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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  A Blast to Drive - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Jake D - May 26 - 4:02 pm

  Recently bought my 2006 2LT and almost immediately took it on a 2,000 mile road trip. I highly recommend springing the extra $$$ for a LT w/sunroof. First, this vehicle is a blast to drive it took the switchbacks of Yosemite 20 mph over the speed limit (yes, Im bad) with no problem whatsoever. Fuel economy on the trip, which involve A LOT of mountain roads between CA and OR was 28.8mpg The negatives: I really dont mind the cup holders that others mention, but I do not like the type and quality of the materials used in the interior, pretty much all hard/cheap plastics, not worthy of this car. Im also already having to take it in to have the brakes looked at. Love this vehicle though.

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  A SURPRISE OF A CAR !! - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By DENWIN - May 24 - 8:31 pm

  I am an old guy that loves cars. Just gave up a Oldsmobile Aurora for an HHR. Who does this? I needed some gas mileage but we vacation a good bit, being retired. This little bugger is amazing! It corners like it is on rails, is very comfortable to ride in, its cool cause you dont seem like an old guy! The 250 amp Pioneer 7 speaker stereo on XM Rocks! it has every feature my Aurora had except memory seats and ride leveler. I did buy the larger engine 2.4 which comes in the 2LT. I almost wish I would have gotten the Super Sport, but this engine is great.Go buy one--Im in Florida though---no more Ohio snow!

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  My Mob Car - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Jessica - May 20 - 10:16 am

  We love this car. The design reminds me of the old style mob car and we get several looks and compliments whenever we are out. It runs wonderfully and the gas mileage is really good. We are getting about 30 miles a gallon. The inside is perfect for just going out and running errands, but is also great for hauling and the back trunk is perfect for traveling with your dog. I would recommend this car to anyone that is interested in it.

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  It serves its purpose - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Irv Goldberg - May 13 - 11:57 pm

  I started shopping for a roomy vehicle that i could afford and could afford to run. I didnt have the need for speed or a handling package since most of the work the car would be doing would be on the interstate. With the HHR I feel I hit the transportation jackpot. I regularly fit a string bass, 2 amps, several guitars, a sax or 2 and three humans inside fairly comfortably. Over the life of the car so far, I am AVERAGING 29.9 mph. Fully loaded on the hiway Ive never done worse than 33.5 mph. Splitting the gas 3 ways at todays gas prices, that works out to about 2 cents/mile. The HHR is quiet, comfortable and very reliable. Easy to drive, a great turning radius and very easy to park.

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  Black HHR-LT - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By mihhr - May 13 - 11:10 pm

  Great choice for a light utility hauler. Gets lots of notice/approval from other drivers. Its a fun little wagon. I transport boxes of training materials, projector screens, and other odd size cargo. The HHR is exactly what I need.

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  You can tell its a Chevy..... - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Big Patrick - May 13 - 10:31 pm

  Bought my 07 HHR new in 2007. By the time 2008 rolled around it was worth about 10K less than the sticker price on a trade. The car was much better built then my 2004 Cavalier...but that does not say much. In my 20 months of ownership I had multiple electrical issues, suspension problems and fuel mileage down to under 23mpg consistently. It looks more spacious then it really is. I would be more likely to recommend this vehicle as a used car....dont get suckered in to buying a new one because it drops in value sooooooo quick you cant get your dollars worth out of it before it will be off the road. My summary: Decent car, dont forget that you are buying a Chevy and it will cost you!

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  Will buy another one! - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Robbin - May 9 - 11:10 am

  I love my HHR! Ive had it just over two years and it has a little over 20,000 miles on it. I havent had any major problems with it. I did have some brake squeak when it was new and that was fixed. I still get compliments on my HHR. Most people are surprised when they get in at how much room it has. Especially when I haul something in the back, they never think it will fit and it surprises them when it does! I get great gas mileage 30-33 on the highway and 25-30 in town, it just depends on how big a hurry Im in! My Mom is considering an HHR for her next vehichle.

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  Love my 07 HHR - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By JUDY - May 9 - 12:10 am

  I love my new HHR better than my former vans, VW Bug and SUV. The first road trip we got 35 MPH. There is plenty of leg room in the back seat if the front seats are pushed back for taller riders.

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  This is why I always end up with a GM - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By CanadaEh? - May 8 - 3:13 am

  Ive owned since June 2006. I drive approx 40,000km a year in an almost equal mix of city/highway and average about 8.1L/100KM or 28.9MPG which is fantastic. On the highway, cruise set to 110km/hr I get about 34MPG and consistently over 840km to a tank. The most Ive seen is 890. My car is the top level 2LT with all available options except OnStar. The 2.4L is really smooth, dont feel any vibration at idle or at traffic lights. It has a great MP3 player with Pioneer sound thats loud and clear, and is so technologically advanced. The driver info center is all configurable and programmable to your language and tastes. Remote start is great! So are the very warm heated seats.

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  Update to "Great Vehicle" - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Justin - May 4 - 3:06 pm

  I have now owned my HHR for 2 years and can provide an update. I am still very satisfied with the purchase. I get through my daily routine - and then some - without guzzling too much gas. I turn a few heads when the wheels are shined and the windows are down (which is always fun). One thing to note before I go on with my details: the American product is now AT LEAST as good as any foreign product. Take my HHR for example. Potential buyer, be advised... look at the reports!