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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  Covert Onstar Snoop - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Ray - August 15 - 9:30 am

  Chevy has done a very good job in the design of this vehicle, but once again the powers that be has has sullied this otherwise fine car. I am mainly referring to Onstar. They claim that the microphone bug in car will not be turned unless the air bag is deployed, and being able to track the cars location within 90 feet (only if a stolen police report is filed, they claim) leaves much to be desired. Is it possible that someone could payoff an Onstar Employee to track or turn on the onboard mike without drivers knowledge. I believe so. Per Chevy dealer I have disconnected the mike and 4 of the 5 plug ins to Onstar box. One needed to start car, but can the vehicle still be tracked?

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  Happy Haughty Respectable - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Tim - August 15 - 12:43 am

  From the first time I saw an HHR on the road I wanted one. Now the proud owner of a bright orange eye catcher, I can tool around town in style and hit the open road with pride. After six kids and 22 years of marriage i finally found the car / suv that the kids like and my wife wants to drive more than me. My recomendation; buy one. Heck... buy two.

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  2007 hhr - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By ford - August 12 - 3:04 pm

  I have had my HHR since November 2008 bought it used with 32,000 miles came with 12,000 bumper to bumper warranty from chevy. The dealership will lie to keep from doing anything under warranty. My wipers have quit repeatedly during rain storms. I make an appointment to get it seen to and they lie and say they checked it out but didnt. I have two recalls for my car but the dealership wont even schedule me to get the repairs done. says I dont really need them. the car did not come with runnerboards or mud flaps so every time you drive anywhere near gravel it flies up the side of my car and skins the paint in front of the back door and the warranty doesnt take care of that either

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  back in the day - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Dewey - August 9 - 2:23 pm

  only drawback that Ive had is seeing through the front windshield stopped at traffic lights looking up at light. other than that love the car as my 2nd car run around.

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  I love this car - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Jonothan P. Walker - August 9 - 7:26 am

  When I purchased this vehicle, I had an Avalanche Z71. Gas had just topped $3.19 per gallon and the truck was absorbing most of my disposable income. When I saw the HHR, I didnt know what to think. The price was reasonable. The truck was comfortable. The milage was supurb. Im a large person over six feet tall and 280. This car had pep and blew my mind when I first took it for a road trip. I had a full load of cargo and two people. This car hit passing gear at 85mph and left everything behind. The ride is smooth and quiet. I dont know what the critics may say, but in the last year, I have seen this car explode on the market. Lets have a lot of fun!

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  coffin - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By linda sheppard - August 7 - 6:43 am

  As soon as the HHR came out I wanted one. The old saying be careful of what you wish for you might get it sure applies to this. Loved the looks of the HHR. But it feels like you are in a coffin. I have only had Mine three weeks, am still driving my ford focus(2001) Will try to sell the HHr and buy something else. Im an older lady who should have taken more time. will buy another focus as soon as I can sell this. Please take time to really get the feel of this vehicle before buying.

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  My Little Red Wagon - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Jody Porretta - August 4 - 3:12 pm

  I just purchased my new 2009 HHR LS thanks to the cash for clunker program and so far I just love this I dont know whether to call it a car, truck,wagon. Mine is red with a 5 speed stick and it is so much fun to drive. I can throw all the kids and dogs in and away we go. I am so happy to own this.........

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  Great Fun, Great Price - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Tom - August 3 - 3:26 am

  What a fun, economical car. I have the automatic with 2.4L engine. Plenty of power with plenty of space. Im a large guy (I shop at the Big @ Tall) and I am very comfortable. I also comfortably haul my 2 teens around. Flexibility for cargo is also great. Fuel economy after 2000 miles is better than advertised on the window sticker.

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  Lovin it! - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Jim Sanchez - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I didnt like the HHR when it hit the road. I went with a friend to help him buy a car and test drove the HHR. 2 hours later I was driving out with it. He bought also. Great car! I bought the LT with the 2.4 engine.

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  Towable - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By rbowen - July 27 - 4:13 am

  Its towable and moderate weight for towing. The towbar fits nicely with no body modification, just fasten the bolts onto the frame. With the seats down, it can convert to a cargo carrier. Dont have very many miles, as yet, but what I have, Im impressed!