The 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser is charming in its retro style and it’s priced to move, and that’s just about the kindest thing you can say about it. The car is hardly a lemon, but, even in the modest arena of budget compacts, it comes up well short of the competition.
Is the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – A mediocre, underwhelming budget compact.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – The cargo space starts out a bit tight, but it opens up nicely with the back seats down.
- Reliability 7/10 – You’ll likely pass 200,000 miles on the original transmission, but expect to make lots of little repairs on the way there.
- Safety 6/10 – Crash test ratings are average, and anti-lock brakes are hidden away in the GT trim,
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – The 2007 PT Cruiser gets decent gas mileage, but hardly stands out from other budget compacts in this regard.
- Value 7/10 – It’s priced fairly, it’s fuel-efficient, and it’s low-maintenance, it’s just not remotely the best car you’re going to find in the $4,000-$5,000 range.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
Consumer Reports liked the 2007 PT Cruiser’s versatile interior, and they found the turbocharged model to deliver speedy acceleration. Beyond that, they disliked the slow, wide steering, the awkward layout, the limited visibility, and the tight rear cargo space.
Kelley Blue Book users give the 2007 PT Cruiser a lukewarm 75% recommendation. The car has earned some praise for being practical and low maintenance, and the quirky, nostalgic look of the car has its own unique appeal. Criticisms cover wide turning, poor performance in bad weather, and the cramped interior.
Edmunds liked the Cruiser’s low price, quick acceleration in the turbo model, and the stylish, fun look of the car. Wimpy acceleration in the base engine, mediocre fuel economy, and awkward seating cost the car a few points in the final verdict.
What Common Problems Does the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Have?
The 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser has just 147 complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Engine cooling issues make up 27 complaints, with drivers reporting burned out piston rings resulting in engine failure.
Airbag complaints outnumber that by a single report, with drivers reporting the airbag warning lights staying on, and airbags failing to deploy, or only partially deploying, in the event of an accident.
Engine and transmission complaints are relatively scarce for the most part, but early signs of engine failure may include stalling and difficulty reaching highway speeds.
The 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser has zero recalls on file with the NHTSA at present. While the car may have its issues, it has generally proven to be fairly reliable and low-maintenance.
How Long Will the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Last?
The 2007 PT Cruiser is a fairly reliable car, typically lasting anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 miles with adequate maintenance. With a PT Cruiser, more often than not it’s going to be the little repairs that add up rather than problems with the engine and transmission.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $456. The most expensive common repairs include new exhaust pipes, starting at around $362, brake master cylinders at $369, and wheel replacements, starting at around $595 each.
I personally haven't had any major problems with my pt cruiser it's very reliable will definitely last you if you take care of your car.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser is pretty basic for the model year. The high-end model is available with a CD player with 6 speakers and an auxiliary input jack and that’s about as fancy as it gets. It’s everything you expect in a 2007 budget compact, nothing more or less.
Safety technology in the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser is disappointing. You have to buy a turbocharged GT model if you want anti-lock brakes and traction control.
Is the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser a Good Value?
The 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a decent value. That is, it’s priced fairly, and you get what you pay for. Fair market prices range from around $3,945 for an entry level convertible to $4,228 for a GT wagon. The PT Cruiser is low-maintenance, and these prices are for models with under 150,000 miles on the odometer.
The car comes cheap for a reason. It’s true that you have to go into the budget compact market with realistic expectations, but, even in this low price range, the PT Cruiser can’t keep up with the competition.
What are the Different Models of the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
The 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser is available in four trims, from the self-explanatory Base to the high-end GT. The convertible model is available in the mid-range Touring and the top-of-the-line GT models, while the wagon is available in any trim.
The entry-level Base gets you:
- Power windows and door locks
- CD player with 4 speakers
- Cloth seating
- Remote keyless entry
Next up is the Touring, which adds:
- Manual air conditioning
- 6 speaker sound system (convertible models)
- Touring suspension
The high-end Limited features:
- Power sunroof
- Fog lights
- Premium cloth seating
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Finally, the turbocharged GT includes:
- Leather seating
- Anti-lock brakes and traction control
- Turbocharged engine
What Engines Come In the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
- The 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser’s base engine is a 2.4L inline-four delivering 150 horsepower and 167 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission in front wheel drive, and it averages 22/29 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
- Touring and Limited model Cruisers are available with mid-range version of the 2.4L i4, delivering 175 horssepower and 212 lb.-ft. of torque at an average MPG of 19/24.
- In the GT model Cruiser you’ll find a turbocharged version of the base 2.4L engine, delivering 215 horsepower and 245 lb.-ft. of torque at 21/27 miles to the gallon. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic in front wheel drive.
What Colors Does the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
The 2007 PT Cruiser may feel cramped for larger drivers and passengers. The rear hip room taps out at 46 inches, which is a bit tight even for a compact. The suspension is decent and the seating is firm, but the layout is poorly optimized for a car intended as a throwback to spacious woody wagons.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Have?
Convertible PT Cruisers can be a bit stingy when it comes to cargo space, offering just 7 cubic feet in the back, or 21 with the seats down. The wagon is a little more generous, with 13/62 cubic feet of cargo space. If nothing else, a 2007 PT Cruiser wagon will carry everything you need for a long road trip.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The PT Cruiser was a single-generation nameplate, launching in 2001 and retiring in 2010, making the 2007 edition the 7th model year for the car.
2004: Chrysler made no big changes to the PT Cruiser in 2004, but they did add a one-year-exclusive Platinum edition to the lineup.
2005: Convertible models were new for 2005.
2006: The GT model PT Cruiser got a performance boost in 2006, bringing it up to 230 horsepower.
2007: A redesign plan was ditched at the last second, making the PT Cruiser one of very few vehicles to run for more than a few years without a single facelift.
2008: Base and Limited models received a more powerful 180 horsepower turbocharged i4 in 2008.
2009: Chrysler dropped the convertible body type in 2009.
How Does the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Compare to the Competition?
The Chrysler PT Cruiser wasn’t the only budget compact with a throwback style released in 2007. You also had the Chevrolet HHR, a similarly short-lived retro wagon. The PT Cruiser actually compares favorably to the HHR, generally listing for a bit cheaper, and with a less awkward layout.
Beyond that, you could do a lot better than either of these cars, with the Mazda3 being arguably the best budget-friendly used compact for 2007. The hatchback models sells for a bit higher than the Cruiser, starting in the $5,000 range, but the intuitive layout, roomy interior, and agile handling are well worth the extra money.
The PT Cruiser is in that awkward position where it’s cheap, but it’s still not that great for the price. There are plenty of great budget cars to look into for 2007, like the Hyundai Elantra, the Ford Focus, and you’ve got the Civic and the CR-V if you want to spend a little extra. The PT Cruiser is simply unremarkable, even for the price.
Do Owners Recommend the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
Yes it's a great vehicle runs great also great on gas and easy to fix if any problems occur also great family car.