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CarsGuide team
3 Jul 2005
3 min read

The look hasn't changed; full points for still being one of the funkiest cars on the road – especially with a front grille that looks like a big grin and chrome door handles with buttons.

And the PT feels the same – until you put your foot down. What's under the bonnet is bigger and better. Chrysler has responded to criticisms that the Cruiser was underpowered by upping the ante with a 2.4-litre engine.

There's more torque in this 16-valve, four-cylinder version. The engine no longer feels like its struggling to pull the big body of the PT.

And the gears are tight in the five-speed manual ... "as tight as Pinky Tuscadaro's butt", quips a male friend of mine. (Apologies to anyone who didn't watch Happy Days ... or its re-runs).

Those who already own PTs – especially the 122 die-hard enthusiasts in the PT Cruiser Car Club – will tell you that the bigger engine isn't the only attraction for their much-loved cars. It's the whole package that sets their spark plugs firing. In my eyes, though, grunt is good. More grunt? Well, that can only be Grrroovy.

Whoops, sorry, wrong era. But there's a lot of that going on when you're talking about the Cruiser.

Most people think 1950s ... a car to go with big skirts, bobbysocks and stovepipe pants.

Others say we should be thinking more along the lines of gangster cars in the vein of Bonny and Clyde or Al Capone.

But I'm told that the PT was actually styled on a 1940s' car.

To save confusion, picture someone in the '50s, restoring a prewar 1940s' car. Then transport it to 2005, upgrade the engine and add the latest gadgets such as airbags, power windows, a sunroof, adjustable armrests, side mirrors that fold in like cute ears, cruise control – even seat warmers – and you have a funk-mobile that's still turning heads. Love it or hate it, the Cruiser does command attention.

Inside, the black leather and suede-trim seats, sleek silver dash, cue-ball knob on the gearstick and holes in side-door pockets add to "the" look.

But enough talking, I'm ready to rock and roll.

Love it

SEAT-BELT warning – as loud and annoying as it is – it does its job very well.

Seats in the back fold down and clip out to make the boot space even bigger.

Leave it

IT has a big turning circle that takes a while to get used to.

Lack of lighting on the instrument panel and in the glove box.

Read the full 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser review

Chrysler PT Cruiser 2005: Classic

Engine Type Inline 4, 2.4L
Fuel Type Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 10.1L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $3,850 - $5,610

Pricing Guides

$4,996
Based on 8 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$2,999
HIGHEST PRICE
$7,999
CarsGuide team
The CarsGuide team of car experts is made up of a diverse array of journalists, with combined experience that well and truly exceeds a century.  We live with the cars we test, weaving them into our family lives to highlight any strenghts and weaknesses to help you make the right choice when buying a new or used car.  We also specialise in adventure to help you get off the beaten track and into the great outdoors, along with utes and commercial vehicles, performance cars and motorsport to cover all ends of the automotive spectrum.  Tune in for our weekly podcast to get to know the personalities behind the team, or click on a byline to learn more about any of our authors. 
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$2,999
Lowest price, based on third party pricing data.
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2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
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