2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base from North America - Comments

Spark Plugs fell out of casing at about 10,000 miles.

Vigorous Jumping Sensation started at about 10,000 miles (12 times in shop December, 2003 - May, 2004 and problem only goes away for about 500 miles and then returns)

Car decelerated instead of accelerating when passing; around 16,000 miles.

Spark Plugs have been replaced multiple times.

Computer has been replaced.

Coil Ignition Switch has been replaced.

Front and Rear Bumpers showing tape lines 23,000 miles.

The vehicle is very comfortable.

Vehicle is great on gas mileage.

Vehicle can hold more than most vehicles.

Vehicle has let me down enough now that I won't purchase another one.

Did you like the Ford better than the PT Cruiser? My dad likes PT Cruisers and I will have to tell him about your review.

Your alternator is bad. have it replaced instead of wasting money.

I always liked the PT styling and noticed that Chevy has rolled out a similar model now. So I rented one when traveling and was shocked by the low build quality and a flimsy trunk lid that would pop open when hitting a bump on the road. Remember that Mercedes BOUGHT Chrysler and that this is actually a low quality Daimler-Benz vehicle!

I'm sorry, but I must disagree with the build quality you say about the PT Cruiser.

I am not the best person to take care of a vehicle, but I have had my PT Cruiser Touring Edition for nearly a year now, and I purchased it used. It is a 2003 model and I have nearly 60,000 miles. I have never had any problem with the trunk latch. The only thing I am having problems with is the power mirror switch.

This car is the best I have ever owned, and I have owned a few nice cars in my past.

I had a Ford Focus ZX3 and it was one of the worse brand new cars I have owned and Fords' customer care was anything, but care. I got rid of the Focus and got a PT Cruiser and have been in love with it since.

It just goes to show, not everyone loves every single vehicle style around. They all have their favorites.

Also, I do not like the Chevy HHR. They couldn't even give it a proper name. I have no idea what HHR is supposed to stand for. But I'm sure it isn't anything impressive.

The trunk latch and low quality flimsy build he was referring to was on the "Heritage High Roof" (HHR) he rented, not the PT.

I also have a 2003 PT Cruiser that I bought new and it's a disappointing car overall. I had to have the spark plugs and intake manifold gasket replaced at less than 20,000 miles, the car was sputtering and wouldn't go over 40MPH. The dealer also noted multiple problems with the front end components, steering etc.. The car leaks power steering fluid in the winter (but not in summer). I had the power steering hose replaced when the recall came out, but this has nothing to do with the leak. The front end started making a clunking noise on turns and the car shakes at speeds over 60MPH. My job requires a lot of travel and the car has just over 100,000 miles on it mostly highway and the transmission has now failed and the car is not drivable. The back passenger doors on both sides of the car no longer open from the inside or outside, so the only way to get to anything in the back is to crawl in through the rear door, the door handles and mechanisms seem to have a problem. The shifter feels "sticky" when moving it between drive and park. The air conditioning blows mostly warm air. The rear brakes don't work properly, one wheel brakes properly the other doesn't. The plastic-chrome wheels are stained permanently from brake dust and won't come clean no matter what I use. I know that 100,000 miles would be considered high mileage, but I have a 1999 Chevy Cavalier with 180,000 miles on it and I have never had a major problem with it, it runs strong and the A/C has never needed a recharge and it blows nice and cold, the engine and transmission both work great. The PT sits in my driveway and I'm back driving the Cavalier that I'm glad I didn't trade in when I bought this poor quality PT Cruiser. I'm not getting the trans repaired because I don't think the car is worth the $2000 they want to fix it. I didn't get my moneys worth out of this car and no dealer wants it as a trade in although it still looks very nice. They say donate it to charity you'll get more money than a trade in. Although I did like it for the first year I owned it due to the room in the back with the seats out and other nice features, I'll never buy another PT. In my experience, it's just not a durable car. I'm looking to get a new Chevy HHR.