2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base review from North America
"Imagine if a V-8 fit under the hood!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I had a software problem that caused the car to randomly die and then refuse to start. I was called in for the recall and the dealor told me they fixed it. The problem didn't arise until after I had the recall "fixed". When I had the problem investigated I was told I was still running the factory software. OK so my dealer lied to me about a recall.
Every fluid seems to be seeping too. Valve cover, power steering box, oil pan, trans, but I have yet to see any drips on the driveway.
General comments?
I was impressed when my wife drove the car over a good sized curb and it did no damage to anything except the tire. The hubcaps are flexable, and they build good quality cheap wheels now apparently.
I like how I can reach the oil filter on this car. real easy and no mess either!
I am real nervous that the fuel is delivered on the front side of the engine. Although I have not heard of it yet, a good hit on the front may cause the car to burst into flames.
In my opinion the gearing is too tall for the engine. If you need to go, and go fast, you have to flirt with red-line to get any reasonable amount of torque from the engine.
I know it's not a sports car, but is, indipendant rear suspension out of the question? It drives like a bus.
I bottom out on the driveway every time I enter. I'll have it worn down eventually.
I must admit though it was the first car ever that has been comfortable enough to drive from Detroit to Springfield, MO without cruise control. I can only make it about an hour in my other car.
I was very impressed when I was able to squeeze 550 miles out of a tank of gas just by following trucks on a road trip. That's almost 40 miles a gallon. I have never come close again though. I usually get about 25.
I went to Oklahoma on a trip in July when it was about 105 last year. I was sad that the AC struggled to keep the car under 80. It kept shutting off and on intermittently. I assume because of engine temp.
It's fun, cute on the outside, not the best on the inside. But I guess it's worth what I paid for it.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 2005 |
| Year of manufacture | 2005 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4L Manual |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Most recent distance | 13000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 24th March, 2006 |