Chrysler PT Cruiser first generation
The Chrysler PT Cruiser first generation (2001–2010): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 8 versions in the European Union, the United States, and Canada.
Model codes: PT
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 4,290 mm RDW | – | 4,288 mm |
| Width | 1,750 mm RDW | – | 1,704 mm |
| Height | 1,540 mm RDW | – | 1,539–1,600 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,620 mm RDW | – | 2,616 mm |
| Front track | 1,474–1,481 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Rear track | 1,471–1,478 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Weights and towing | |||
| Kerb weight | 1,325–1,540 kg RDW | – | 1,383–1,613 kg |
| Mass in running order | 1,425–1,640 kg RDW | – | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,870–1,925 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, braked trailer | 950–1,000 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 450 kg RDW | – | – |
| Seats and space | |||
| Seats | 4–5 RDW | – | – |
| Doors | 2–4 RDW | – | – |
| Boot space | – | – | 520 L |
| Luggage space (EPA) | – | 227 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | – | 2,690 L EPA | – |
| Fuel tank | – | – | 57 L |
| Performance | |||
| Top speed | 171–195 km/h RDW | – | – |
| Torque | 157–332 Nm ASTRA | – | 157–332 Nm |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 205/55R16, 195/65R15, 205/50R17
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia (en, fr, pl, sv), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data, Traficom type approvals (Finland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 60.1% (58.9–61.3) | 69.2% | 6,478 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 56.3% | 41.6% |
| Brakes | 50.8% | 36.4% |
| Lights and electrics | 37.7% | 28.8% |
| Tyres | 29.1% | 31.2% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 23.0% | 17.1% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 21.0% | 18.6% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
2,622 complaints for model years 2001–2010. 198 crashes · 111 fires · 214 injuries · 7 deaths
- Electrical system 503
- Engine 293
- Airbags 164
- Lights 149
- Suspension 145
- Steering 142
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 8 versions of the Chrysler PT Cruiser first generation
European Union 2 versions
New cars registered in the EU (plus Norway and Iceland), from the European Environment Agency. Figures on the NEDC procedure until 2020 and on WLTP from 2021; versions are grouped by engine and power, with their number of registrations.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | CO₂ | EU registrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2.1 L | Diesel | 177 g/km | 248 |
| 2010 | 2.4 L | Petrol | 228 g/km | 48 |
United States 2 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001–2010CLKUP | 2.4 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 19–21 MPG (11.2–12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 263–291 g/km |
| 2001–2009 | 2.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Front-wheel drive | 20–23 MPG (10.2–11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 240–276 g/km |
Canada 4 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–2010Sport utility vehicle · Subcompact · Compact | 2.4 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 11.2–11.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 258–262 g/km |
| 2004–2009Sport utility vehicle · Subcompact · Compact | 2.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.2–10.7 L/100 km 5-cycle | 235–246 g/km |
| 2002–2003Sport utility vehicle | 2.4 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 12.0–12.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 276–281 g/km |
| 2002–2003Sport utility vehicle | 2.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.9–11.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 251–262 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.