to last. The giant rear end on it seems to have proved too much for the frame design. The control rods went out twice over the 43k miles we had it: the suspension and ride were terrible, like a crackerbox really, and now that I'm dispensing with the car, the ball joints have failed, the tie rod ends (again), the CV joints have failed, all in the back of the car. Once it gets older, a bumpy road can cause steering to be tricky. The steering often pulled to one side, and the electrical system was also glitchy, failing several times in the rain, along with dead brake lights from time to time. I really don't recommend this for snowy climates. It's very bad in the snow; there isn't much clearance under the front bumper and it had a tendency to get stuck pretty easily. The high profile didn't handle wind well. As others have mentioned, the rims had a constant tendency to peel, and the tires lost air constantly. On the upside, it had good gas mileage and it never did break down completely on me. It was a dogged car, a good engine in a poorly made body, and if you're a car type in a warm climate who has the time and inclination to fix its little foibles I'm sure it might even be a good deal. The engine is still just cherry in it, it goes at a nice clip once it gets going. I don't hate this car, but it's been very expensive and troublesome mostly due to the frame, electrical and tire issues.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Takes No Punches
Betty, 05/27/2006
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my PT Cruiser after I had rented one and survived a night of terrible storms (tornado ratings) in the midwest. We were blasted by baseball sized hail and winds that rocked street signs, trees, and cars around us. I put the car in park turned off the engine and we rode the storm with no difficulty. I felt safe as I could have been in a home. I took my car half way cross country and never had a problem all the way. Thanks Chrysler for a great vehicle.
We call her Smiley!
pebbles-Cruiser, 10/02/2008
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Was love at 1st sight, I order it and waited months. Have loved driving it every since. At 199,000 miles she still starts like the day I bought her. I got the stick. The clutch held out until 165,000 mi. Had to replace the fan motor at about 100,00 and replace timing belt as general maintenance. If you take proper care and maintenance it goes for ever. It is fun to drive and handles very well on the curves. Took it to Ohio (3500 mi) and back when it had about 185,000 mi on it with no problems and that was with it filled from floor to roof and back hatch to front seats with boxes of my mother-in-laws belongings. We love you smiley! Just bought a Dodge Caliber, but I'm keeping my Smiley!
Fantastic Vehicle
donrocksPT, 12/04/2005
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Car has never broken down, or left me stranded. It has always gotten up to speed very quickly, and never stalled, hesitated, or made noises. The sound system in this car, is what stands out most. It's loud, and has great bass. The car is also great on gas.
PT Cruiser Is A Great Value
Alan Seals, 07/12/2002
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought a 2001 PT Cruiser Limited Edition in March 2002. Since it was last year's model and the 2002's were in, I got a good deal. It is very fun to drive and has better acceleration than many V-6 engines I have driven (5-speed). There is plenty of room for tall adults in the front and back and there is plenty of storage space. The look and design on the interior and exterior are great. Though I have put only 6,000 miles on it so far, it has been a reliable car.
4...