- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.0i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
104kW, 188Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 8.9L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Chrysler PT Cruiser 2000-2004
In recent years, no American car-maker has produced such interesting design studies as Chrysler. The concept cars have been show-stoppers, but a handful have also made it into production, such as the V10-powered Dodge Viper.
Such imagination tends to filter through the entire design department producing some startling cars that technically are a bit more conventional than the headline acts.
In Chrysler's case we'd include the Crossfire and, from a few years earlier, the PT Cruiser. Unlike the Crossfire, with its Mercedes SLK-derived mechanical package, however, the PT Cruiser was all style and not much substance. It was based on the forgettable Chrysler Neon, which was Chrysler's attempt at tackling the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Mazda 323 and Nissan Pulsar. For a variety of fundamental reasons it didn't.
So where does that leave the PT Cruiser as a used car? As long as you can accept it as an ordinary drive that happens to be wrapped in an interesting shell, a PT Cruiser shouldn't offend you.
The highlight, meanwhile, is the Cruiser's styling package, which really does set the car apart from the pack in a world in which boring design seems to have infiltrated the compact car market.
The overall proportions are reminiscent of family cars of the 1940s and early '50s, and the detail work, including the grille and bulging mudguards, also hark back to gentler times. Throw in the modern wheels and tyres and the overall stance and there's more than a hint of hot-rod in the finished product.
Inside, the theme continues: plenty of body-coloured finishes and big, bold instruments against a retro dashboard. Happily, the style statement doesn't seem to compromise the practicality of the PT Cruiser and it's quite roomy inside. The rear seat is good for two adults and there's plenty of luggage space in the rearmost compartment.
The seats also fold intelligently to accommodate various passenger/luggage combinations.
Kids seem to love the PT Cruiser and it certainly attracts its share of glances, so if you're the shy retiring type, maybe it's one to forget. But it's a terrific vehicle if you do want attention.
By fitting the PT Cruiser with Neon mechanicals, Chrysler was able to save on development, but the driving experience falls well short of the car's visual punch.
The 2.0-litre engine was retuned from its Neon specification to produce 104 kW (98 kW in Neon form) but even then it was no ball of fire. A five-speed manual gearbox was standard but at least the optional automatic was a four-speed (early Neons had a three-speed auto, the car's biggest shortcoming). Even so, the manual is by far the best option because it allows you to extract more from the engine.
Ride quality is OK for what the vehicle is, although there's quite a bit of body roll, possibly because the tall body makes for a higher-than-usual centre of gravity.
Two trim levels were initially offered; a base-model called the Classic and a model called the Limited, with more standard equipment. The Classic scored dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, air-conditioning, a CD player, remote central locking, immobiliser and full electrics. Speaking of which, the power window switches in the front were inexplicably located on the dashboard and the rear switches even more bizarrely placed in the rear of the console. Both models had traction control, but despite the FWD layout, was unnecessary because of the mild power delivery.
The Limited added alloys, fog lights, side-front air-bags and leather upholstery. Like it or loathe it, the PT offers a style that most cars of that size just can't match. Performance aside, for some people that will count for something.
Need to know
- Some have been used as promotional vehicles. Check for shadows on the paint where corporate decals might have been.
- The automatic transmission needs the correct type and grade of fluid to protect the gearbox from damage. Chrysler says a new grade of fluid called ATF+4 is the right brew, so check that it's been used.
- Worn-out CV joints will emit clunking noises.
What to pay
Model | Engine | Year | New | Now |
Classic | 2.0-litre, four-cylinder | 2000 | $35,500 | $18,200 |
Classic | 2.0-litre, four-cylinder | 2001 | $37,300 | $20,100 |
Classic | 2.0-litre, four-cylinder | 2002 | $37,790 | $22,400 |
Classic | 2.0-litre, four-cylinder | 2003 | $35,990 | $25,700 |
Classic | 2.0-litre, four-cylinder | 2004 | $32,490 | $27,300 |
Limited | 2.0-litre, four-cylinder | 2000 | $42,000 | $20,800 |
Limited | 2.0-litre, four-cylinder | 2001 | $43,800 | $23,100 |
Limited | 2.0-litre, four-cylinder | 2002 | $43,800 | $25,800 |
Limited | 2.0-litre, four-cylinder | 2003 | $41,990 | $30,000 |
Limited | 2.0-litre, four-cylinder | 2004 | $38,490 | $31,600 |
Source: The Glass's Guide
Prices and details correct at publication.