Overview & Reviews

The Chevrolet HHR was something of a late arrival to the compact wagon scene. Its name stood for "Heritage High Roof," referring to its tall retro-wagon styling, which Chevrolet claims was inspired by the '49 Suburban. Everything else about the vehicle, however, was decidedly modern.

Though compact in size, the Chevy HHR featured clever interior packaging solutions, including a split-folding rear seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat and a cargo area floor (with built-in grocery bag hooks) that allowed it to accommodate bulky and/or long cargo items. For shoppers searching for a used versatile compact wagon that's also stylish, the HHR certainly merits consideration.

Most Recent Chevrolet HHR
The Chevrolet HHR was a compact four-door wagon produced from 2006-'11. It shared its front-wheel-drive architecture -- and thus many of its driving characteristics -- with Chevrolet's Cobalt compact sedan.

In testing, our editors commented favorably about the HHR's smooth and quiet ride, ample cargo space, attractive interior, excellent visibility and versatile sound system. The cabin boasted nicely detailed gauges, tight construction and substantial-feeling controls. There was, however, no shortage of hard plastics on hand that sullied the overall ambience. The HHR's tall ceiling provided headroom aplenty, but the narrow body limited comfort for adults riding in the backseat. Other downsides included weak brakes, underwhelming handling dynamics and a lack of refinement from the 2.4-liter engine.

Four trim levels were offered: LS, 1LT, 2LT and a high-performance SS version produced from 2008-'10. A two-seat panel van version that came in LS, LT and SS trims was available every year but 2006.

The base engine was a 2.2-liter four-cylinder that initially produced 143 horsepower, but was bumped to 149 for 2007 and to 155 for 2010. Available on the LT was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produced either 172 hp or 175 depending on the year (it actually went back and forth). The SS featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for 260 hp, along with stronger brakes and an enhanced suspension that together made it quite fun to drive. Front-wheel drive and a five-speed manual were standard with all, but a four-speed automatic was optional.

Besides the minor horsepower bumps, changes to the HHR were limited to standard features. Most notably, this included stability control for 2008 as well as antilock brakes and side curtain airbags the following year.

User Reviews:

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  Great ride - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By hhr love it - August 15 - 7:49 pm

  bought it new 59 miles we drove it to Fla 5 times Texas 4 times it now has 129,000 miles not the first problem none change oil and tires and it gets 38 mpg its a 5 speed manual shift we cruise 70-60 mpg on the interstate will buy another when its time so far not the time

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  2010 Turbo Problems - 2010 Chevrolet HHR
  By Nick - August 15 - 11:35 am

  I have had 5 HHRs since 2006 (love the car), two turbos out of the 5. Never had a problem with any (not even a water leak or radio problem)except for this 2010. A piece of tubing connected to the turbo holds 20 pounds of pressure and was made out of plastic that failed. The Chevy dealer cannot find the part nationwide even with GM help. My question is what about contacting the assembly plant for a part or have one fabricated? Dealer stated GM will not let them fabricate a part, so I have been without my 600 mile 2010 car for over a week. The only thing Ford, GM or others understand is a lawyer. Did get a loaner car after 5 days with GM help.

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  Great census ride - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By dowannabe - August 2 - 1:14 pm

  It has been exactly 1 year with my ride, hate the name hhr but love the ride, this baby took me down some dirt and Grass roads to find deer camps and other nonexistent buildings, it handled every situation with control including some deep mud, and deep ruts, my husband has pointed out a few scratches from driving through bushes, car was great, onstar phone was also a blessing to know it was there with cell phone not having coverage. 2 months with 8 hour a day driving I got to know this car, the last week I noticed it a little sluggish at accelerating. may have dust in air cleaner, gotta get it checked out, no other problems, great back area for my big dog and for hauling auction goodies.

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  Nice Ride! - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Bob Dibble - August 1 - 3:50 am

  After my first initial test drive, I was hooked! Great performance from the 2.4 172 horsepower. Drove to Reno and back with 3 adults, 2 golf sets, 7 bowling balls and 2 pieces of luggage. The ride exceeded any other vehicle I owned and the gas mileage very nice. I cruised any where from 70 to 80 miles per hour with great ease and comfort. I know some complain about the breaks, however, most cars I ride in have the "squeaky" noise about them. My brakes work just fine. Oil changes are a snap and no problems so far with anything on the vehicle. I am 5,4" and this car fits me perfect. I would hope team Chevy would add a 6 cyl. In the near future. I rate it a 9 out of 10 for over all!

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  Im in love - 2010 Chevrolet HHR
  By Bill - July 26 - 12:25 pm

  Just traded 2006 Chevy Colorado for a new 2010 HHR. What can I say? I love driving it. Handles great, makes sharp turns like a real sports car. Turns heads. Best vehicle I have ever owned. I can wait to get back in and drive. Shifting is clean effortless and smooth. All I can say is One great vehicle.

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  Ok but a few problems - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By OUIMET - July 20 - 11:56 am

  Great gas mileage and interior space in the back, but a few problems. Seats are kind of narrow, no front storage, not the best in snow/ice being it is so light. Dash compartment broke, interior mirror falls off, and my radio comes on all by itself, you can hear the springs clunk in the winter dealer says nothing they can do about either the radio or clunking. Other than that, great space in the back, great gas mileage, full body galvanized steel so wont rust, and have had no problems passing when I need to. Both my big dogs fit in this small car where they would not in others. You get what you pay for.

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  Great Value - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By derbs24 - July 20 - 7:46 am

  Have the 2lt 2.4 auto great car, traded in my 4 door ram hemi and have no regrets. Great mileage, 22avg on e85,30 mpg avg on regular. Have gotten 32 mpg avg at 75 mph with the a/c on. Lots of room for 4 people and luggage, pulls a small trailer for a dirt bike/lawn mower. Fun to drive, oil changes are breeze. Cheaper quality, lots of plastic. I paid $18,000 on a $24,000 sticker though so cant complain. Good looking little gas save with lots of room. Chose this over the Kia soul due to room/mileage.

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  My HHR - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Gerald Patry - July 13 - 10:23 pm

  Before I purchased my vehicle I did research. The gas mileage was well for what I needed, the interior and exterior was sane for me and I thought the vehicle was cute. The car maybe ugly to some people but we all have our opinions. I like the unique style it has, its different. That car will move actually, you may think that little car wont move but surprisingly it does! 0-60 in 10 seconds! Not bad for a little SUV. I recommend this vehicle to anyone with at least two children:) it truly is a good gm vehicle.

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  2007 HHR problems - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Joe V. - July 1 - 5:11 pm

  We bought a new HHR LS on 2007. Somewhere around 36,000 miles started to hear rattling sound front end. Got worse and took car to GM authorized service. Similar to another posting I saw on this blog, both struts were bad as well as steering column shaft and sway bars. GM and service were good and everything was covered under warranty. Understood from service rep that this might be a common problem with the HHR. Sounds like poor manufacturing. So if you have a 07 or 08 be aware you may be encountering some issues in these areas.

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  Lots of small problems - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By HHR Co-Pilot - July 1 - 3:51 am

  Very good on the highway in both fuel and performance I think the design needs some rethinking. the front bumper has to be removed to change a burned out headlight. The wiring on the end side lights - sometimes you cant turn them off, some times speakers wont work.couple of other things too.