2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review
2003 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
- Handling and ride qualities, versatile and spacious cabin, unique styling, low sticker price.
Cons
- Acceleration can be sluggish with base engine, awkward seating position for shorter drivers.
What’s new
The PT Turbo debuts with a 215-horsepower engine that gives the unique and versatile Cruiser a much needed boost in performance.
Edmunds says
The PT Cruiser is a fun, stylish and practical rig, now even more so with the new Turbo model.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 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 $3.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$189/mo
PT Cruiser Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
5 star(65%)
4 star(20%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(0%)
224 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.88 out of 5 stars
It was great for a long time. but now. . . ?
hotwifey,03/30/2011
2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
I purchased this car when it was 1 year old in 2004.
I loved the design and still do.
This car really had no issues until the past 1.5-2 years.
I was so happy with it, I thought I will just keep driving it as long as I can.
Recently, at 94,000 miles- I have had one problem after another.
It is a bummer because this car was great for me for many years, but now it is a hassel.
I'm looking … to sell mine now, but not sure what type of person can afford the repairs.
:(
The interior and exterior looks new, but under the hood is another story.
4.88 out of 5 stars
2003 Standard Cruiser
Curt Brennan,04/03/2015
2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
We bought ours from the original owners in 2005 with only 17,000 miles. We've now owned it 10 years (this May) and it has given us absolutely NO PROBLEMS OF ANY KIND, EVER!! So far, I've purchased one set of tires and one battery (last fall) and that's it!! We like it so much that I just bought a 2005 "GT Convertible" with HO Turbo and only 47,000 miles. We dressed up our current PT and … are going "all out" on this one too. This convert is for Summer time driving and weekend cruising. I've owned Mopars since 1971 (1966 Charger) and I've had good luck with them all! ;-)
5 out of 5 stars
13 yrs and going Great car
Bill,10/03/2016
2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
I bought the GT turbo in 2003 in California. Its electric blue and has great pick up, speed and I love all the interior space. Strange though it is an automatic and has the auto stick. It must be a more rare version. I drove it home to NYC 3 yrs later and have driven it since then to October 2016. We do love it but Im taking over babysitting for grandchildren and wish to purchase a … new car to replace it. Its a shame as I only have 29k miles on it. It has done its job and would recommend the car to anyone. Wish they still made them.
3.25 out of 5 stars
Fun car or worst piece of crap!!!
wewing,01/27/2012
2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
I bought my PT Cruiser used.
It is a 2003 and I bought it in 2005.
I have replaced the waterpump (inline), the power steering,I have had work done on the struts,front bearings, I have had electrical problems and replaced the battery, and it eats oil at a rate higher than I would like.
I have spenr over $3500 dollars on repairs and it had 30,000 miles on it when I bought it and I have … just less than 70,000 on it now.
There is a small leak somwhere in the cooling system either coming from the water pump$700, the head gasket $1000 or the engine block $2000.
I am a little unhappy with the reliability of this car.
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $17,130
- MPG & Fuel
- 19 City / 26 Hwy / 22 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 15 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 150 hp @ 5,200 rpm
- Torque: 162 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 3 yr./ 36,000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 168.8 in. / Height: 63 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 67.1 in.
- Curb Weight: 3,108 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 19 cu.ft.
Safety
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
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestNot Tested
More about the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Used 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Overview
The Used 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser is offered in the following submodels: PT Cruiser Wagon. Available styles include 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M), Touring Edition 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M), Limited Edition 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M), and GT 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M). Pre-owned Chrysler PT Cruiser models are available with a 2.4 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 150 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2003 Chrysler PT Cruisers are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Can't find a used 2003 Chrysler PT Cruisers you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Chrysler PT Cruiser for sale.
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Should I lease or buy a 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Chrysler lease specials
Check out Chrysler PT Cruiser lease specials
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