DecodedCars2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible FWD /GT, 2dr Convertible FWD Touring, 4dr Wagon FWD /Classic/ Touring/GT
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 168.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,075–3,457 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2006 SUV - (18.3 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- No AWD or 4WDTwo-wheel drive only, unusual for a SUV -.
- Many owner complaints114 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 38 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 169 inches long and 67 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,457 lb (2dr Convertible FWD /GT).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 20% better than the 2006 SUV - average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 114 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 PT Cruiser — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 PT Cruiser →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Convertible FWD /GT | 168.9 in | 66.9 in | 60.6 in | 102.8 in | 57.9 / 57.5 in | 3,457 lb | 59/41 |
| 2dr Convertible FWD Touring | 168.9 in | 66.9 in | 60.6 in | 102.8 in | 57.9 / 57.5 in | 3,303 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr Wagon FWD /Classic/ Touring/GT | 168.9 in | 67.3 in | 63 in | 103.1 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 3,075 lb | 63/37 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT Cruiser | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +20% | $3,050 | 404 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +20% | $3,050 | 404 |
| PT Cruiser | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +15% | $3,200 | 423 |
| PT Cruiser | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +15% | $3,900 | 423 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +15% | $3,200 | 423 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +15% | $3,900 | 423 |
| PT Cruiser | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | +4% | $4,350 | 468 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | +4% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Honda CR-V | 23 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2006 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Kia Sportage | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Ford Escape | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 54 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 32 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 16 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other PT Cruiser years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 PT Cruiser | 21 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 9 |
| 2009 PT Cruiser | 23 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 35 |
| 2008 PT Cruiser | 23 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 41 |
| 2007 PT Cruiser | 22 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 56 |
| 2005 PT Cruiser | 22 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 44 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chrysler. How we calculate this →