Niche:
Retro-styled compact car with a distinctive design, appealing to a specific aesthetic.
Competitors:
Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Focus (though PT Cruiser occupied a unique styling segment).
Design:
Iconic retro-futuristic styling inspired by 1930s and 1940s hot rods and custom cars.
Versatility:
Spacious interior for its class, often noted for its flexible seating configurations.
Engine Options:
Offered with various four-cylinder engines, including turbocharged variants.
Chrysler'S Heritage:
Chrysler has a history of distinctive styling and innovative designs, which the PT Cruiser carried forward.
Initial Concept:
Evolved from the Plymouth Pronto concept vehicle.
Manufacturing Location:
Toluca Car Assembly Plant, Mexico.
Engine Maintenance:
Includes scheduled maintenance, diagnostics, and repair procedures for all engine variants.
Transmission Repair:
Covers both manual and automatic transmission servicing, overhaul, and diagnostics.
Cooling System:
Detailed information on radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant specifications.
Fuel And Exhaust:
Includes fuel pump, injectors, exhaust system components, catalytic converter, and emission controls.
Ignition And Electrical:
Covers spark plugs, ignition coils, starter, alternator, battery, fuses, relays, and lighting systems.
Brakes:
Comprehensive coverage of brake system components, including ABS, brake fluid, pads, rotors, and bleeding procedures.
Wheels And Tires:
Information on tire rotation, balancing, alignment, and wheel specifications.
Steering And Suspension:
Covers steering rack, power steering, control arms, shocks, struts, and related components.
Frame And Bodywork:
Includes structural repairs, body panel replacement, door mechanisms, and interior trim.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Maintenance Procedures:
Detailed steps for all scheduled maintenance items.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step guides for all common and complex repairs.
Troubleshooting:
Fault finding guides and diagnostic procedures for identifying issues.
Component Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for complete disassembly and reassembly of major components.
Depth:
Professional quality, suitable for technicians and advanced DIYers.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic techniques and troubleshooting trees.
Repair Specificity:
Detailed repair instructions with torque specifications, clearances, and special tool requirements.
Visual Aids:
High-quality pictures and diagrams illustrating procedures and components.
Base Engine 2000-2002:
2.4L DOHC I4 (GEMA engine family)
Base Engine 2003-2010:
2.4L DOHC I4 (GEMA engine family)
Gt/Gt Cruiser Engine:
2.4L DOHC I4 Turbocharged (GEMA engine family)
Base Engine Horsepower:
Approximately 150 hp (Varies slightly by year)
Gt Engine Horsepower:
Approximately 215-230 hp
Base Engine Torque:
Approximately 160 lb-ft
Gt Engine Torque:
Approximately 245 lb-ft
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for naturally aspirated, premium for turbo)
Overall Length:
Approximately 168.8 inches (4288 mm)
Overall Width:
Approximately 67.1 inches (1704 mm)
Overall Height:
Approximately 62.3 inches (1582 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 105.1 inches (2670 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,100 - 3,400 lbs (1406 - 1542 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-star (for models with side airbags)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-star
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models/trims.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS).
Airbags:
Front airbags standard. Optional side curtain airbags and side airbags available on certain trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD audio systems. Optional premium audio, satellite radio, and MP3 playback capabilities.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system on higher trim levels in later years.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Keyless Entry:
Available keyless entry and remote start systems.
Auxiliary Input:
Auxiliary audio input jack available on some models for connecting external music players.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (consult manual for specifics).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect annually, replace as needed or every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Typically replaced around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km), depending on plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 API SN or higher (check manual for specific SRT recommendation for turbo models).
Coolant:
Chrysler/Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically pink or orange. Consult manual for exact Mopar part number (e.g., MS-9769).
Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Suspension Components:
Premature wear of control arm bushings and ball joints, especially on higher mileage vehicles.
Powertrain Control Module:
Reports of PCM failures, leading to various drivability issues.
Oil Leaks:
Leaking valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets can occur.
Turbocharger Issues:
On GT models, turbocharger hoses can crack, leading to boost leaks; turbocharger wastegates can also seize.
Interior Rattles:
Various interior trim pieces can develop rattles over time due to age and material wear.
Chrysler'S Distinctiveness:
Chrysler has a history of producing vehicles with unique styling, from the Airflow to the Imperial.
Initial Release:
Launched for the 2001 model year, succeeding the Plymouth Neon/Voyager in the compact segment.
Facelifts:
Received a facelift for the 2007 model year, featuring revised styling and interior enhancements.
End Of Production:
Production ceased after the 2010 model year.
North American Car Of The Year:
Runner-up for North American Car of the Year in 2001.
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list in 2001.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied reliability ratings over its production run, with some years performing better than others. Manual is crucial for addressing potential issues.
