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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  Back in black and no windows - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Dennis L - July 8 - 7:50 am

  A head turner youd think I have the only black panel hhr in NE ohio. I put custom black wheels on it and that is it. Everyone has something positive to say about it everywhere I happen to park. A friend at work bought one a week after seeing mine. Nuff said there, contagious I say! I have to admit I first only bought because I nailed the price. The dealership didnt even fill my tank! I stole it and really didnt care that the only gas left was what I had put in it for my test drive. I dont use cheap gas anyway in my cars (there is a difference in performance), I dont care what you drive. So the HHR has won me over and the vehicle is perfect for my horse duties, the truck stays put.

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  Super car - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Bill - July 7 - 4:17 pm

  Drove to Atlanta and back, was quiet, comfortable, and got almost 32MPG average with 200 miles on the clock! I am so impressed with all the safety features, standard equipment, the style and comfort for a small vehicle. I rate it up with my old M-B 190 and C 220 for comfort and solidity.

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  Great car! - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Happy Owner - July 7 - 7:55 am

  Ive had my LT2 for about five months. I drive it mostly back and forth to work (no freeways) and average 27mpg! I took a couple 300 mile freeway trips and got about 33mpg.

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  Our HHR - Great Car! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Dave - July 7 - 5:56 am

  It was my wifes decision to buy this car. She purchased the 2006 Red Spring Edition package. As we also have a Trailblazer, I felt that she could have the HHR and Id keep driving the TB. Ive never been able to convince myself that I could get by with 4 cylinders having grown up in the muscle car age group. But, weve parked the TB in the garage and have driven the HHR 99% of the time! I was wrong about owning a 4 banger as this car has proven to me time and time again. Dont settle for the 2.2 engine, to sluggish! Buy the 2.4 with 175hp! It is quite zippy! Our HHR still has people turning their heads when we drive by and others stop us to ask questions about it. Buy one! Youll like it!

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  Satisfied - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Kim - July 2 - 10:50 am

  I have had my used HHR which by the way I just found out means: Heritage High Roof for 13 months. It does have a high roof but you cant see out the windshield very good at a red light. All in all I really like the car, (I hope I am not jinxing myself) the other members of my family always want to drive my car instead of their own. My mother can get in and out of it with no problem (which is a problem in other cars). I have always owned a van and at first I thought WOW how small, but I just went on a camping trip and was able to get everything in comfortably. I wish it had roof racks though. I have recommended this car to friends and family because of the price and reliability so far.

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  4 Days Later - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Mary Beth - June 30 - 3:46 pm

  I received my HHR on a Friday and was just starting to explore all the features when 4 days later on Tuesday, a gentleman ran a stop sign and I hit him going about 30-35 miles per hour. It was a very scary few minutes. I never even had time to hit the brake. No one was severely injured. I got out of my vehicle and walked away with only the injury from the seatbelt. The air bag also went off. The windshield never broke. There was no damaged from the front seats to the back of the vehicle. The front end took the whole impact of the crash. My truck was totaled though. It only had 345 miles on it. With the 5 star safety rating and my proof of it, Ill be buying another HHR.

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  Came back home - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By cubbie - June 30 - 12:00 pm

  I have gotten nothing but compliments about my HHR. Being a Car Guy, I had been looking for an old car to restore. Didnt have to. I found the old style I was looking for in a brand new (had to be black) HHR. Once I test drove it, knew that I had to have one. Was disappointed when the one I was originally looking at got sold from under me. Got the next one off the truck (literally). I heard at the dealership that a lot of PT Cruiser owners were trading in their cars for new HHRs. I dont blame them. Thank you Chevrolet for thinking a little out of the box.

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  Go America Always - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Marvin L. Harvey - June 23 - 5:06 pm

  I really like the color. Heads turn when I drive by. My fuel economy is the greatest. I can park anywhere in small spaces and the acceleration is outstanding. The quietness is great as well as the CD audio. The surround sound is beautiful. I like the buttons on the steering wheel and all the features it displays.

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  All frosting- no cake - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Fritzo2162 - June 23 - 9:42 am

  The HHR looks sharp on the outside. Nice curves, cool retro looks, good paint. However, the inside looks like something out of a 1980s era car. Cheap foam plastic that scratches easily covers every inch of the cabin. The standard stereo puts the speakers on the floor, so it sounds muddy. Windshield is very small, so your field of view is a bit limited. The sunroof works well and the controls for it are well placed. Theres also a handy in-dash storage space that holds an IPod, GPS, sunglasses, etc. There are three poorly places cup holders (which makes a trip in a car build for 4 interesting), back seat is very cramped.

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  Road trip to California - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By John in AZ - June 15 - 9:53 pm

  We purchased our 2009 HHR SS in March in anticipation of a vacation trip to Californias wine country in June. We just got back to Arizona. What a blast in the HHR! The car easily achieved 400 miles or more per tankful of gas. Cruising out to LA and coming back on I- 10, the car averaged 29.5 MPG doing 80 MPH. Driving up the coast through Big Sur, the car handled great on the curves and up the hills. When we needed to pass slower cars on the single lane roads it was great to downshift into 4th, punch the accelerator, feel the turbo kick in, and pass the slower car like it was standing still. After spending 8 days and 2100 miles in the car, we are ready to go again!