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Photo of a Chrysler PT Cruiser

Chrysler PT Cruiser

1930s style, 26 cabin layouts in the 2001 wagon—and 230 hp in the 2006 GT.1234

Researched October 25, 2026 from 33 sources

Also called

  • PT TurboChrysler's marketing name for the 215-hp GT introduced for 2003.5
  • GT CruiserAn alternative name for the high-output turbocharged PT Cruiser GT, introduced for the 2003 model year.1

At a glance

0150300
140–230 hpPower
07.515
7–10.9 s0–60 mph
0125250
169–201 km/hTop speed
0200400
176–332 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,417–1,585 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.1411121314

Engine
1.6-2.4 L gasoline I4s (2.4 turbo); export 2.2 L Mercedes-Benz turbodiesel16
Layout
Front-engine/FWD; wagon 4,290 x 1,704 x 1,600 mm (L/W/H)1
Gearbox
5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic; GT offered Getrag manual and AutoStick512
Built at
Toluca Car Assembly, Mexico; Eurostar Automobilwerk, Graz, Austria (MY2002)1
Units built
1.35 million worldwide by July 20101

The story

Created to revive interest in Plymouth, the PT became a Chrysler. Its 1930s-style body housed removable rear seats and a multi-level cargo shelf; the looks drew ridicule and a cult following.126

2000: The 2001 model launches20002001: Waiting lists and Car of the Year20012002: Inca Gold starts the Dream Cruisers20022005: The convertible gets a sport bar20052006: Facelift, 230 hp and a million built20062009: 1,750 Dream Cruiser Series 5s20092010: July 9: the final Toluca PT Cruiser2010 Plymouth Pronto: 1997Chrysler Pronto Cruizer: 1998Chrysler PT Cruiser (PT / PG): 2001–2010PT / PG 200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones131018
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1997Plymouth Pronto
1998Chrysler Pronto Cruizer
2001–2010Chrysler PT Cruiser (PT / PG)
2000The 2001 model launches
2001Waiting lists and Car of the Year
2002Inca Gold starts the Dream Cruisers
2005The convertible gets a sport bar
2006Facelift, 230 hp and a million built
20091,750 Dream Cruiser Series 5s
2010July 9: the final Toluca PT Cruiser
  1. 2000

    The 2001 model launches

    PT meant Personal Transport; light-truck status helped Chrysler meet truck-fleet CAFE rules. Toluca prepared with 120,000 training hours.178

  2. 2001

    Waiting lists and Car of the Year

    After launch waiting lists and hefty markups, the PT Cruiser took Motor Trend's 2001 Car of the Year award.19

  3. 2002

    Inca Gold starts the Dream Cruisers

    The 2002 Dream Cruiser Series 1 wore exclusive Inca Gold; North American production was capped at 7,500, with numbered dashboard plaques.710

  4. 2005

    The convertible gets a sport bar

    A two-door convertible joined for 2005, with a powered soft top and a sport bar. The 220-hp GT manual tested at 7.0 seconds to 60 mph.211

  5. 2006

    Facelift, 230 hp and a million built

    New lights, a shorter grille and a revised cabin arrived; the GT reached 230 hp. On March 8, Chrysler announced that 1 million PTs had been built.16

  6. 2009

    1,750 Dream Cruiser Series 5s

    The 2009 US run totaled 1,750. Most wore pearl-white paint with a black roof and spoiler; billet-aluminum grilles completed the Series 5 look.1

  7. 2010

    July 9: the final Toluca PT Cruiser

    After sales fell nearly a third in 2007 and half in 2008, the last PT left Toluca on July 9, 2010; worldwide production reached 1.35 million.16

Power over the years

From 140 hp to 230 hp in 5 years.

0100200300 200020022004200620082010 hp 2001 · 140 hp · Export 2.0 L2001 · 150 hp · 2001 2.4 L2003 · 215 hp · GT 2.4 L Turbo2004 · 180 hp · Touring/Limited Turbo2005 · 220 hp · GT Convertible2006 · 148 hp · UK 2.2 CRD Touring2006 · 230 hp · GT High-Output Turbo2010 · 150 hp · Classic 2.4 L 230 hp GT High-Output Turbo 140 hp Export 2.0 L
246111314
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2001140Export 2.0 L
20011502001 2.4 L
2003215GT 2.4 L Turbo
2004180Touring/Limited Turbo
2005220GT Convertible
2006148UK 2.2 CRD Touring
2006230GT High-Output Turbo
2010150Classic 2.4 L

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Base / Touring / Limited / LX / Classic

    Standard

    Base / Touring / Limited / LX / Classic

    2001–2010

  • Convertible

    Standard

    Convertible

    2005–2008

  • Performance

    Touring / Limited 2.4L Turbo

    2004–2009

    180 hp
  • GT

    Performance

    GT

    2003–2007

  • Street Cruiser Route 66

    Limited

    Street Cruiser Route 66

    2006

    150 hp

  • Special

    Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway

    2007

    150 hp
  • Dream Cruiser Series 1

    Limited

    Dream Cruiser Series 1

    2002

  • Limited

    Dream Cruiser Series 2

    2003

    215 hp

  • Special

    Dream Cruiser Series 4

    2005

    220 hp
  • Dream Cruiser Series 5

    Limited

    Dream Cruiser Series 5

    2009

    1,750 built

  • Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard

    Limited

    Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard

    2008

How to spot one

Look for

  • A tall roof and upright windshield rise above broad, swelling fenders.13
  • A pointed nose, stubby rear and large, top-hinged hatch define the wagon's shape.314
  • Sculpted chrome door handles punctuate the sides.3
  • The convertible combines long doors with a prominent sport bar above the open cabin.11

Year by year

  1. 2002; Woodie 2002–2004

    Factory flames cover the hood, front fenders and doors; Woodie adds oak-look side and hatch panels with ash-look frames.1

  2. 2004

    Limited models could gain a chrome fuel door through the Chrome Accent Group.7

  3. 2005–2008

    Walter P. Chrysler Signature Series cars carry dedicated front-fender emblems.1

  4. 2006

    Scalloped headlights, a shorter grille and a new lower nose mark the facelift; the redesigned dash has an analog clock.1

  5. 2008–2009

    GT disappeared for 2008; the convertible followed for 2009, leaving only the four-door wagon.25

  6. 2010

    Classic has 16-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler; Couture adds two-tone leather inside.1

Against its rivals

  • Volkswagen New Beetle

    PT Cruiser vs Volkswagen New Beetle

    Skidpad grip

    PT Cruiser0.8 g
    Volkswagen New Beetle0.8 g
    111
  • Chevrolet SSR

    PT Cruiser vs Chevrolet SSR

    Quarter-mile lower is better

    PT Cruiser15.4 s
    Chevrolet SSR15.4 s
    11

Prices

Value today $2.4K–$11.5K523

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $2,400–$11,500 2001 · $15,935 · US base MSRP2002 · $23,170 · US Dream 1 manual, incl. $565 dest.2005 · $19,995 · US base convertible2005 · $23,490 · US Touring convertible2005 · $28,155 · US GT convertible, base2005 · $29,305 · US GT convertible, as tested2006 · $14,210 · US base, excl. $640 destination2006 · $19,185 · US Route 66 manual, excl. $640 dest.2007 · $20,735 · US Pacific Coast Highway manual2007 · $21,570 · US Pacific Coast Highway auto 2001 · $15,935 · US base MSRP, 2001 model year 2024 · $6,500 · 2005 GT convertible 5-speed, BaT2024 · $11,000 · 2005 Dream Cruiser Series 4 convertible, 35k miles, BaT2024 · $5,469 · 2007 GT 5-speed, 28k miles, BaT2024 · $16,250 · 2005 GT Convertible, 25k miles, BaT2024 · $7,700 · 2002 Dream Cruiser Series 1, 43k miles, BaT2024 · $9,500 · 2010, 10k miles, BaT2025 · $11,100 · 2009 LX 5-speed, 12k miles, BaT2025 · $11,750 · 2005 GT convertible 5-speed, 33k miles, BaT2026 · $9,089 · 2001 Limited Edition 5-speed, 6k miles, BaT2026 · $14,500 · 2004 Dream Cruiser Series 3 5-speed, 26k miles, BaT2026 · $6,400 · 2007 automatic, 31k miles, BaT2026 · $3,666 · 2001 manual, 58k miles, BaT $16.3K BaT, 2024
341011151723242526282930313233
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2001Launch price$15,935US base MSRP, 2001 model year
2001Price when new$15,935US base MSRP
2002Price when new$23,170US Dream 1 manual, incl. $565 dest.
2005Price when new$19,995US base convertible
2005Price when new$23,490US Touring convertible
2005Price when new$28,155US GT convertible, base
2005Price when new$29,305US GT convertible, as tested
2006Price when new$14,210US base, excl. $640 destination
2006Price when new$19,185US Route 66 manual, excl. $640 dest.
2007Price when new$20,735US Pacific Coast Highway manual
2007Price when new$21,570US Pacific Coast Highway auto
2024Auction sale$6,5002005 GT convertible 5-speed, BaT
2024Auction sale$11,0002005 Dream Cruiser Series 4 convertible, 35k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$5,4692007 GT 5-speed, 28k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$16,2502005 GT Convertible, 25k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$7,7002002 Dream Cruiser Series 1, 43k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$9,5002010, 10k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$11,1002009 LX 5-speed, 12k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$11,7502005 GT convertible 5-speed, 33k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$9,0892001 Limited Edition 5-speed, 6k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$14,5002004 Dream Cruiser Series 3 5-speed, 26k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$6,4002007 automatic, 31k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$3,6662001 manual, 58k miles, BaT
2026Value today$2,400–$11,500

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “A non-turbo PT at Time Trials Nationals”
    • “Gran Turismo, Forza and Midtown Madness”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 3 generations

  • Market

    • 3 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 33 sources
  1. Chrysler PT Cruiser - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic Model Years | Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic Model Year History jdpower.com
  3. 2001 Car of the Year Winner - 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  4. Get Your Kicks With Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition - Motor Trend New motortrend.com
  5. 2001-10 Chrysler PT Cruiser | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  6. Chrysler PT Cruiser: History, Buying Tips, Auctions, Photos, and More motortrend.com
  7. Chrysler PT Cruiser Used Car Buyer's Guide | Autoweb autoweb.com
  8. Making of the Chrysler PT Cruiser autointell.com
  9. You're Wrong About the Chrysler PT Cruiser roadandtrack.com
  10. Chrysler to Expand PT Cruiser Lineup | Automotive Fleet automotive-fleet.com
  11. 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT Convertible caranddriver.com
  12. Tested: 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT caranddriver.com
  13. 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser caranddriver.com
  14. Pretty Tame Cruiser | Car Reviews | by Car Enthusiast carenthusiast.com
  15. 2007 Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Edition caranddriver.com
  16. Chrysler Squeezes Tangerine PT Cruiser Turbo into Lineup theautochannel.com
  17. No Reserve: 35k-Mile 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Deep Lava Red Dream Cruiser Series 4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,000 on December 16, 2024 (Lot #174,276) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  18. Plymouth Pronto - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  19. 2002 Comparison: PT Cruiser, Focus, Vibe, Protege5, Aerio, Matrix caranddriver.com
  20. Mopar racers: Are they just built different? | Articles | Grassroots Motorsports grassrootsmotorsports.com
  21. IGCD.net - Internet Game Cars Database igcd.net
  22. Chrysler to End Production of Retro PT Cruiser | IndustryWeek industryweek.com
  23. 26k-Mile 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser True Blue Dream Cruiser Series 3 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,500 on July 28, 2026 (Lot #254,730) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  24. No Reserve: 6k-Mile 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Hatchback Limited Edition 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,089 on March 31, 2026 (Lot #235,728) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  25. No Reserve: 33k-Mile 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT Convertible 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,750 on June 7, 2025 (Lot #195,072) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  26. No Reserve: 12k-Mile 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser LX 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,100 on April 17, 2025 (Lot #187,948) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Price, Value, Depreciation & Reviews | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  28. No Reserve: 10k-Mile 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,500 on May 28, 2024 (Lot #148,596) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. No Reserve: 25k-Mile 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT Convertible for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,250 on October 4, 2024 (Lot #165,497) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 31k-Mile 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,400 on January 25, 2026 (Lot #227,756) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $3,666 on January 13, 2026 (Lot #226,337) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 28k-Mile 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $5,469 on December 21, 2024 (Lot #174,908) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 43k-Mile 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Dream Cruiser Series 1 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,700 on July 29, 2024 (Lot #156,360) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • jdpower.com
  • motortrend.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • autoweb.com
  • autointell.com
  • roadandtrack.com
  • automotive-fleet.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • carenthusiast.com
  • theautochannel.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • grassrootsmotorsports.com
  • igcd.net

Photo credits

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