2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser base review from North America

Black colored pillar covers on outside door windows have a constant haze on them. This is a coating issue which Chrysler knows about - it was suggested that I replace them with ones that are chromed.

My car has the black bumpers front and rear. They have lost their color and are now a two-toned gray.

The transmission fell apart internally just 50 miles past warranty coverage. The dealer replaced it under warranty!

Three batteries in 4 years.

Two sets of brakes.

Replaced the starter at 60000 miles.

Starter/gearshift interlock mechanism has seized up twice and was repaired under warranty. Both times required the car to be dragged onto a flatbed trailer because it was stuck in park.

Gearshift (automatic) is poor quality. Chrysler opted to use plastic to construct it. A piece of plastic broke off and allowed the shifter to change gears simply by bumping it. I had to visit 3 salvage yards to find one not showing similar - or worse - internal damage than mine. They should have used a cast alloy rather than plastic.

Steering wheel feels loose - the wheel itself moves slightly side-to-side. This is not a problem with the tilt.

Great concept - lots of room internally.

It was fun until it became a service nightmare.

Not meant for hauling anything.

On the highway it seldom exceeds 21 mpg.

Cabin air filter kit is available - but you have to dismantle the wipers and remove the wiper-fluid tank to reach the air inlet. It occurred to me much later that I didn't need to buy the dealer's modification kit, an off-the-shelf filter was easily found that fits the opening w/o modification.

Don't use the pockets on the front doors unless you want your speakers to vibrate.