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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  We were one of the first. - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Larry G Smith - September 10 - 2:13 am

  When I saw my first HHR I thought it was some sort of prototype. Chevrolet certainly was not advertising them or I would have seen it sooner! Love the authentic retro look and with the 2.2 H.O. It scoots just fine. I can hardly wait till GM has a few years to get the engine upgrades right. I will take mine in white with a Turbo!

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  little white ice cream truck - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By SikesPros - September 7 - 6:12 pm

  drives excellent,tires keep going low,nice quiet smooth ride...easy handling..nice stock stereo,cmfo seats,adjustable armrest.

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  My Little HHR - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Paul - September 7 - 3:08 pm

  I really like this little car. Good MPG close to 30 just knocking around. So far no problems. The seats are too high, you can not adjust the electric seat low enough. I have LT2 loaded but no sunroof. I needed the extra head room. Will see if it holds up. I want this car to work out for us

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  Trim is plastic that breaks easy - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By plastic crap - September 3 - 11:44 am

  Glove box on top of dash, made of all plastic, button broke plastic screw holders and they call it trim work. must replace entire box which in 2008 was $250. Inside door handles are made of plastic and break off in your hand when opening the doors from the inside. though the broken piece is less than a 3 oz piece of circular plastic. The dealer says to fix. You must purchase a entire new door. I was quoted $468 dollars to replace with (another entire door with a plastic handle which will just break again) x 4 doors is crazy and not covered under any of the warrentees they sold me. will not buy another chevy.

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By nick6222 - September 1 - 6:41 pm

  I bought my HHR with 34000 miles on it the only problem i have had is the a/c it makes a funny noise when on but other than that it is great.

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  Great Ride - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Tony Spallina - August 29 - 6:50 pm

  I love my HHR and I am glad I bought it. I usually go for performance vehicles.Other then the lack of horsepower, it is a great ride. Someday I can picture myself making a Hot Rod out of it.

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  family second driver - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By mr.m - August 24 - 12:16 pm

  Just purchased used hhr as second vehicle for the family. So far we are enjoying it. Have spent some money on performance upgrades and a set of wheels (had to get rid of those ugly hub caps) now my son doesnt call it lame looking any more. Could use some help in the interior though. Needs the center arm rests located a little higher so you can place a cup in the holder without having to raise the arm rest and it would also make it a little more comfortable. Please keep up the good work in the design of cool looking little economy cars. Not those lame looking hybribs (prius) that the competition makes.

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  Needed new engine ay 71,00 miles - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By WCS_in_SM - August 22 - 12:15 pm

  Updates "Smooth Ride" 7/22/09. 1,000 city miles after new oil cooler, HHR overheated, towed back to Rydell in Van Nuys. No compression. Diagnosis: head gasket, cost $3000, estimated 4 days in shop. Week later, still in shop, they said the engine block was cracked, needs new engine, cost $6,000, ready five days later. So $1,100 for the oil cooler and service and $6,000 for the engine. Wish I had bought a 100,000 mile warranty. HHR is well maintained, mostly L.A. city driving. Only possible explanation for block cracking is quarterly 800 mile round trip at 75-80 mph. Too much for 4 cyl engine? Would not buy another American car without long warranty.

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  Cute and eyecatching, easy to drive... - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By HHRFan - August 17 - 9:01 am

  My 2008 HHR LS is an eye catcher in "orange". Black interior is neat, stays clean looking longer than lighter colors. All controls super easy to use, air, radio, windows, etc.. Fuel economy not as good as advertised but okay. The 2.2 engine is fine around the city but you have to stomp the gas pedal when pulling on to the highway, that is a disappointment, would have liked the larger engine, we learn from our mistakes. Large, easy open tailgate, storage area a big plus, so easy to load and unload. Cabin is pretty quiet, as is the engine..so far...we live in hope. All in all, I do like the vehicle, would recommend for the price, but go to GOOD dealer, dont get ripped off as I did!

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  06 HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By JENNIFER - August 16 - 11:06 am

  This has been a pretty good vehicle so far. Just had some electrical problems. The design of the rear doors is not very good. Road grime keeps the paint peeled off back there. Rides and handles very good. Fuel mileage is acceptable. Not a replacement for the minivan, if you have a few kids. Especially small children that require a child seat. One seat takes all the space. With the folding seats, you can haul quite a bit of cargo.