2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The 2003 edition of Chrysler's retro-styled 4-dr wagon adds a turbocharged model with 65 more horsepower than other Cruisers. All PT Cruisers are front-wheel-drive, 5-seat wagons with a 2.4-liter 4-cyl engine. Base, Touring, and Limited models have 150 hp. The new turbocharged GT has 215; Chrysler markets it as the "PT Turbo." Manual transmission is standard, automatic optional on all. The GT's automatic is Chrysler's AutoStick with a separate gate for manual shifting. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes with traction control are standard on the GT, optional on other Cruisers. Front side airbags are standard on Limited, optional elsewhere. Cruiser's front passenger seat folds and the rear seat stows or removes for extra cargo room. The GT has 17-inch wheels vs. 15s and 16s on other Cruisers. Touring and Limited Edition models have body-color bumpers. GTs have body-color exterior trim, exclusive sport seats, and silver instrument faces with matching cabin accents. Flame decals, a chrome-trim package, or a woodgrain-body-appliqué "woodie" look are optional.

Competition

Playing the roll of crossover utility vehicle in a segment of sedans and wagons gives Chrysler PT Cruiser a leg up on the competition. It offers versatility and eye-catching styling not found among compact cars and this year adds more power with the Turbo model.

Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix are new this year and are worth considering as Recommended SUV-like alternatives. Hyundai's Sonata earns recognition for offering impressive comfort, equipment, and warranty coverage at a reasonable price. The all-wheel drive Subaru Outback/Legacy is another Recommended selection, thanks to a superb AWD system and roomy cargo holds.

News

PT Cruiser sales finally dropped in 2002, slipping 4.5 percent on year-to-year basis. But that was fewer than 6800 units, not bad for a "fashion" car that's no longer the latest fashion. Demand may perk up now with the addition of the PT Turbo, which answers the biggest complaint about the original: no suds.

Another possible sales boost arrives early next year with the much-anticipated PT convertible. Not surprisingly, it won't have the same cargo space or versatility as the wagon. It's bound to be heavier too, so don't be surprised if the turbo engine is standard. The ragtop will definitely have seating for four only, plus a fixed "hoop" bridging the passenger cell to restore some of the rigidity that's always lost when a steel-roof car is "decaptitated." The top will probably be manual, with power operation optional.

Further out, the PT reportedly stays with its current basic design through model-year 2005 or '06. Then comes a replacement built on a basic platform to be shared by next-generation Mitsubishi Lancer and Dodge Neon subcompacts. The platform is being designed by Mitsubishi, in which DaimlerChrysler owns a controlling 37-percent stake. No word yet on whether PT styling remains retro or takes on a more modern air.

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Road Test

Pros	Cons

Entry/exit	Acceleration (w/automatic transmission)

Passenger and cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		34
Average Score		47
High Score		62

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/09/2003

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door wagon	$17,130	$16,088	$590

Touring Edition 4-door wagon	$19,075	$17,858	$590

Limited Edition 4-door wagon	$21,315	$19,897	$590

GT 4-door wagon	$22,840	$21,284	$590

Price note: GT requires Quick Order Pkg.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

2.4-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, fold-flat passenger seat, under-seat storage bin, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power windows, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, rear cargo shelf, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

195/65R15 tires, wheel covers.

Touring Edition adds to Base:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cruise control, power mirrors, power door locks, remote keyless entry, illuminated visor mirrors, overhead console, outside-temperature indicator, compass, map lights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, deep-tinted rear glass, fog lights, Touring Suspension, 205/55TR16 tires, alloy wheels.

Limited Edition adds to Touring:

Safety

Front side airbags.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather/suede upholstery, driver-seat power height adjuster and lumbar adjustment, leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, power sunroof.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Chrome alloy wheels.

GT adds to Touring:

Powertrain

2.4-liter dohc turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, traction control.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Sport Suspension, 205/50R17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Power Convenience Group
Base	$820	$754
Cruise control, power mirrors, power door locks, remote keyless entry.

Light Group
Base	$300	$276
Illuminated visor mirrors, map and console lights, additional auxiliary power outlets.

Quick Order Pkg. 2-N
GT w/manual transmission	$0	$0
GT w/automatic transmission	$150	$138
Standard equipment. Includes manual-shift capability w/automatic transmission.

Quick Order Pkg. 2-R
GT w/manual transmission	$2,510	$2,309
GT w/automatic transmission	$2,660	$2,447
Front side airbags, manual-shift capability (w/automatic transmission), leather upholstery, power sunroof, AM/FM/cassette/CD, driver-seat power height adjuster, chrome alloy wheels.

Tuned Group
Touring	$1,360	$1,251
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, chrome interior and exterior trim, chrome alloy wheels. NA w/Woodgrain Exterior Accents Group, Flame Exterior Accents.

Chrome Accents Group
Limited	$435	$400
Chrome exterior and interior trim. NA w/Woodgrain Exterior Accents Group, Flame Exterior Accents.

Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission
Base, Touring, Limited	$825	$759
GT	$290	$267


Traction control
Touring, Limited	$175	$161
Requires antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Safety
Front side airbags
Base, Touring Edition, GT	$390	$359


Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes
Base, Touring, Limited	$615	$566


Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
Touring, GT	$695	$639


AM/FM/cassette/CD player
Base, Touring, GT	$100	$92


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
Base, Touring, GT	$250	$230
Limited, GT w/Pkg. 2-R	$150	$138


Driver-seat power height adjuster
Touring, GT	$100	$92


Heated front seats
Limited, GT	$250	$230
GT requires Quick Order Pkg. 2-R.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Woodgrain Exterior Accents Group
Base, Touring, Limited	$895	$823
Woodgrain exterior trim.

Flame Exterior Accents
Base, GT, Limited Edition, Touring Edition	$495	$455
Flame decals.

Deep-tinted glass
Base	$275	$253


Roof rack
Base, Touring, Limited	$175	$161


Engine-block heater
Base, GT, Limited Edition, Touring Edition	$35	$32


Special paint
Base, Limited Edition, Touring Edition	$200	$184


Chrome alloy wheels
Touring, GT	$600	$552

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Chrysler PT Cruiser 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	103.0

Overall Length, in.	168.8

Overall Width, in.	67.1

Overall Height, in.	63.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	3108

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	64.2

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	15.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	40.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	40.6

Rear Head Room, in.	39.6

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	40.8

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	Turbocharged dohc I4

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.4 /148	2.4 /148

Horsepower @ rpm.	150 @ 5100	220 @ 5100

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	165 @ 4000	245 @ 2800

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	21/29	21/27

4-speed automatic	20/25	19/25

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Chrysler PT Cruiser 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	7/70,000	$100 deductible per visit.

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Mexico

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Photos

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