2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser: Road Test
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2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser ▼
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- MSRP: $17,130 -$22,840
- Invoice: $16,088 -$21,284
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Our road test for the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser help you decide if a 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
Nonturbos fine for around-town cruising, but weak on hills or in highway passing. Manual-transmission models feel liveliest--8.9 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. But automatic transmission is pretty responsive, despite some lurching during downshifts. Automatic-transmission version the sole GT available for test so far; we timed it at 7.1 sec 0-60 mph. Turbo handily solves hill-climbing and highway-passing complaints, though does suffer some turbo lag.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.5 |
Test nonturbo Cruisers averaged 18.5-23.0 mpg with automatic transmission, 18.3-22.1 with manual. Test GT with automatic averaged 19 mpg. Chrysler recommends 91-octane fuel or higher for the turbo, regular-grade gas for other Cruisers.
RIDE QUALITY
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.4 |
Touring and Limited share suspension that's firmer than the base model's. It's comfortably controlled, except on washboard surfaces, where it tends to jiggle. GT suspension and tires firm up ride even more, but never feel punishing. Base model not made available for testing.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
Solid, stable. Good grip in turns from 16- and 17-inch tires. Fast corners induce noticeable body lean, but no top-heavy tippiness. Steering responsive, appropriately assisted, though manual-transmission versions suffer mild torque steer--unwanted pulling to side--in fast acceleration from lower speeds. Wide turning circle frustrates low-speed maneuverability. Available antilock 4-wheel discs furnish strong stopping power, good pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
No noisier than the average compact car. Coarse pavement induces some road roar. Wind rush starts to intrude at 65 mph. Engine, which never really sounds smooth, is coarse above 4000 rpm.
CONTROLS
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Retro-styled instrument panel has contemporary ease of use, though dashboard-mounted power-window switches are odd. Materials seem more upscale than Cruiser's price suggests.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.8 |
High body build provides abundant head room even with sunroof. Seats comfortably chair-height. Power height adjustment for driver seat is available. Pull-down center armrest can interfere with manual-shift arm motion. Drivers with long legs may wish for more rearward seat travel. Step-in no higher than a typical car's. Clear outward sightlines, though rear headrests are minor obstructions.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 3.7 |
Same chair-height stance as in front; 6-footers comfortable, uncrowded in outboard positions. Enough room for a rear center-seater with a little squeezing.
CARGO ROOM
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 3.8 |
Generous and versatile. Handy fold-flat front passenger seat. Modest space behind rear seat, but the 65/35 split bench folds or removes to create tall, wide cargo bay.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 5.4 |
Despite mediocre acceleration in nonturbo versions, the PT Cruiser is roomy, comfortable, adaptable, and fun. This little wagon is affordable too, and softening demand finally means some discounts and shorter delivery times for popularly equipped versions.
Total Score
| Limited, man. | Limited, auto. | GT, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | 60 | 62 | 47.2 |
Total Score: 61
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