2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

Crash Test Rating

Source NHTSA

MPG (up to)

20 -21 City / 25 -29 HWY

Source FuelEconomy.gov

Horsepower

150 -215

Seats

Positive Owner Reviews

Debbie G

It's fun to drive and gets attention.

Its roomy. It rides smooth. Good on gas. The engine sounds good. It's the best car I have ever owned.

Sherry S

It is a very reliable car.

I have had no problems with my car. It is very reliable and comfortable to drive. It does not have the things the newer cars have, like the GPS, cameras, although I did have a backup camera put in. There is not a lot of room in the front but it is a very good car. I recommend it to anyone.

Penny M

The pt cruiser is an economy vehicle.

It is a small car but it is stylish. It performs good for its age. It is the second pt cruiser I have bought. It is not good for the winter snow in the Midwest because it is low to the ground. It has lots of room from the trunk to the back seat. I can lay down the back seat a carry lots of items. The performance of the steering wheel is good if the tires are new. When the tires wear down the pt cruiser is hard to steer.

Marge M

Front is very low. Car is no longer made. Doesn't have the best fuel mileage.

We have a woody. Love the uniqueness of the car and comfort. Also large cargo capacity.

nita s

Routine maintenance has always been done and it gets good gas mileage.

Had it since 2004 (2003 model) with few repair issues over the years. It is paid off. Gets good gas mileage.

Tabitha N

I think this vehicle is wonderful with it's roominess, cute ness of the red with its shape, comfort level, and sunroof.

I think the pt cruiser is a wonderful car, I have the touring edition which means it is roomier inside (big plus) I got my car used and it had some trouble with the motor mounts, and the trunk hydraulic rams went out. I heard that pt cruisers at around 100,000 also have their timing belts go out. It is a reliant car though with GREAT gas mileage. Total recommended and it has a sunroof (big yay). Oh and the seats go up and down, and it's red in and out with great, soft seats.

Brenda H

Good Car for beginners that want to buy a car.

Is a super economy car. Is nice in the highway and super comfortable. Safe money in gas. Come in different colors. The seats are good and It can take you everywhere you go. Good for people that want to save some money and if you never have a car this is a good option.

Richard C

That it's my car, keep your hands off. Plus nobody else works it but me

Well the first thing is it is hard to work on. Parts are hard to get.Plus they are kind of expensive

Negative Owner Reviews

April D

I had people constantly asking how to roll down their windows!

This vehicle has very slow pick up, I don't like the power window knobs in the middle of the car. I bought it because it was the right price not because I liked the look. It caused me nothing but problems from the beginning and in the end the transmission dropped..Also, it had power windows but no power locks. Overall, I would never buy another pt cruiser.

Emily S

2003 PT Cruiser 202,011 fair condition. Could use a little work. Still drives.

2003 PT Cruiser. Has minimum Michigan rust, still runs and drives very well. Could use some new tires, the ones on their are a little over worn out. There is 202,011 miles on it. This car could also use some break work, and does not have a/c. But what it does have it power locks working CD player, and power windows. Interior is fair with the cleanliness. Not a bad car just not want I want anymore.

Tyler B

Repair costs will kill your wallet. Specifically, watch that timing belt.

I regret it. Repair bills have quadrupled the price of the car since I bought it used in 2015. Look for something else.

Elizabeth B

I like my vehicle because, it gets me to point A to point B. It's good on gas. I dislike it because, it has A lot of issues with it. It always has the engine light and everything else.

It's used and has lots of issues. You'll put A lot of money towards it.

MCKENNA M

IT LEAKS WHEN IT RAINS AND THE SUNROOF DOES NOT WORK.

OVERALL DECENT BUT HAS ITS ISSUES,IF CAR WAS BETTER TAKEN CARE OF IT MIGHT BE MORE RESOURCEFUL. I PURCHASED IT USED.

Monica A

A complex relationship: love my car/hate my car.

Very hard to get serviced--the engine is a very tight fit! Currently, the ac is not serviceable. Model is notorious for electrical issues, and personal experience has shown that it really hates subzero temps--get a tank heater if you want to take it north of the mason Dixon line.

Jerry B

If it only could've been what it should've been!

This vehicle has poor weight distribution, making it more difficult to handle in poor weather than other cars it's size. It does have lots of storage, especially once you fold down the rear seats. Id prefer an engine with more quickness, or to at least get 35 mpg. This car rolled off the line with neither. Not an uncomfortable car, just a generally poor and outdated design.

Jeb A

Pt cruiser can be a headache.

The pt cruiser was obviously designed to give an updated sleek racing look to the Chrysler line. Problems have been overheating, radiator, thermostat changes constantly, dashboard cracks, and a wiring harness. The vehicle is a pretty fast four cylinder with reasonable gas mileage. The car is okay for a while after getting it out of the shop.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

Base

150 HP 23-25 MPG 5 Seats

Touring

150 HP 23-25 MPG 5 Seats

Limited

150 HP 23-25 MPG 5 Seats

215 HP 23-25 MPG 5 Seats

Photos may not match model

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Owner Reviews

4.06

113 Reviews

Write Review

5 stars

38%

4 stars

38%

3 stars

18%

2 stars

1 star

Jeb A on April 2, 2021

Pt cruiser can be a headache.

Elizabeth G on March 29, 2021

Great gas mileage and perfect for road trips or just around town

I love my car. It gets great gas mileage, and is like driving a smooth shop in call water

View All Reviews (113)

Ranks #9 Compact SUV by Owners

The 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser has an average owner rating of 4.07 out of 5 which ranks it #9 of 15 other Compact SUVs.

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2003 Audi allroad

4.5

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2003 Toyota Matrix

4.5

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser

4.06

Ranks #4 Compact SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser has a combined MPG of 27 which ranks it #4 of 15 other Compact SUVs.

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2003 Toyota RAV4

31 MPG

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2003 Toyota Matrix

31 MPG

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2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser

25 MPG

Is The 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser A Good Car?

Yes, it is a good vehicle. We like it, in my household. It is reliable and it is also easy to drive.

Megan C.

Yes I have only had this car for 3 years had lots of miles on it when I got it. Gets me to where I want to go.

David R.

Yes, very reliable. Definitely need to have the brakes looked at, but simple enough. Gas mileage is pretty good as well.

Nicole W.

How Reliable Is The 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

The PT cruiser is reliable. We have had some issues in the past, but issues can vary all the time as with any car.

Jasmine H.

Its reliable the air is not working very well going to have to have new brakes pretty soon nothing major wrong.

Tana N.

As I previously states, yes. LoL. Very reliable. Just minor brake issues I can definitely fix on my own or with a little help.

Kari M.

Is The 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser A Good Value?

I purchased this vehicle from someone else. It was already used. The amount that I purchased it for was a good value.

Meredith C.

I think I paid 2300 I feel it is a good value the interior is very nice tires are good needs bolt in motor mount

Jasmine H.

It cost me less than 3 grand. I think it was definitely worth the price in comparison to the mileage. Only had 90000 miles.

Rebekah O.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser oil type?

Answer: The 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser uses SAE 5w-30 full synthetic oil. It has a capacity of 4.5 quarts. Oil is important because it is a lubricant for the engine parts, it helps protect the emission system, and it can...

See all Frequently Asked Questions

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

IIHS Crash Test

(Not Tested)

*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Positive Owner Reviews

Negative Owner Reviews

Chrysler PT Cruiser Models

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Owner Reviews

Ranks #9 Compact SUV by Owners

Ranks #4 Compact SUV by Fuel Economy

Is The 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser A Good Car?

How Reliable Is The 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Is The 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser A Good Value?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Safety & Reliability