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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  HHR 2006 LT - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Jesse - July 26 - 1:06 am

  We fell in love when we saw it on the internet.The first Chevy dealer we went to knew nothing about the HHR and told us they were new and that was about it.We decided to go to a different dealership. Walked onto the lot and found our beautiful HHR just off the truck, We could hardly wait to get it home.Ours has all the bells and whistle and we purchased a Lo-jack .added mud flaps and a bra.We took it on vacation and had a blast. People asked to sit in it and were amazde at the room it has.We have had it since 2/06 with only one problem with the power booster on the breaks.We are considering buying another HHR in the future,

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  HHR Just got it - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By JoeSki - July 25 - 1:54 pm

  I have my New HHR for about a month, and I really like to drive it. I LOVE the look of it- cool, different. I find the car fun to drive. It is NOT a luxury vehicle, and I did not expect it to be, especially at the bargain prices it is going for. I just wanted a fun second family car that the two of us could use, or fir more in the back if needed. So far, I love it.

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  Great car, but surprised by rust - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By DavB - July 23 - 10:32 am

  What a great car. Have driving many rental HHRs, so buying one what a no brainer. Love the fuel mileage and the car is really comfortable. I was taking back by rust forming in 3 of the 5 doors. Both front doors and the hatch back door formed rust on the bottom inside edge. The car is only 8 months old and only has 11000 miles on it.

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  Smooth ride - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By WCS_in_SM - July 22 - 8:53 pm

  The 2006 HHR LT has a smooth ride and is comfortable for driver and passenger on long freeway trips. We have leather with electric driver seat. Seat heaters are nice in winter, even in So. Cal. Ours needed a $1,100 oil cooler repair at 70,000 miles. Stereo works well. Odd placement of cup holders and window controls.

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  Its a personal choice - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By elmoresblues - July 16 - 3:48 pm

  For me, this was a great buy. Sure, I could have bought a much better car, but not at anywhere near this price (2008 used , 11k miles, under $12g). I have a bad lower back but I can adjust the drivers seat so that Im comfortable for hours. Mileage is good. Gauge placement is excellent (in my previous sedan, no matter how I adjusted the steering wheel, I couldnt see the speedometer). MP3 connection is a lifesaver on long trips. Visibility could be better. Only 3 cup holders, but I have 5 kids — I cant encourage drinking in the car. I also cant encourage them leaving their belongings, so I enjoy the absence of a storage console. And when Im alone, I can enjoy a quiet ride.

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  2006 HHR chevrolet - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By timothy kozak - July 16 - 3:46 pm

  Very smooth quiet ride,fit and finish very good for a G.M. car, lots of cargo space, great electronics, attractive retro design, recommend the 2LT version, which has bigger engine,stiffer suspension,and other goodies such as automatic with ABS and traction control. Also recommend larger 17 wheels with performance tires and leather seating. Cons, as the New York Times point out, needs a little more power at low end and better corning performance.They also did not like the brakes,but they seem good to me. Also power windows located in an inconvient section in front of gear shift and do not light up at night making them hard to find.All and all a neat little car that is wonderful on the road!

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  Well Thought Out - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By NAVYSSDV - July 14 - 3:58 am

  Has a good road feel and drives well, predictable, positive handling. Mileage around 27 winter and 31+ in the warmer months. Avgd over 35 on a 1000+ mile road trip last summer. Nice smooth powerband but 2.2 wont snap your head back on inclines. Utility is well designed with the plastic floor and sides, rear seats that fold flat. Rear seat leg room adequate, comfortable. Drivers leg room a little narrow but sliding the seat back helps. Telescoping wheel would be a good overall remedy for this. Engine is nice if you do you own basic maint. Oil changes a snap with that top load filter, plugs easy access, fluid fillers, like that. Good daily runner. Economical, practical, comfy.

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  Great Family Car - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Nate - July 10 - 12:59 pm

  I bought the car as we had a new baby on the way, and it is great. The car can fit a 10ft ladder, a car seat with baby, my wife, and more cargo with room to spare. All of this in a car that isnt any longer than my Dodge Neon. Its a perfect fit for a mid height person like myself, not so good if you are over 6 ft. though. The instant fuel mpg reading is great for changing your driving habits to be fuel efficient. The best part though is that it is a fuel efficient family wagon that looks really, really cool. I could cruise in my HHR for hours and hours.

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  The mystery igniton problem! - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Robert Reynolds - July 10 - 1:05 am

  The HHR gets great mileage on long trips about 33mpg, however mine is a manual transmission. The interior needs more cup holders there are only three right down the center console. So with that said there are two in the front and only one in the back for rear passengers. This is a very fun car to drive and is very soild like a truck but rides like a car.

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  enjoy your hhr today !! - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By e.n. beatty[canada] - July 8 - 3:45 pm

  A BASIC hhr with a 5spd and a2.2, no traction control, no abs just a plain maroon colored 4door fun car that runs on reg. Gas and gives me a true 30 mpg in the city. Replaced oil with full synthetic and a k&n air filter. Bought it new right off the truck, has 16,000 miles and one visit to the dealer. The hhr has done exactly what I want. It handles great at 75 mph with no wavering behind the big rigs. The steering is sharp and precise however the torque steer is a brute. Behind the driver the available space is amazing. The build quality is on the hi side of good and the paint job was excellent. Overall Im pleased and oh yes I drive it hard and fast no slakkin in the sun. Gas, clutch, gone.