2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Review: As Mediocre and Joyless as its Reputation Suggests

Feb 20, 2023

The 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser is an infamously mediocre crossover, a perfect cross-section of all the most boring aspects of the SUV, station wagon, and compact car segments. To be fair, it’s not a lemon, it’s not a money pit, but there are far better vehicles to be found for under four grand.

The Good

The Chrysler PT Cruiser is reliable, cheap to maintain, and priced to move.

The Bad

Steering is really wide for such a small SUV, crash test scores are mediocre, fuel economy is poor, seating is uncomfortable, and cargo space is limited, despite the fold-flat back seats.

Is the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser a Good Used Car?

Overall Rating 7/10 – Almost everything about the 2004 PT Cruiser is mediocre. A solid C- car from top to bottom.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 6/10 – Awkward seating and limited cargo space make the PT Cruiser feel smaller than it really is. The wimpy suspension doesn’t help much, either.
Reliability 8/10 – The nicest thing you can say about the PT Cruiser is that, with regular maintenance, it’s unlikely to break down prematurely.
Safety 6/10 – You’d expect such a boring car to at least be remarkably safe, but safety features were basic even for 2004, and the SUV’s crash test scores are unimpressive.
Gas Mileage 6/10 – 21/27 miles to the gallon, city/highway isn’t terrible for a 2004 SUV, and it’s not that great, either.
Value 7/10 – The 2004 PT Cruiser is priced fairly. But there are better deals to be had.

Positive Owner Reviews

Peggy H

Cute little car with a five-speed that is fun to drive.

I love the look of it and that it is a 5-speed. I don't like that my phone only charges when the engine is running.

Kevin W

I love my vehicle and I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world.

I have had this car since 2004 and it is been running good for years. It has a few minor problems such as the wiring/electrical but other than that it runs smooth. I would totally recommend this car to anybody because it will last you for years and it is really super comfy and reliable.

Maria R

Gas saver and a lot of room after you fold back seats down.

My car is a gas saver and can use like a van back seats fold down for more room, spare is nicely tucked under car takes no space inside car, I have not had any problems mechanically or other and I bought it used from private owner I have been blessed with this car.

Geoff W

Cooling system problems persist.

Cooling system problems-overheating happens frequently when using the air conditioning, especially going over mountain passes or really warm weather. The cargo space is very accommodating and is convenient to load, with versatility to remove the back seats, however they are heavy.

Vanessa H

The color is neon blue. All chromed out.

I love my car, I have had it a little over a year. Have had no problems with it. Need to replace tires though. Have driven it out of town 3 or 4 times with no problems. Great on gas and does not use any oil at all. Have my oil changed regularly. It has never let me down at all.

Steven N

Car of many uses and everything it could be.

Dependability, not very high maintenance and very economical. No major problems that out of the ordinary. The care is versified; used for hunting, fishing, transporting bikes and can be used as a motel when traveling. The color is silver and does not show dirt so cleaning is minimal.

Dan D

2004 pt cruiser gt is the Dodge neon srt in disguise.

The ride is comfortable as well as the seating. It has a tendency to rust. If you can stay out of the turbo it gets good mileage. There's lots of room for storage in the back. It seems to be pretty much maintenance free. Just change the oil and the timing belt when they are due.

Dee l

It is reliable. It starts in cold weather and when it has not been used for several weeks.

My PT Cruiser is 14 years old, and I have had very few serious problems. If it were still produced, I would purchase another one.

Negative Owner Reviews

Michael B

Do not be desperate to buy a car so fast.

I was really in need of a car so I bought it for dirt cheap it got me to point A to B now it is all broken down and now I know why it was sold so cheap to me now it will not cut on.

Rachel R

Hoping it does not fall apart.

I got the car second or third hand so it came with a lot of body and mechanical issues. Recently did $1500 worth of work on it. My model is pretty much the most basic- everything is manual except the windows and engine. Gas mileage is ok. Close to 113k miles and still running though.

Crystal L

I has good gas mileage. There always seems to be a problem. It's a dang money pit. It is very spacious.

It always needs a lot of work. Everything under the hood is very difficult to get to when the car needs work.

Nadine B

This car sucks it was sold to a lemon car with only having it for three months and paying 5000 for it I found out it has a cracked head gasket

Don't buy a pt cruiser and don't buy a vehicle from don Bassett Moyers

Gail M

The problems are well known and occur with all model years.

Car is roomy and comfortable to drive. It is pretty responsive, but has constant, obscure mechanical issues requiring multiple trips to mechanic. It is not user friendly, being difficult to work on.

Rosemary M

It is terrible on gas I spend most of my money putting gas into the car.

My car is mostly just outdated. It has so many problems I have to fix something with it every week. It is terrible on gas.

Mahaly M

A pretty nice car with minor problems that are really just an inconvenience.

The airconditioning is broke. There is a hole in one of the hoses. It does all the time. I've had it checked out but they can't identify the problem. The rear hatch will not stay up without someone holding it.

Allison P

PT Cruiser is a smooth drive.

The key gets stuck a lot, it runs well for the most part but is terrible for the winter and seems like it takes more maintenance than most. But it's a good family car but not enough trunk space. Also it seems as its very easy to tip. But the car itself drives nice and it quiet.

What Do Critics Say About the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Consumer Reports declared the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser a satisfactorily middle-of-the-road vehicle. An SUV/wagon hybrid in size and design with a flexible interior and an adequate, if unimpressive, powertrain.

Kelley Blue Book users were generally disappointed with the 2004 PT Cruiser, giving it a weak 77% recommendation. One reviewer calls it a “great little grocery getter,” while criticisms were handed out for wide turning, mediocre fuel economy, wimpy suspension, and poor all-weather performance.

Edmunds liked the Cruiser’s distinctive styling and spacious cabin, and they found the ride to be pleasant enough. Sluggish acceleration, awkward seating, and weak fuel economy earned the car some red marks.

What Common Problems Does the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Have?

The first issues you encounter in a 2004 PT Cruiser will likely be electrical. One in five complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is for one electrical problem or another, with flickering dashboard lights and headlight malfunctions being among the most common concerns.

A recall was issued in 2008 for issues with aftermarket ball joint assemblies. Long story short: The front end of the suspension could simply pop loose and leave you sitting on the axle. Complaints have continued to roll in as late as 2020, with the most recent simply reporting that the “ball joint is missing.”

Engine and powertrain complaints have been relatively few, with most transmission issues ultimately coming down to electrical, rather than mechanical problems.

In total, the 2004 PT Cruiser has just 3 recalls and 215 complaints on file with the NHTSA.

How Long Will the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Last?

The PT Cruiser is still a relatively new nameplate on the market so there’s not a ton of data available on how long it will last, but drivers typically report 200,000 miles as a bare minimum life expectancy for the car. There are reports of the car lasting as long as 400,000 miles, but time will tell how many of these cars pass 250,000.

RepairPal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $641, with a replacement clutch being the most expensive common repair, starting at about $1,082.

robyn T

Oh yes. I have had it since November 2003 and only regular maintenance required. It ride do well that my fancy smiles when I get out of it

Wendy S

The 200r chrysler pt cruiser is very reliable vehicle. This car only has obvious wear and tear but no major problems. Watts link known to have issues but can be replaced easily

Kate P

For the most part reliable, however it seems to have a lot of issues with the EVAP System. It can be pricey to fix when something goes wrong

Tiffany D

No, I have owned the car for 4 years and have only had to do minor repairs like oil change and new tires

Renee C

The cooling system is inadequate for travel in hot climates with inclines while trying to operate the air conditioning.

Tina J

My pt cruiser is very reliable there is normal things you need to do like change the oils put a new battery

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology onboard the 2004 PT Cruiser is basic, even for 2004. You’ve got a CD player with six speakers, and that’s pretty much it across all trim levels.

Safety technology is, likewise, basic, even for a twenty year old car. You’ve got full airbags, but no anti-lock brakes or traction control, except for in the GT model.

Is the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser a Good Value?

The 2004 PT Cruiser is priced fairly, with an entry level model typically listing at around $3,464. Fuel economy could be better, but it’s not terrible, at 22/29 miles to the gallon, city/highway, and the vehicle is low-maintenance. In other words, the car’s not a money pit. The car is affordable and cost of ownership is low.

That said, for the same price you could buy a more capable Ford Explorer, or an efficient Hyundai Elantra. For a little more you could buy a Civic or a CR-V. It’s not that the PT Cruiser is overpriced or expensive to maintain, it’s not a lemon, but why settle for something that’s infamously mediocre?

What are the Different Models of the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

The 2004 PT Cruiser is available in four trim levels, from the self-explanatory Base to the high-end Limited and the sporty GT.

With the entry-level Base you’re getting:

Manual air conditioning
CD player with 6 speakers
Cloth seating
Power windows and door locks

The mid-range Touring adds:

Remote keyless entry
Fog lights
Cruise control

With a high-end Limited, you’re adding:

Perforated suede/leather seating
Driver lumbar support
Sunroof

Finally, the sporty GT model features:

Anti-lock brakes and traction control
Leather seating
Turbo-boosted engine

Base

150 HP 24-26 MPG

View Details

Touring

150-180 HP 24-26 MPG

View Details

Limited

150-180 HP 24-26 MPG

View Details

220 HP 23-24 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

The Base, Limited, and Touring model 2004 Chrysler PT Cruisers come packed with a 2.4L inline-four engine delivering 150 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque. This is configured in front wheel drive and paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission, and averages 22/29 miles to the gallon.
In the GT edition you’ll find a turbocharged variant of the 2.4L engine, delivering 220 horsepower and 245 lb.-ft. of torque at an average MPG of 21/27. Other than the performance boost it’s the same exact engine, paired with a 4-speed automatic and configured in front wheel drive.

What Colors Does the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

The 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser isn’t very comfortable. Some drivers find the seating a bit awkward, and the back row isn’t as spacious as you might guess, measuring just 46 inches across at the hip. The suspension is a bit too soft for many people’s liking, and prone to early failure.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Have?

The PT Cruiser offers 19 cubic feet of rear cargo space, and you can expand that to 64.2 cubic feet with the seats down. The folding seats are a nice touch, but this still doesn’t quite put the Cruiser in the same league as, say, a Honda CR-V, offering 72 cubic feet of cargo space, or an Explorer at 86 cubic feet.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The PT Cruiser ran for a single generation, from 2001 to 2010, with the 2004 model being the fourth iteration of the nameplate.

2002: No big changes for 2002, but Chrysler introduced the Dream Cruiser series with two-tone paint schemes.

2003: The GT model was introduced in 2003, delivering 215 horsepower and 245 lb.-ft. of torque.

2004: A limited edition Platinum series was offered for one year only in 2004.

2005: Chrysler added a convertible model to the lineup.

2006: GT models got a performance bump in 2006, bringing the horsepower up to 230.

2007: Chrysler considered a total redesign in 2007, but ultimately scrapped these plans. After ten years on the road, the PT Cruiser never saw any major changes to the body design.

How Does the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Compare to the Competition?

Any compact SUV from 2004, if it’s still running and has under 200,000 miles on the odometer, would probably be a better choice than a PT Cruiser.

The Ford Explorer is priced in the same range, and while it’s not the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market, it’s more fun to drive, more powerful, and more spacious than a PT Cruiser.

A Toyota RAV4 typically lists for a couple thousand dollars more than a PT Cruiser, but it makes tighter turns, the interior is more comfortable, it’s a little more fuel-efficient, and you get anti-lock brakes and traction control as a standard as standard features.

This is without even getting into comparable compact and mid-size cars like the Elantra, Civic, and Altima, all of which basically do what the PT Cruiser does, but much, much better. At the end of the day, the PT Cruiser might not be a terrible car, but it’s just not a serious competitor with similarly priced used vehicles.

Ranks #14 Compact SUV by Owners

2004 Subaru Forester

4.67

2004 Scion xB

4.52

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser

3.92

Do Owners Recommend the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Jake R

Yes indeedy. It has and still serves my purpose very well. I know I will get at least 200 miles out of it

Quin T

Yes very good Very reliable Never given problem Had for 2 years Great handling very roomy inside Leg room undeniable

brenda H

Yes! It gets great gas mileage and is roomy enough for 4 passengers plus a little cargo space. The back seats are removable if more space is needed for cargo. The hatch makes loading and unloading a breeze

Matt H

Yes, except the cooling system is inadequate. It overheats at higher outside temps, even with a freshly serviced system.

Jim C

Yes it is I have not had major trouble with my car it's small in the outside but very comfortable in the inside

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

MaeMae L on August 6, 2023

I do love mine, found a turbo and am Clinging to it

I love my PT cruiser..or GT Cruiser as I like to call it(its a GT turbo)! It was found by me at a time, I had just wrecked my Yaris on a drive from Penn to SC, Ive only had to change the timing belt(which I didnt know I needed to). But with regular check ups and oil changes, its been great! Especially when transporting kids/family to their destinations and my volleyball teammates to and from tournaments! I love my GT cruiser and hope it lasts for another 100,000 miles!

Brooke M on March 29, 2021

Disability friendly. Solid and sturdy upright seating.

It is a great choice for a single person or maybe a single mother. However there is minimal trunk or storage space. It is also frustrating having no shelf like console where one can put a cell phone holder or even a pack of gum. The seats are nice because they allow you to sit more in a upward position rather than low to the ground. Makes it easier for people with disabilities and mobility issues. The gas line has been the main problem engine wise. Not sure if. This is common in this model or just this specific car. Its sleek appearance is fun and we love the sunroof.

tara p on March 25, 2021

The car is very loud and doesn't like hitting bumps at all

It has 100,000 miles still runs like a champ not the quietest ride at all reminds me of driving a go kart easy to park could use a little more room but still not a bad car

Steven N on March 21, 2021

Car of many uses and everything it could be.

Betty H on March 17, 2021

Good on gas mileage and roomy.

I really like the way the back seats lay down. An the rear wipers on defrost on the back windows. It not to big or small it's just right... I also like how the windows are shaped on the back. It is a very smooth ride. And like how you can lay both front seats back all the way..And its good on gas mileage.

Stephanie B on March 14, 2021

It is a nice comfy first car.

I really love my pt cruiser it is compact and sits high and comfortable on the road. The only issue is it is had a check engine light on for 2 years but no issues. I have taken it across the us and through all sorts of weather and it is great! Besides the cables being eaten up by road salt it does really well.

Stephanie N on March 9, 2021

Chrysler pt cruiser, base model. Versatile design for many uses.

I love a lot about the car. It is very versatile and the seats fold down, including the front passenger seat for easy cargo use. The only thing I have a complaint about is the turning radius. It is not as tight as it should be. Other than that everything else has been absolutely wonderful. I bought it new and have had no problems with the car other than routine maintenance.

Sofia C on March 5, 2021

That it is really gas efficient.

I like my pt. Cruiser because it is really spacious. It is also really bad efficient. The sound system is pretty cool, too.

Tracy M on February 17, 2021

I didn't choose the car, it was given to me. If I had the choice, I would have picked a less ridiculous car than a PT Cruiser.

It's a decent car. It gets me from point A to point B (most of the time). It's roomy and comfortable inside. The color of the car (red) is nice. The car seems to have a lot of cheap parts though and everything seems to be going wrong with it. It's got more than one part going on it that, when they go, the car will be a total loss. So I'm just waiting on the car to die.

Steve S on February 15, 2021

It is mechanically sound. Drives good.

I love the way it drives but I hate that it is too old to have Bluetooth connectivity. I would also like to have a backup camera as well.

Ted A on February 15, 2021

It is fun to drive and is a classy looking auto.

It stable, roomy & easy to drive. Gets good gas mileage. Maintenance has been easy. Lots of storage space. It has a great design and looks great. Turning radius could be better.

Gail M on February 7, 2021

The problems are well known and occur with all model years.

Car is roomy and comfortable to drive. It is pretty responsive, but has constant, obscure mechanical issues requiring multiple trips to mechanic. It is not user friendly, being difficult to work on.

Mike M on January 14, 2021

Cruise today and see the USA.

This car is no longer produced. I bought it new. It is not too big and not too small, it is quiet and rides smooth with good comfort. It is a fun car to drive.

Scott B on December 10, 2020

Has an old time feel and is a fun toy to have at an inexpensive price.

The gas mileage is bad, and it has drum braking. I do like the ride and the sunroof option.

Ashley W on December 10, 2020

It's reliable and easy to maintain. It is a great vehicle to get you where you need to go in comfortable

The car is very reliable, but also very well maintained. When we bough it (used) there were a few issues like with the front brakes. But overall it's a very comfortable, family friendly vehicle.

Sandra R on November 21, 2020

As the car reached 75,000 miles, the timing belt needs to be replaced.

My pt cruiser has room to haul lots of thrift store treasures. I have driven this car for 11 years, and it proves to be good basic transportation for me and my family.

Linda S on November 12, 2020

It is 4 wheel drive with lots of room

It is fuel efficient. There is a lot of room with the hatchback. It has cruise control and front wheel drive.

Sarah O on November 2, 2020

The PT Cruiser is a good car.

Car is too small if you have a large family. Very good on gas though. PT Cruiser has a bad reputation of the motor blowing. I have had no issues so far. The comfortability of the car is great unless you have a lot of kids. It is not a family car. It is all in all a great car.

Michael B on October 30, 2020

Do not be desperate to buy a car so fast.

I was really in need of a car so I bought it for dirt cheap it got me to point A to B now it is all broken down and now I know why it was sold so cheap to me now it will not cut on.

Libby C on October 21, 2020

Spacious and comfortable interior for your

It's been pretty reliable transportation but it can be a little harder to find parts for it and that makes it a little bit more expensive if you have any mechanical problem with it. I have been lucky with my car due to it being a one owner car, it is a nice also because it's spacious inside for comfortable travel for my family yet it's not big and bulky making it convenient on the road and parking.

Vanessa H on October 20, 2020

The color is neon blue. All chromed out.

Karen W on October 19, 2020

Comfortable seats and has ample room comfortable riding on long trips.

I like the comfortable seats.. I like the old style look.. I like the room nothing really to complain about. Rides good.

Stacie L on October 18, 2020

We love our car. Cause there is only 2 of us and it's perfect for us

Had transmission problem. Had to get it fixed cost 2,500. It's cheap on gas. It seats 4 comfortably. Plus room to put your package in the back of car. But other then the transmission problem.We haven't had any other problems with it at all. We really do love it.

Kathleen P on October 12, 2020

Safe cruising in my Chrysler P T Cruiser !

I live my Cruiser. I live in the Mountains and I appreciate the way it handles around highway twists and turns. Its model design I believe keeps it balanced in all kinds of weather. It is so easy to spin on the road especially in the case of Black Ice in wet and or snowy weather.

Gabrielle A on October 9, 2020

My car is has very good gas mileage.

I like that my vehicle is small and good on gas. I dislike that my vehicle is unattractive. I also dislike that my vehicle is not my dream car and it often needs repairs.

Bryan W on September 25, 2020

Overall, it is a nice car.

It is comfortable and easy to drive. However, it has terrible gas mileage.

Tay G on September 19, 2020

Overall roomy. The seats fold down and can be taken out of the car for more room

I received the vehicle as a gift, so it was free and no complaints on not having a car payment. After having had it for a month now, I've added about 2,000 miles on it. So for long distance traveling it's been great on speed. Unfortunately it is a base model, so there is no cruise control, so driving longer distances with my foot on the pedal makes for some leg cramping. The turn radius of the car is not very good, I often find I have to put the car in reverse before getting to a curb to turn the rest of the way. The gas mileage is about 13 mog, and I find it to be a little bit of a gas guzzler, but I will see how much I can conserve in gas in the next few months.

Chris S on September 16, 2020

The PR Cruiser is a easy and fun to drive reliable car.

The size is great for parallel parking. The visibility is great. The style is great. The performance could be better in the rain and snow. The acceleration is OK except for when the A/C is on. I'm not sure why, perhaps because my factory stereo was replaced with a tape deck, but my car has a lot of electric problems. Some of which cause the radio to randomly change bands. Also, my passenger side back window had to be disabled because it would roll down automatically and I couldn't get it to go back up. In general, I'm still very pleased with the car.

Amber M on September 15, 2020

Good experience with 04 pt cruiser.

I really enjoy driving the car and the gas mileage is really nice. It drives smoothly but if not forgiving with the clutch. I learned to drive manual in this car and it was a struggle, but overall very rewarding.

Debbie M on August 28, 2020

That it is diesel fueled not gasoline.

Car is smaller than think. I wish is was a bit longer. Car runs out of coolant easily. Other that that I like it.

Maria R on August 16, 2020

Gas saver and a lot of room after you fold back seats down.

Gary J on August 13, 2020

Get a carfax history on it so you know more about it

I like it cause it is red and good to drive, I dislike because it cost so much to repair it

Lisa C on August 13, 2020

It is dependable and large enough to hold 7 people.

I like it because it's small but inside us very comfortable but when I take it you the mechanic its labor is expensive.

Kayla A on August 9, 2020

PT Cruiser was great! Sun roof for the summer and heated seats for winter!

My PT Cruiser has been a pleasant experience for the most part. I love the heated seats for the cold Wisconsin winters we have. The car also drove well this past winter with new tires. The car heats up fast and the remote start was fun while it lasted. I have grown to love this car but there were also a lot of issues in the short time I have had it. I used the remote start a few times only for the remote to die and the car have some sort of electrical issue causing the alarm to go off and the car not respond to the key at all. I have also had to have some work done on it super recently as the gas tank straps were rusted all the way through and my gas tank almost fell off my car! A few months ago I also had work done on my muffler as the metal holding it on the car broke off, causing it to also fall off. I have enjoyed this car besides the money I have had to put in. It is such a fun car to drive it reminds me of a golf cart. There is lots of space in the back and even more when you lay the back seats down! All in all I do not think I would purchase this car again but I have enjoyed driving it close to 12 hours a week for the past year and a half.

Ariel C on August 7, 2020

Chrysler pt cruiser perks.

It is pretty purple. Good on gas. Reliable like crazy. No problems whatsoever. Had good mileage on it. The only time I had a problem with the vehicle was until after I got into a accident. After that it kept cutting off as I was driving it. But the issue was very minor after I put it in the shop it worked good as new.

Candace H on August 6, 2020

I like the different old school features.

I like my pt cruiser. It has it its issues sometimes but you have to address issues as they come up. This is my second one even they don't make them anymore. I wish they still made them because you can't find a lot in the June yard anymore. But I do love my car.

Kevin W on August 4, 2020

I love my vehicle and I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world.

Bryan V on July 30, 2020

Very comfort but has poor gas mileage.

It has good power and it feels comfortable. The Turbo is very helpful, but it breaks down after 6 years of driving. The chair in the driver's seat fits me perfectly

joy b on July 27, 2020

It is a basic car but a very nice car. We have found pt cruisers to be dependable.

Purchased used. Very comfortable. Pretty good on gas. It is the second pt cruiser in our family

John Hudgens on July 26, 2020

Keep up on maintence!!!!!!

I have 100000 miles on mine, if camshaft position sensor goes, car runs badly, cheap and easy to replace, paid $500 for catalyst at a muffler shop at 81,000 miles, radiator cooling fans quit at 85,000 miles, $200 at Napa auto parts, comes as a assembly with relays, like driving car, but some maintence, replaced timing belt and water pump about 85,000 miles too, dealer did it, most shops won't do the job!!!

Kimberly C on July 19, 2020

Pt cruiser is great on gas and comfortable

Recently bought the car, love that it has a turbo. The O2 sensors need to be replaced. The hatchback is great for shopping and transporting.

Allison P on July 17, 2020

PT Cruiser is a smooth drive.

Sienna B on July 10, 2020

Overall this is a great every day car. The trunk has lots of room.

I have had my PT Cruiser for almost two years now and I do not have any major complaints. The interior is rather sleek and modern despite being a 2004 make. The dash is also colored yellow, just like outside of the car. I get around 18 mpg which is not bad for what I paid for the car. It is a reliable car and I would recommend it to anyone.

ann l on June 30, 2020

Good on gas,great for all parking spaces,its a four door

It's the right size for me, good on gas handles great and that it was a gift only have to pay ins.

Tara H on June 23, 2020

I have been driving my PT Cruiser for nearly five years now, and it has never let me down.

The car itself is really great. It has wonderful gas mileage, ample room at the front of the car, the back seats are sizeable, and the back of the car is very spacious. The only disagreeable thing about the car is that it is sometimes difficult to work on unless you are very knowledgeable about PT Cruisers.

Michael W on June 11, 2020

Excellent and reliable vehicle. Must perform the routine maintenance recommended

Very reliable and great for college student or new driver. Easy to maintain and lots of room for road trips.

Crystal L on June 1, 2020

I has good gas mileage. There always seems to be a problem. It's a dang money pit. It is very spacious.

It always needs a lot of work. Everything under the hood is very difficult to get to when the car needs work.

Mackenzie H on May 12, 2020

Car that is ahead to junkyard.

It runs great. The right tailgate is light loose. The back doors do not automatically lock when use the button on key ring. You can use button on the front doors or do it more manually. The back doors unlock the same way. It has horrible oil leak. It is value at $2,500. It has new sensors.

Marie W on May 9, 2020

04 Cruiser Review Base model 5 speed

Good dependable car. Pretty good gas mileage. Very reliable. Good legroom in front not bad in back. Seats fold down for cargo room in back. But are extremely heavy making it hard for someone with little strength to get them in and out. Also needs some sort of covers for latches when seats are out to create fully flat surface. Also when seats are folded down they are really thick making it almost impossible to put long things back there as it's a very uneven area. Hatch is very convenient but the hinges wear out and have to be replaced. Have had A LOT of problems with the evap system. Cost of maintenance is high. The engine compartment is impossible to work in. Everything is jammed in there so tightly you can't get even small hands in there. Also the butt end has a real tendency to slide when it's wet outside. Too light in the rear. Also sits too low to ground.

Carolin C on May 9, 2020

It drives great! Handling is good and steering is good. A/c blows super cold.

The gas mileage could be better since it's only a 4cy. I wish the seats would move up and down like shorter sitting and taller sitting. I don't like the mild shaking it does when in park.

Jamie B on April 16, 2020

A reliable family vehicle with good gas mileage and minimal mechanical issues.

Great gas mileage, surprising amount of storage in the hatch, never had to do any major repairs yet aside from maintenance. One problem I have noticed is the ignition can become loose, causing the interior lights to dim. I have heard that it PT Cruiser are known for electrical problems, but aside from the ignition issue I haven't noticed anything. The seats are comfortable. I like the set up on the dash where it has window controls, etc.

Gilbert Smith

Gilbert Smith is a New Mexico-based automotive journalist who enjoys writing about cars, trucks, and SUVs. He is a longtime contributor to Vehicle History and a member of the site's original content team when it launched.