2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Edition review from North America
"This is a fun car, if you can overlook a few shortcomings"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Each year, without fail, the battery goes completely dead in the summer. There is no warning whatsoever for this. For this reason, I have to have the vehicle towed to the dealership each time to have the battery replaced. The positioning of the battery under the engine requires that it be replaced by a professional. According to several professionals, there is nothing at all wrong with the alternator to cause this. Towing and labor costs are high, and the inconvenience of being stranded on the roadside is inevitable.
On two occasions, the dashboard lights have shut off during operation.
The adjustment knob for the headrest on the front passenger's seat broke within 30 days of purchase.
Three circular areas of paint peeled off the roof of the vehicle during a routine washing. These areas were about 1 1/2" in diameter.
The brakes are prone to squeaking. I have had it serviced several times for the squeaking. The adjustments are made, and the squeaking will cease for about a month.
General comments?
Even with it's shortcomings, I do like the vehicle and consider it to have a lot of advantages.
The interior area is quite roomy. The versatility of being able to remove the rear seats, and fold the front passenger seat flat dramatically increase it's utility. I was able to move a love seat in the back of the vehicle.
The seating is comfortable enough for five people.
I am very please with the amount of cup holders in the vehicle. Also, the large cup holder is an added benefit.
The heating and air conditioning system is far superior to any vehicle I have ever owned. It warms up quickly in the winter, and cools down quickly in the summer.
On the other hand, the acceleration could be a lot better. I find it to be weak, especially in passing situations.
For the engine size, it should receive better gas mileage. It seems to average around 19 miles per gallon. At best, it may achieve around 21 miles per gallon on the highway.
The turning radius is large for a car of its size making U-turns and parallel parking quite a feat.
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| 2001 - PT Cruiser 150HP 4 cylinder Form with function! |
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| 2001 - PT Cruiser Touring Edition 2.4 Plenty of room, solid build, quiet ride |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 2001 |
| Year of manufacture | 2001 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 4 cylinder Automatic |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 14356 miles |
| Most recent distance | 51200 miles |
| Previous car | Honda Civic |
| Date of Entry | 28th April, 2006 |