"PCD" received mixed to positive reviews from contemporary music critics who complimented the album's dance-pop songs but criticized the album's ballads and covers while being ambivalent towards the group's image. The record debuted at number five on the US "Billboard" 200 and went on to sell nearly three million copies. "PCD" was later certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) after moving two million units. The album charted strongly on record charts in international territories reaching the top-ten in Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom, and reached the peak position in New Zealand.