Segment:
Compact MPV / Retro-styled Hatchback
Target Audience:
Individuals and families seeking distinctive styling and practicality
Key Competitors:
Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf
Design Philosophy:
Retro-futuristic styling inspired by hot rods and 1930s American automotive design
Interior Flexibility:
Versatile interior with configurable seating (e.g., "Magic Fold" rear seat in some configurations)
Unique Selling Proposition:
Iconic and polarizing design, offering a unique character compared to mainstream competitors
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System, Fuel System Components
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Glass, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers
Electrical:
Wiring Harnesses, Lighting, Switches, Fuses, Relays, Audio System Components, Climate Control Components
Accessories:
Optional equipment, dealer-installed accessories
Parts Identification:
Identification of all genuine Chrysler parts with part numbers
Diagrams:
Exploded view diagrams for all major assemblies and sub-assemblies
Pricing Estimation:
Approximate MSRP for each part
Labor Estimation:
Estimated labor hours for replacement of most parts
Depth:
Detailed component-level breakdown, suitable for parts sourcing and inventory management
Engine Code 2001 2004:
GEMA (2.0L I4 SOHC)
Displacement 2.0L:
1996 cc
Bore X Stroke 2.0L:
87.6 mm x 82.8 mm
Horsepower 2.0L:
130 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 2.0L:
130 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Code 2003 2004:
2.4L World Engine (38-3-4) - Naturally Aspirated
Displacement 2.4L:
2429 cc
Horsepower 2.4L Na:
150 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque 2.4L Na:
160 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Code 2004:
2.4L World Engine (38-3-4) - Turbocharged (GT)
Horsepower 2.4L Turbo:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 2.4L Turbo:
245 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91 octane recommended for Turbo)
ECU Type:
Chrysler NGC (Next Generation Controller) or equivalent
Transmission Type 2.0L:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag A578 or equivalent)
Transmission Type Na:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (41TE / 42LE)
Transmission Type Turbo:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (45RFE / 48RE - enhanced version)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, adaptive shift logic
Automatic Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Automatic Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.5-8.5 quarts (7.1-8.0 liters) with filter change
Length:
166.7 inches (4234 mm)
Width:
66.7 inches (1694 mm)
Height:
61.5 inches (1562 mm)
Wheelbase:
100.7 inches (2558 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 97.4 cubic feet (2758 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approximately 23.4 cubic feet (663 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approximately 56.0 cubic feet (1586 liters)
Curb Weight 2.0L:
Approximately 2934 lbs (1331 kg)
Curb Weight 2.4L Na:
Approximately 3023 lbs (1371 kg)
Curb Weight 2.4L Turbo:
Approximately 3173 lbs (1440 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 3800-3950 lbs (1724-1792 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended or Very Limited (typically under 1000 lbs, check specific vehicle)
Wheel Size Standard:
15 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Size Optional:
16 x 6.5 inches, 17 x 6.0 inches (GT models)
Tire Size Standard:
P195/60R15
Tire Size Optional:
P205/55R16, P205/50R17 (GT)
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
Good
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
Good
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
Good (with optional side airbags)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
Good (with optional side airbags)
IIHS Frontal Offset Test:
Acceptable
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Acceptable (with optional side airbags)
ABS:
Standard (2-wheel or 4-wheel) on most models/trims
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, standard on GT models
Airbags Standard:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Optional:
Side curtain airbags (mounted in roof rail)
Seatbelts:
Front pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Audio System Options:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium Infinity sound system, optional CD changer.
Display Type:
Analog gauges, digital odometer, center console-mounted radio display.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Optional.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically standard; aftermarket solutions might exist.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (dependent on oil type and driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement:
Conventional: 30,000 miles (48,000 km); Platinum/Iridium: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) - consult manual for specific type
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or 5 years
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for automatic transmissions, check for manual transmission fluid changes at similar intervals.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) for 2.0L and 2.4L NA; 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) for 2.4L Turbo
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (5/150) or HOAT (Orange)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Mopar product (MS-5901)
Common Complaints:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), cooling system issues (thermostat housing, radiator leaks), AC system leaks, door lock actuator failures, wheel bearing noise, ABS sensor failures.
Engine Specific Issues:
2.4L Turbo (GT): potential for head gasket issues if overheated or poorly maintained; Turbocharger issues.
Electrical Issues:
Instrument cluster failures, power window motor failures, interior lighting issues.
Brand History:
Chrysler, a division of Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, DaimlerChrysler, and Chrysler Corporation), has a long history of American automotive manufacturing, known for innovation and iconic models.
Design Concept Origin:
The PT Cruiser concept was initially developed by Chrysler designer Bryan Nesbitt while at a design studio contracted by Chrysler, aiming to capture the essence of 1930s-era automotive styling.
Production Start Date:
February 2000 (for the 2001 model year)
Production Location:
Toluca Car Assembly Plant, Mexico
Total Production 2001 2004:
Approximately 850,000 units
Significant Updates 2001 2004:
Introduction of the 2.4L engine (2003), Turbocharged GT model (2003), and minor styling tweaks across model years.
