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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  I love it, the wife hates it. - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By RkyMtnBob - December 23 - 10:25 am

  I really do love this car. I traded down from a 4 door Silverado. Really like the exterior lines and style. I drive 35 city miles to work and get 27mpg summer and 25mpg winter. Plenty of room front and back. Fold down the rear seats and the floor in 3x5, which is reasonable to get stuff home. The center mounted window controls take getting used to. Small windows as well, just means you have to actually look instead of glance. The 2.4 engine has plenty of go. The Traction Control can get twitchy in snow and ice. I have had the front rotor warping issue, it was fixed fast but I may have to deal with it again. The wife does not like the looks or small windows, but she loves the heated seats.

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  Excellent affordable, dependable car - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Mary Beth - December 18 - 1:14 pm

  Ive had this car for almost 2 years and over 37,000 miles. It is used for a 40 mile round trip to work every day and hauling 3 kids around. Ive read a couple of reviews from other owners who had chronic problems but I can honestly say I have had absolutely none yet. I think this an excellent car for someone who needs a dependable, affordable yet still sporty looking family car.

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  HHR Rocks - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Rollinchp - December 16 - 10:03 am

  What a wonderful, fun vehicle to drive. Love the retro look, the stereo is great, rides good, and gets great fuel mileage. Overall, Chevy has hit a home run with this vehicle.

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  HHR SS - A True Sleeper - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Powerman - December 15 - 9:39 pm

  Overall, the HHR SS is great for those who need the practicality of a small wagon, but want a surprising balance of performance for the value. Styling preference is very split for this model. If you like 40s retro hot- rods, then this is for you. Dollar for dollar, although not as socially prestigious, from a performance perspective. A GM Perf upgrade is available that maintains the full factory warranty, but raises the power quotients to from stock 260hp/260ft lbs torque to 290hp/315ft lbs torque. Torque steer is mitigated by a standard launch control program.

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  Value received - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By John - December 12 - 4:28 pm

  For the price (under $23,000) out the door and every option in the book sans sunroof, how can it be better. 16,000 miles later I have averaged 27+ MPG. With back seats down it carries a prodigious amount of stuff. With the back seats up it will still carry a lot of stuff and 4 TALL passengers with ease. I had an 04 PT Cruiser and it would do neither.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR !! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Scott L. - December 10 - 5:13 pm

  I have the LT-2 with 2.4 litre, in Daytona blue,fully loaded.I have owned many cars ,high end and low end and I love this car. [I hate cookie cutter cars]. This car is quiet smooth,fast and fun to drive. Best part is....ITS CHEAP! Please note there will be some cheap plastic and design flaws you might not like. My window controls and cup holders work just fine, thats really picky.This is a small car that drives like a big car. At least 30 mph, with a big gas tank, it goes forever! These cars are great in SNOW if you put the correct tires on it. I put on Blizzach, she drives through any snow storm. You cant beat this car for the money! You can spend more $$$ if you want better quality. GET ONE TODAY!

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  Great value, performance and utility - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By JB - December 9 - 11:13 am

  My HHR SS has exceeded expectations. The car has excellent power and handling, with plenty of usable cargo space and very good mileage. It also has good visibility and a comfortable ride. A unique and well done vehicle by GM.

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  Mostly Like it - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By GM - December 6 - 4:36 pm

  Fun car to drive for the money, great on gas,I get about 28 mpg on high way. Very comfortable for the size. I have put about 10,000 miles on the car so far and still like it a lot. I have a small sailboat and this little car is able to tow it without a problem. Two issues I do have is the small windshield makes it hard to see stop lights turn green and to replace a headlight is very awkward, removing front tires to get at the bulbs.

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  i love my hhr - 2010 Chevrolet HHR
  By hornet7202 - November 23 - 9:31 am

  Folks told me she was so little she wouldnt be good in snow. I drove her up a mountain over a mile high on mud and ice with no fish tailing or sliding, the traction was wonderful and now can hardly wait to try her in the Maine winter here, although I worry about the road salt. I put the seats down and can do what I always did with my bigger vans. Dodge and Plymouth. Needless to say she preforms well. My biggest complaint was location for my coffee cup, it is very hard to reach and drive. She handles well on turnpike driving and in cities like Boston she is a breeze. Thanks Chevy for a Nice little car. I tell my children if I had money, Id have one in all the colors for each day of the week.

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  Absolutly Awesome - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Binkey1313 - November 23 - 2:20 am

  I love almost everything about this car. Standard features are awesome! Drives beautifuly. Looks beautiful!