2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review
Price Estimate: $428 - $1,488
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Average price: $5,821
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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
A convertible joins the PT Cruiser lineup for 2005.
Edmunds says
A practical wagon with some Hollywood style, the PT Cruiser can also be fun to drive, especially in turbo form.
For sale near Columbus, OH
71 listings
- 84,350 miles
- 5 Seats, 19 City / 25 Hwy MPG
- 118 mi away
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Power Driver Seat
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Cleveland, OH
Introducing the powerful and stylish 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT! This versatile and eye-catching vehicle is equipped with a 2.4L Turbo I4 engine, del...
- Features and Specs:
- 21 Combined MPG (19 City/25 Highway)
- Listing Information:
- VIN:
- 3C8FY78G15T643513
- Stock:
- 12185
- Certified Pre-Owned:
- No
- Listed since:
- 05-19-2026
- Photos not available$6,995fair price$1,160 below market
- 70,033 miles
- 4cyl automatic
- 137 mi away
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
- Soft Top
Close
Located in Washington, PA
- Features and Specs:
- 21 Combined MPG (19 City/25 Highway)
- Listing Information:
- VIN:
- 3C3AY75S45T289334
- Stock:
- 289334
- Certified Pre-Owned:
- No
- Listed since:
- 09-14-2025
Owners' Opinions
What Owners Like
The 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser wins fans with its distinctive retro styling, which turns heads and garners compliments from many owners. Its convertible option adds an extra layer of appeal, providing a fun, open-air driving experience that enhances road trips and leisurely drives. People enjoy the car's versatility and spacious interior, noting that it offers ample room for passengers and storage, even accommodating larger items or multiple passengers comfortably. The turbocharged version is praised for its brisk acceleration and performance, especially when merging onto highways. Owners also appreciate the car’s practicality, mentioning the ability to transport everything from pets to yard supplies with ease. The PT Cruiser's slightly elevated driving position provides good visibility and a pleasant ride height. Additionally, its reliability over long periods, with some owners clocking over 180,000 miles with minimal issues, offers peace of mind and a sense of durability.
Common Issues
The 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser presents several common issues that impact its longevity and owner satisfaction. One of the most frequently reported problems is the subpar fuel economy, with many owners finding it falls short of expectations for a vehicle of its size, especially in city driving conditions. The turbo model, while providing good performance, has been noted for high maintenance demands, particularly with components like the turbo itself and associated engine parts. Suspension issues, including prematurely wearing control arms and wheel bearings, often lead to costly repairs and can affect the car's handling over time. Electrical problems, such as recurring issues with the instrument cluster and windows, create additional frustrations for drivers. Many owners have also faced challenges with the air conditioning system, including A/C failures that require expensive fixes. Lastly, the wide turning radius makes navigating tight parking spaces difficult, limiting maneuverability in urban environments.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
The 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser leaves drivers with mixed day-to-day impressions. On the one hand, its unique design and convertible variant offer a delightful driving experience, especially during scenic drives where the open top can be fully appreciated. Owners value its spacious interior, which accommodates passengers comfortably and offers flexibility for transporting various cargo sizes. However, the vehicle's reliability can vary widely, with some drivers experiencing frequent mechanical and electrical issues. Problems such as suspension wear, electrical failures, and air conditioning system breakdowns can intrude on the otherwise enjoyable ride. Despite the charm of its retro styling and practicality, the PT Cruiser's fuel efficiency, particularly with the turbo model, doesn't meet the expectations of many. These factors contribute to an inconsistent ownership experience, where delight often mingles with frustration over maintenance and repair expenses.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$219/mo for PT Cruiser Base
PT Cruiser Base
vs
$235/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability
The 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 5 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
5 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 09E012000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 16270
- Defect Description:
- SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Defect Consequence:
- DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- Recall Number:
- 08E033000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 6903
- Defect Description:
- FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- Defect Consequence:
- THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
- Recall Number:
- 07V149000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- G01
- Manufactured from:
- 2005-05-17 to 2005-09-01
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 38447
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR QUARTER GLASS ATTACHING FASTENERS MAY PULL THROUGH THEIR MOUNTS AND ALLOW THE GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THE GLASS SEPARATES WHILE DRIVING, IT COULD STRIKE ANOTHER VEHICLE OR INJURE A PEDESTRIAN.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR QUARTER GLASS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Recall Number:
- 04V481000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- D45
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-08-10 to 2004-09-03
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 115
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS), 2.4L HIGH OUTPUT TURBOCHARGED ENGINE, AND 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSAXLE, MAY EXHIBIT INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE AND THE TRANSAXLE HOUSING.
- Defect Consequence:
- CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE TUBE AND THE TRANSAXLE HOUSING OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO PERFORATION OF THE BRAKE TUBE, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF BRAKING FORCE IN THE LEFT FRONT/RIGHT REAR CIRCUIT OF VEHICLE.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL REVISED BRAKE TUBES. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 25, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Recall Number:
- 04V268000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- D18
- Manufactured from:
- 2000-01-17 to 2004-04-26
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 438391
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L NON-TURBOCHARGED ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE MAY CONTACT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER, POTENTIALLY DAMAGING THE HOSE.
- Defect Consequence:
- POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RELOCATE, OR REPLACE AS NECESSARY, THE POWER STEERING HOSE AND CONFIRM TORQUE OF THE HOSE FASTENER AT THE STEERING GEAR END. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 7 years / 70,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Chrysler PT Cruiser Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(74%)
4(17%)
3(6%)
2(3%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Great car but one nagging flaw
4.25 out of 5 starsmobiledj, 06/25/2015
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
It's like a clown car: With back seats out I haul three 15-inch speakers sitting upright, DJ box, 2 big tubs of wires/cables, 8 flood lamps, 2 speaker stands, 3 mic stands, 40-in folding table, rolled carpet, case of cordless mics, folding hand truck, video monitor and stand, laptop, hard drive, props and subwoofer (front seat). Never stranded in 154,000 mi. Honest 23 mpg mixed, 28-30 … highway. Easy on tires, brakes. Adequate power with 5M. But on 3rd $1,200 engine fan assembly! Fans last maybe 3 years and then A/C overheats until new fan installed. Great ride, decent handling. Quiet. Like all twin-cam Chryslers, it uses oil. I'm 6'2" and fit comfortably. Aiming for 200,000 mi as on my Neon.
The Best Car EVER
5 out of 5 starslimartinez, 11/29/2014
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
I got my PT in 2006, when it had only 57 miles on it. It has 156,000 miles on it. I have pushed it to its limits and then some. I moved from WI to TX and hauled 9x its max load pulling a trailer. The car did not give out not even when I knew I broke the engine. Literally. Never did it leave me or my family on the side of the road. Best Car I have Ever Owned. I rebuilt the old engine and … purrrrrs like a kitty.... Update 6-1-2016, still have this car, besides changing the oil every 4,500 miles, I check the water levels once a month, and the oil levels, once a week. Its still by far the best car I have ever owned. I love it at the beach when I go fishing and I love it at work to and from. Minor issue, due to my hobby of fishing, I will need some work on minor rust areas. As it turns out, ocean water is not any cars best friend. Besides that, I'm at 180,000 miles now and still, the engine is going strong.
Loved this car, but hated turning radius
4.63 out of 5 starsSuMo, 05/01/2010
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT 2dr Convertible (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
I was just in a wreck and totaled my car after 5 years and 55,000 miles. I can speak from experience - this car did wonderfully in a front end collision at 50 mph. I walked away unhurt. Now to the car itself: This car was reliable, never in the shop for any major repairs. I loved the leather seats and seat warmers. The top is so easy to put up and down - I commonly did it while … waiting at a stoplight. It had decent trunk space and could easily accommodate 4 passengers. My major complaints with this car were the poor gas mileage (mid/high teens in the city) and the worst turning radius of any car I have ever driven. The car also had some pretty significant blind spots when the top was up.
pleasant surprise
4.75 out of 5 starskb5868, 05/13/2014
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
I bought a 2005 PT in 2007 with 11k miles as a 16th birthday gift for my daughter, with the plan it would get her through college and then "throw it away". Well, now at 50k miles and 7 years later, this has been the most trouble free car ever. The plan was to sell it and use the proceeds on a new car, but it still looks and drive as new, she still loves it and for the $5000-6000 it's … worth, is still half what I paid 7 years ago. Huge value in my mind.
2005 PT Cruiser Features & Specs
Wagon
Base
| Est. Market Value | $1,191 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $219/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 21.9 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 RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
Related Used 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser info
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