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2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser consumer reviews

$13,530 starting MSRP
side view of 2005 PT Cruiser Chrysler
(79 reviews)
83% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.4
  • Interior 4.2
  • Performance 4.1
  • Value 4.2
  • Exterior 4.5
  • Reliability 4.1
Explore the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Shop the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Stylish functionally, practical utility

I originally purchased a Cruiser GT back in 2007. As a working musician, I appreciated the generous cargo space, and the comfortable upright seating as well as the additional Head and leg room (I'm a big guy). Add to that the turbocharged 210 HP 146 cubic inch engine, and I soon found out why they call these "Mustang Slayers". I liked the little wagon so much I just bought another one. It's a turbo as well albeit an automatic not the 5 speed getrag transaxle the GT boasts). very eye catching in its inferno red/black color scheme. This one runs as well as my old cruiser, and has nearly as much power (180 HP). A lot of people have ridiculed these little wagons...but then. There are lot of foolish people in the world.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Pretty

I was worried about the soft top, but it is thick and insulated. I love driving it, the heated seats and sound system.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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WORST CAR IVE OWNED

Bought this car with 70,000 miles, within the first two months I had a $1500 repair, then my engine blew, keeping in mind that I was religious with my oil changes and schedule maintenance.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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Extremely Reliable

This has been one of the best cars that I have ever owned. I originally got it because I thought the interior and exterior were cute, and the price was right. After I bought it, I realized what a good choice it was. The back/trunk area includes a shelf so that you can easily stack groceries or tools. If you put down the back seat, it basically becomes a miniature truck inside--and it has enough room for me to fit my entire bike. The only things that I wish would be changed are the miles per gallon and the interior color. The fabric is black, but my husky is white. As a result, I end up with an odd-colored seat. That's totally my fault though for adopting a furry, white dog though, so I can't complain too much. The only other complaint is about the miles per gallon. It's good compared to our Explorer, but it still is not as good as the compact car we had before. For a reliable, effective car though, it really doesn't matter too much.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Good car, more room in it than it looks like.

The cars run well and have plenty of space inside. The breaks do seem to need replacing more often but, it is not a big thing.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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The "sporty" retro car

As the years passed, the numerous issues that come with PT cruisers came to light. Sadly, we got hit with the electrical issue and the door locks stopped working about 4 years ago. The windows every now and again would get stuck. And when it gets cold outside, the radio and entertainment system would not work. Had to either hit the steering wheel just right for it to come on or wait till it warmed up (which on some days, never happened). We had the convertible which the top has lasted really well over the years. The main issue we had was the reliability, every year or two it seemed that some issue popped up that would cost $500-$1000+. Not to mention that the way the engine and battery is crammed into the front makes most mechanics wary to work on it. Most auto part stores won't install the battery and you end up paying $50 just for someone to put it in. Overall, the gas milage sucked, the wheel traction sucked (they had to put sport wheels on it, so expect spinning out even with no rain on the road), electrical system was good when it was on (loved the multi cd player). It did last 18 years but there were opportunities for it to be a much better car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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WALLET EATER

Great car as long as you have the funding to keep up with the maintenance on it. Electric problems, frame problems, motor mount problems, radiator problems.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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The car was used. as far as used. Overpriced.

The cars meets needs for a local driver. Nice convertible It is cute. I have had it for about a year

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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Looks Great, Look for hidden things

This was the basic model and has few amenities other than steering, radio, heater and a/c if it works. Fun to drive, comfortable, lacks pep but OK to drive in the city.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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PT Cruiser convertible

Love this car! Comfortable, good gas mileage, fun. Hopefully the last convertible I'll ever have to buy.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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