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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  Love my HHR - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Mr. Wood - April 30 - 10:35 am

  Ive owned over 15 new years in my life and this is the first one that has absolutely no defects whatever. I just past my 36,000 mile warranty and no issues. The car is fun to drive, holds a ton of stuff, gets really good mileage (I routinely get 30 mpg city/highway mix), and the quality is what Chevrolet should be doing with all their cars. Tight, solid, no squeaks. The paint is as shiny as when new. Tires wear evenly. Transmission shifts smoothly and acceleration is more than adequate for a small engine. I wish the resale value were a bit higher but heck, I m not selling it so I suppose it doesnt matter that much.

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  Colorado Dutch - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Dutch - April 27 - 11:22 pm

  The hhr is wonderful on mpg ( 34 on road) 27 in town. Made several long trips. Ride is not the best a little stuff but road ability is fine. Space good for 4 adults and 5 good size bags. Interior is tight for a 230# 6-3 man. The auto is excellent for city driving easy parking turning and good space behind 2nd. Seat. It would be a wonderful car for mother conducting her duties. Not fancy but simple operations.

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  Go ahead, get one! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Perry - April 27 - 11:06 am

  The wife says it is "Zippy" but I like to keep the revs down and the MPG up (32 on the highway, 25 average). There are no lights in the glove box and I cannot turn on the dome light from the front. Also only one cup holder in the back & seating for 3.(!) Not near enough storage for stuff like CDs. Love having the 6disk MP3 player for *hours* of mucic. Moon roof is cool as is the little spoiler the wife had to have. Running boards get in the way when getting out though they look cool. (I think I would opt to not have them.) Very quiet ride and smoooth ride! Overall great car but needs more (better) storage solution.

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  Glad I switched. - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Dean - April 25 - 6:12 pm

  I bought my HHR in Jan 09 and am really happy with the vehicle. Ive had a truck for years, but was really unhappy with the mileage that I was getting and with the price of gas I had to make a change. The look of the car and the room that it has attracted me as well. I can get all my stuff in there. I know its not a truck, so Ill be putting a hitch on for a trailer. The fit and finish are good with mostly hard plastic inside, which is easy to clean up. The electronics are great as well. What else can I say, I love my HHR!!!

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  First American Car Purchase - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Dennis - April 24 - 10:23 pm

  This is the first American car I have ever purchased and I am extremely happy with it. It drives and rides so smoothly and I took it on my first long trip recently. I have been getting great gas mileage, 30 to be exact.

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  Wifes Pride and Joy - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Ben - April 24 - 5:00 pm

  I had to talk my wife into getting a new set of wheels. Cars never were her thing. Now, she cant wait to find an excuse to drive somewhere. I drive an 04 Nissan Murano, and she calls it my "old mans car." I must say that the few times she has allowed me to drive her loaded HHR 2LT I have been impressed, and thats saying a lot from a guy who hasnt owned an American car in 17 years. I love everything about this car. It handles beautifully, has plenty of pep and gets great gas mileage. I wouldnt hesitate recommending this car to anyone.

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  Zippity zoomer. - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Clyde - April 22 - 11:55 pm

  I sold my 2005 Ram to get this little cutie as I had seen them around town. I miss the big V-8 power and sound, but the little 4 has its own punch. To date I have not spent 40.00 to fill it up. The Ram would hit nearly 100.00. I still dont get the one power drivers seat when the passenger should have a choice as well. Also the down low center cup holders are a bit inconvenient, but over all this is a pretty fun vehicle. Love the sun roof, and IPOD connection. Oh yeah, I hope they move the window buttons back to the doors where they belong, and also put lower door lock knobs to fit flush with the door. Runs good so far, and it feels lie a pretty tough engine.

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  Fun - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By bobs card house - April 22 - 7:05 pm

  14 months 18000 Miles. LT2 w/2.4L engine. Most fun Ive had in 35 years. Demoed the 2.2 bought the 2.4 engine. Stronger engine, fatter tires, tighter suspension made it a completely different vehicle. It loves to be driven. Average economy about 27, trips yield 35. Hard plastic door panels make it easy to knock WI snow off shoes. Installed new "studless snow tires" all around and winter traction and handling were nearly as good as summer time. Im 62" and I cant sit in ANY car with a sunroof.

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  Better than PT cruiser - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By KEVIN - April 21 - 8:05 pm

  I owned two cruisers but like the HHR even more. Tenn to NY got 35 mph when its still brand new. Love the center compartment! Love the DIC, especially the instant mileage. Didnt think I would ever want XM but it is great (has old time radio and real 50s music). I look for reasons to drive places. No problems with vision. I use the front opening for coffee holder, works great. Im glad I waited for the 2009.

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  Amazed by a GM - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By pooder - April 17 - 3:40 am

  I purchased this vehicle strictly for comfort as I am 6 tall. I found it to have the most creature comforts for the money, and, its just plain old fun to drive.