2001 PT Cruiser Limited Edition

I get about 18 city and 22 highway on my 01 Limited. I always use Mobil 1

5W-30 oil. Other than keeping the weight of the vehicle down, using low rolling resistance tires inflated to 36 lb and conservative driving there is not much else you can do to improve its fuel economy. Chrysler did a poor job in this area with the Cruiser. Our mini-van with the same transmission but a 3.8 V6 does better!!!!!

No. Use the grade your owner's manual recommends as long as the engine isn't knocking. In fact, some sources say you get lower mileage on higher octane in an engine not designed for it.

Follow the usual ideas for mileage: Check tire inflation, remove unnecessary weight, don't carry anything on the roof, smooth starts, brake early, reduce your speed, combine trips, reduce idling times, ...

Also how long has it been since it had a complete tuneup?

I have a '95 Fleetwood with a 300HP LT1 8cyl engine that gets better mileage than that. How can a PT manage to use so much gas?

Steve B.

Under powered and overweight.

CJ, After two PT's, a 2003 sedan and a 2005, we went with the Caliber. We never got over 22 with either car, we used Mobil1 synthetic, the K&N oil filter and still, nada! That transmission is the culprit, if it had the CVT transmission it would get a lot better mileage.

The PT gas mileage is bad because Chrysler (DaimlerChrysler) got the PT classified as a truck. As a truck, Chrysler (DaimlerChrysler) did not HAVE to make the PT get good fuel mileage. At 18 mpg it did not bring down the CAFE for autos and actually increased the CAFE for trucks.

I have the same car. I love it, it's cute. Drives fine. Low maintenance except for brakes (eats through them.)

We're just stuck with the gas guzzling.

It is heavy I think. Small engine for such a car. Tranny may suck too.

Eventually I'll get something that is better on the gas. Haven't found anything I like though. Hoping for the electric revolution to catch up. I'd own a Prius if it wasn't so ugly. Boring.

When I bought it in 2000 a tank was $25. Now it's $55. Just didn't care then. I cared, just didn't worry about it.

W> I just bought a 2001 limited edition PT Cruiser

Same here with two PT Cruisers, a 2003 base Sedan and later a 2005 Convertible. Never could get over 21-22mgp and most times 17-19. Traded in the Convertible for a Dodge Caliber, great mileage, getting

28-29 in town with A/C running. Over 32 on the road with A/C going 65mph. Stay with Chrysler products. I also own a 1940 Chrysler Royal that still gets 20mpg with the flathead 6.

They should put the CVT transmission in the PT, my Caliber gets 28-29 around town using the A/C.

so you like that Hyundai built caliber engine and trans?

I think that the tranny is made in Japan, JATCO.

Hah! Vegas, lived there for several years.

I've already pumped up the tires to 34psi and that's as high as I feel safe with. I've already noticed an improvement in the mileage.

What brand and octane of gas do you use.

Ctiizen Jimserac

that could be. not sure

think its the world engine too. I don't like the damn things unless I can get one with an adjustable see, otherwise its a pain to see over the hood.

The Caliber has a seat height adjuster that will allow you to see over the hood. I like that feature, my wife does not!

An adjustable what?

that seat height adjuster must not be in the base model then. the one I test drove was a pain, noisy trans, program car ( that was part of the problem) so good chance it was abused.

it was base model but didn't see an adjuster. I'll look at another when I get back down there.

Yea, it is the SXT, pretty well loaded, with the 2.0 engine and the CVT transmission. Power window, air, and all the standard SXT stuff. You might have been driving the 1.8 base stick shift model. There is an adjuster on the left of the driver's seat that you use to pump up the height of the seat. We are VERY pleased with our Caliber, no problems after almost one year.