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:

• 

  fantastic family car - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By kmak - April 13 - 11:10 am

  Great vehicle for a small family. We traded in a grocery-getter mini van for the HHR, and havent looked back for a second. Stylish and fun to drive, with quite a few modern options, plus plenty of room. I like the mix of classic chevy style combined with modern technology. Very smooth, solid ride. No problems to mention except an issue with the drivers power lock and the brakes are noisy. As far as day to day use and performance, this vehicle is a big success. The back seats lay flat in about 3 seconds and you can haul a ton of stuff as a result. We tackled a yard sale a couple weeks back and had no issues cramming this car of stuff we needed to sell. Kids love it.

• 

  A nice ride - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By stevo3364 - April 11 - 4:03 pm

  The HHR is very stylish, versatile and fun to drive. Its retro look makes it different than most other cars on the road. The HHR is great on gas and has some good giddyup for a 4 cylinder

• 

  poor body integrity - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By joni - April 8 - 8:34 am

  I really love to drive my HHR LT, but the exterior body has gotten really bad. I live on a gravel road and the the rims are flaking off and I have absolutely no paint left in front of my rear wheel wells. It is starting to rust all ready and I have under 28,000 miles on it. Took it back to dealer at under 10,000 miles and they really didnt care. Have replaced the sway bar links already too. Just a cheap car. Gas mileage should be better than 25 average, but its not. Bad handling in winter conditions also should be noted.

• 

  What a Bargain. - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Bob - April 7 - 6:47 pm

  I have been considering an HHR for a couple of years because of the bang for the buck, its versatility, and its great fuel mileage. This year, I took the plunge, and sold a Lexus IS 250 AWD for the HHR. Its a great vehicle, and for the money it cant be beat. The ride is smooth, the cabin quiet, and the build quality superb. I took it on a 3 hour trip and found it to be every bit as comfortable as the Lexus. I also have a business, and the HHRs cargo capacity is what I was really searching for. It is a shame more people havent discovered the great value the HHR is. I still cant believe I got this car on the road, after rebates, for under $15,000.

• 

  New ride - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Scott - April 3 - 6:23 am

  I have had my HHR for about 3 months now. I drive a 3.5 hour commute twice per week, and enjoy driving my hot rod every time. It moves right along, and gets great mileage. When Im home, it moves kids and dogs great too.

• 

  New HHR Review - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Ceil Johnson - April 3 - 5:16 am

  HHR is a nice looking car and I have all the bells and whistles. However, it is short on power and when the sunroof is open, it makes too much noise. The insulation in the car where the open hood is, insulation is coming out. For the MSRP, the car is cheaply made and overpriced. Too much plastic inside vehicle, mirrors are not lighted and the side panels are cheaply made.

• 

  Say No With Snow... - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By New Owner HHR - April 1 - 8:45 am

  We just purchased this HHR my husband wanted to look at one and I thought I would humor him when I got in OK it was fun. So I told him ok. Got it home and the next day it snowed. Well I went to pick my son up at the school and when I stopped at a light everything from the roof slid down onto the windshield total whiteout couldnt see anything(so make sure to brush off roof in the snow) But anyways this thing does not handle well in snow or slush took alot to control it it wanted to slide all over the place I found myself driving extra slow. Pretty sure I ticked people off behind me. I think If you lived in a warmer state with no SNOW this would be a nice ride BUT NO to SNOW...

• 

  GREAT LITTLE ROCK - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By corky - March 28 - 2:29 pm

  Love the darn thing so far. Have had no problems and get great mileage in and out of town. Bought it used and would buy another. Kept the suburban for the heavy hauling. We call it our little burb.

• 

  Practical, Fun and Stylish (for some) - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By 87silver - March 28 - 8:41 am

  I bought an HHR because I need a practical vehicle with good gas mileage. For those who like the 40s chopped top hot rod look, the HHR hits the mark and surely is set apart from its Asian counterparts. I see the hard surfaces in the interior as a virtue, since my kids always come back muddy from bicycle sports events and its durable as easy to clean for this purpose. I opted for the SS version that was engineered by GM Performance Division. It handles like a sports car and has the acceleration of a rocket. My experience with actual fuel mileage is about 27.5mpg for combined 70/30 hwy/city with the 2.0L Turbo. Im very happy with my HHR SS and it fits my specific transportation needs well.

• 

  Im buying american again - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Bruce - March 24 - 8:32 pm

  The HHR has turned me back were I should be buying American. This vehicle is a lot of fun to drive and some of my co-workers also own HHRs and they just love them. I have a SS and the power is great and I did not have to give up great gas mileage. The HHR is a keeper I am proud to own a chevy and my next car will be a chevy. Thanks for building a car I can be proud of and Love to drive.