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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  The buggy that could - 2010 Chevrolet HHR
  By Dojobuggy - June 26 - 12:43 am

  Traded in my Ford Flex for the HHR SS and I am very happy with it. I went for the SS due to the power and handling package but ended up putting on the Turbo Upgrade and WOW. The HHR handles likes a sports car, gets really good mpg, has plenty of passing power and is very comfortable to drive. The bluetooth wireless is every bit as good as Ford Sync but their radio quality is not the greatest. Overall the HHR SS is the best model in its class out of the ones I had driven including Mazda and Mitsubishi.

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  Great Little Hauler - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Notcho Trouble - June 19 - 7:21 pm

  Usually drive with the back seats folded down. Use to haul lots of items for work and play. Made a carpet for the folded down area and use plastic if hauling something thats dirty. It fits quickly into the hidden storage. Great in the winter I have oversize tires on alloy wheels. Had a problem with brake wobble but dealership took care of it. It does take me longer to get somewhere cause everyone stops to ask me how I like my HHR Looking to buy another one.

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  Great Little Car! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Eric - June 19 - 12:36 pm

  Ok, first off, this is a car. Its a cheap car. Its not going to be perfect. Most cars arent, especially ones this cheap. Now, for the price, I feel that its great! Ive loved these cars since they came out, and wanted one since. Beings that I was only 16 at the time, I couldnt afford one. Anyways, the only issues Ive had were the front end clunking (sway bar links, struts, and steering column replaced under warranty to fix it) and the sunroof and headliner rattle quite a bit. Crank the radio (on the Pioneer that I have and love!) and you wont notice it! Even took the car on a road trip to Florida from Michigan this spring, and it was fantastic with 3 people and luggage all over

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  Great for the Tall and Small - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Kristie - June 18 - 11:45 am

  Love this vehicle. Cargo capacity is wonderful! Both my boyfriend and I can drive this vehicle (hes 63" and Im 410"). Fits 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 kids. We love being able to go places with our friends and our dog without worrying about space. Love the rear cargo design with the adjustable floor. Great on gas! Thinking about getting another when our 2nd car goes.

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  Rust on all 5 doors - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Attica_Dav - June 16 - 11:45 am

  6 months after purchasing my HHR, I found rust on the bottom, inside seam on 3 of 5 doors. 8 months later, the rust returned, worse then what it was before it was repaired, but now on all 5 doors. It was repaired again just 2 months ago and I will be watching. I have looked at two other HHRs they have rust on the doors as well.

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  Love my SS - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Randy - June 14 - 1:44 am

  I bought a new leftover 09. I have owned several Corvettes, an NSX and a Viper and this is absolutely the most fun and best vehicle of them all! The power is so smooth you dont realize how fast it is until you look at the speedometer. I love my SS.

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  Buyer Beware - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By michaellrar - June 12 - 11:08 am

  Bought it for the "fun factor" and was disappointed. It has massive blind spots. Also thought I purchased new and the dealership sold me a demo and did not tell me. Found out after I got my papers in the mail. The controls for the window are in an unsafe place (they have since fixed that I heard). The drink cup holders are a joke at best. I am a big guy so the seat belts take an act of congress to fasten. And did I mention the wimpy armrest that points down when lowered. The tires have the constant tire pressure monitoring system so I am constantly refilling the tires. Needless to say I only drive it about 6,000 miles per year and that is when my daily driver (a 2002 honda civic) is being serviced.

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  The Hippo - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Army Strong - June 11 - 2:40 pm

  Yes, it is excellent on gas, and I drove 3,000 miles in 4 days and it went the distance, but I think it was definitely pushing it. Its not an SUV, I think my passenger hubcap is about to fall off. The stock tires are bad even new. Theyre dangerous to drive on windy days. The bulky frame of the car with such small Windows leaves enormous blind spots especially on left turns. There was no carpet in the back storage area for mine, so with even the slowest turns, everything sled around. The brakes are absolutely horrible! Theres a huge delay and they squeak like crazy. And the intake is a little noisy.

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  General - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By crack07 - June 9 - 12:44 am

  I dont drive the car a lot. Im a Farmer and drive my truck more. Had a large issue with leaving it outside a few time in heavy rain and it flooded the floor boards, I mean water standing. Took it to the dealer they say its fixed but its been in the garage for all heavy rains since. Only have 39,000 on it now. But it gets good mpg and you dont lay down to drive it like most cars. Other than the water issue I have had only on issue they replaced the radio but all seems good now just wish I would have got the 100,000 pwr train warranty I got on my 07 silverado but that came free on it.

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  Loved it, like it now - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By GALE LOVELADY - June 6 - 4:57 am

  We love our hhr and the gas mileage is wonderful. The look of the vehicle and the interior is great. I really like the remote start for the cold mornings. The only complaint we really have with the car is the front end it rattles squeaks and shakes and the front end sounds like it is falling out from under it. Every time I touch the brakes easy going slow or out on the highway at a faster speed and use the brakes it just about shakes my hands off the steering wheel. We have had it to the shop several times in the last year to have the rotors turned two times and replaced the rotors and need them replaced again. I feel very unsafe driving the vehicle with this problem.