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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  Fun - Fun - Fun !! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Debi - October 25 - 9:20 pm

  The HHR is great. The gas mileage is fantastic. Its a head turner. Love the attention it gets. Smooth ride and great stereo.

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  HHR rocks! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By delores flint - October 25 - 7:46 am

  The first time I saw the HHR, I knew I had to have one. I was looking at the PT Cruiser, but the HHR stole my heart. I could not wait to get to the nearest dealer. When I test drove it, I cant describe how amazed I was with the ease in handling, the visibility, and the smoothness of the ride. When I found out it was available in purple (amethyst), I was sold. Everyone says this car fits my personality. The HHR is full of life, energy, and personality, just like me. I love my HHR. The car with personality!

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  GREAT CAR!!! - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By George W - October 25 - 4:46 am

  Great cargo space, great mileage, fun to drive. My family and friends love my 2008 HHR. Getting use to the window power switches in the middle,

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  HHR-Happy Hot Rod - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Karen - October 21 - 8:30 am

  It has a good smooth, quiet ride with very little road noise compared to others I had driven. I have gotten as high as 33 miles per gal. on the highway. I would recommend this car to any new car buyers. It is a very classy car.

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  LOVE it! - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By lins - October 11 - 7:40 pm

  We purchased this when we had problems with our 99 Olds van and we have no regrets. Have only owned it for a few weeks so far but I love driving it and love the looks. My husband is 6 ft and he has no problems with space. I can not believe how much stuff I can haul in he cargo area! This car is so fun to drive and beats out the van on cargo space and gas mileage. We did have to get a new battery installed within a few days of buying it but we did buy it used so I cant complain to loudly on that. It was still under warranty so we didnt have to pay. I just LOVE this car and hope it handles well this winter here in the Northeast.

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  Proven Wrong - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By goodsinbad73 - October 11 - 11:56 am

  I have only had this vehicle 1 week now and I must say I am now on the bandwagon. At over 62 lots of room to spare. I love my panel it gets looks from everywhere. There are only 2 bad flaws I have found. Because the front tires are so big they throw dirt and rocks..fix. Get running boards or tire guards. 2nd. Because of my height the window controls for both windows are in a bad spot if you need to roll down while in motion. They should be located in the door. It is flawless other than that. I love it.

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  Great car, auto light control issue - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Eric - October 11 - 4:06 am

  I have had nothing but sheer enjoyment from this car since I purchased it. The engine is very well powered for a 4-cylinder, road noise is much quieter than a lot of other models, and MPGs are good considering the amount of storage space and the fact you can easily fit 4 large adults in the car. I read there used to be an issue with stone chipping on previous models, however 2008 comes with a thick protective film on the surfaces at risk from stones and that film seems to work great. Even the film doesnt show signs of impact. Only issue has been my auto light sensor failing. Sometimes it wont allow parking and interior lights to come on with headlights. Manual override doesnt work.

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  No Customer Service here! - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Tracy Tharp - October 8 - 11:23 am

  My HHR has had wind noise and water leak issues from the first month I have had it. Who wants to pay thousands of dollars over many years for a new car that has been a lemon from the start. It is now leaking for the fourth time and really (?!), wouldnt you think that Chevy would step up and not make me fight for what is right? But they are not! I am going to have to contact a lawyer! Thats not customer service!

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  15 Months After Purchase - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By UnhappyHHRowner - October 7 - 4:30 pm

  I rated this car highly when I first bought it but after 15 months of ownership, the honeymoon is over. The build quality of this vehicle is horrid. I have been a loyal buyer of domestic cars and my last two purchases from GM (both 2006 vehicles) are dogs. The HHR has been in the shop for a myriad of problems from front brake rotors, electrical issues, wiper problems, injector replacement, pulling, among others. The metal is paper thin and susceptable to dents. It is a fun car to drive when the check engine light is not on (which is about 50% of the time). My dealership has been great but I can not say the same for the engineers that built this piece of junk.

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  This car HATES gas!! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Laura - October 6 - 1:23 pm

  I bought this to drive around my 4 HUGE dogs, which took the place of my gas guzzling SUV. I have had this car over a year with no problems. This car hates gas so much, the closer the needle gets to E, the need will jump back up, lol. I am getting close to 30mpg highway, which is awesome. VERY comfortable leather seats, and an easy driving & comfortable car.