2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT Turbo review from North America
"Fast, great performance, powerful, embarassing styling, and half decent quality"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Electrical/computer problems at 50,000 miles.
Front power/control arms wore out at 50,000. Needed new mounts. engine, and front end of car shakes, rattles, vibrates, shifts when accelerating heavy.
Original stock mopar battery died 60,000 miles.
17" stock chrome rims very porous and constantly leaked air. Replaced rims with 16" stock Chrysler rims.
Engine oil light, and check engine light occasionally come on for no reason.
General comments?
I like this car very much as it is reasonably fast quick and versatile. I raced a Volkswagen Jetta 1.8L Turbo, and had it up to 135 M.P.H. The electronic governor or restriction is at about 136 M.P.H. stock. I raced a 1993 Ford Mustang GT 5.0L V8, and won. This car hits 100 M.P.H. With great ease in 4th gear. The acceleration is very gradual with this car. You cannot just punch it to the floor, and expect it to take off. You have to gradually accelerate, and let the turbo spool up and the R.P.M.s increase gradually to get the best results.
The best gas mileage I got was 400 miles on a full tank of gas, 12.5 gallons, driving back from Florida.
Having the turbo somewhat makes this car a "Sleeper". Most people think, "Oh that's just a cheezy looking Poon Tang Cruiser, I'll smoke with my Honda Civic, or Dodge Ram Hemi. Who in their right mind would drive one of those?" Not so! You will feel stupid when some crazy guy in an Electric Blue PT Cruiser passes you at 120 M.P.H.
The newer GT Turbo models are a bit more powerful, and faster than the 2003, 2004 models. I installed a cool air intake, a performance catalytic converter, a performance muffler, and a JET Chip and saw big results. The car is not as fast as a newer WRX, or Lancer Evolution, but will keep up with them.
The reliability and quality of this car is not exactly great, but half decent. I put over 40,000 miles on this car, and it is still running strong. I think I am going to install a bigger turbo, and see what happens. The exterior, and interior are solid. I think the quality of some of the mechanical components of this car are sub par.
Even though many friends have laughed at me, and girls refused to date me because I drive a PT Cruiser, overall I am happy with this car, and intend to run it to death. I would buy another PT GT Turbo.
Recommended reviews
| 2003 - PT Cruiser GT 2.4L turbo I can haul all my outdoor gear and/or family and the turbo adds a huge wow factor to a good car |
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| 2003 - PT Cruiser Limited Edition Non turbo I will keep on cruising! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 2003 |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4L 4 cylinder turbo Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 20000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 64000 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge Stratus |
| Date of Entry | 26th August, 2009 |