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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  So Far, So Good - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By AZhhrOwner - March 8 - 3:20 am

  Ive had my HHR for a few days and put a couple hundred miles on it so far. I just got back from 6 hours of driving around in Phoenix traffic, and Im pretty happy. The ride is fairly smooth, the seats are comfortable, and the stock sound system is great when playing CDs and okay on radio, but the antenna seems weak. Its got enough power to safely merge into Phoenix freeway traffic, not an easy feat as the average in town speed is somewhere around 80 - 85 mph. Its no racecar, but it is peppy and fun to drive. I also enjoy all the stares from people trying to figure out if its a PT Cruiser or what? If the Phoenix market is any indicator, the HHR is gonna be a hot seller.

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  sweeeet ss - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By elcaminoman - March 4 - 7:11 pm

  Our first new car was a great choice. Has been fun to own. Rides smooth and quiet. The blue splash is flashy. Sporty yet large enough for cargo. Maneuvers easy. We have 10,000. Miles on it and are very satisfied.

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  Fell out of Love...FAST!!! - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By bowtiegirl - March 1 - 9:40 am

  We absolutely loved our HHR Panel LT with its retro design. White with floor boards, heated leather seats, etc... Before the cowl seal leak that flooded the passenger side floor board and soaked the carpet with 3+ inches of rain water. It was fixed according to the local Chevy service department under warranty but, who knows? will it leak again? the thought of another rain water leak makes me sick! Fell out of love fast!

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  My Late Life Crisis - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Dan B - March 1 - 9:17 am

  I was looking for a vehicle that had most of the room of my Saturn Vue, and a style that would excite me. The HHR is perfect. It has a sporty feel, accommodates the weekend chores, and is generally fun to drive. I knew what I was buying so I have no complaints about the limited view or the cupholders. The first thing my passengers and I noted is that its a solid car feel. I plan to enjoy my new toy!

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  Fun Car - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Reb - February 26 - 6:52 pm

  This is the first Chevy I ever bought new and I am quite happy with it. It is fun to drive, great looks and flexible. I got it with the running boards and roof rack it finishes of the car. The ride is much better then I anticipated.

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  Ups and Downs - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By trafficgoo - February 25 - 5:30 pm

  Well, the car was great to begin with until we started having problems. Ive had the car 7 months now and Im on my 3rd problem. Had a fuel pump problem, the rear door hatch stopped working so you couldnt get the hatch open. No key entry on the hatch itself, stupid idea, and now problems with the turn signals. Im ready to dump it.

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  2006 HHR 2TL - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By normal19 - February 25 - 1:20 am

  This is the first FWD 4 cylinder car I have ever purchased. Not disappointed at all. My wife drives 80% of the time on HWY. I drive other 20% of time hard. Love the way it handles on turns (FWD). Theres no such thing as too much HP. But not disappointed either by 173 HP. So far 50,000 miles and have been to dealer very few times.

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  My Favorite Ride! - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Lippy - February 16 - 8:53 pm

  Actually fell for this car first time I saw it. Been waiting a few years for GM to work out the bugs in it. I love it, and is just fun to drive. Gas mileage great, and enjoy driving the 5-speed manual for a change. Love the retro body style!

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  A rare HHR, loaded with a manual! - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Chris - February 12 - 11:54 pm

  After a year of ownership - my complaints are few. I had a convertible before - but needed a practical car. The HHR fits the bill to a tee! It consistently gets mileage in the 30s, with the 2.4 liter and the 5 speed manual, the car is quite responsive. I wish the car had traction control (since corrected), I hate the cup holders and the window switch location (also since fixed) All in all - this car is for an active person who doesnt want their car to look like everything else on the road.

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  HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By ? - February 10 - 5:30 pm

  I like the HHR for the size of the car which is just a smaller SUV, and the height of the seat is great since you dont have to stoop down to get in the car or pull yourself up and out of the car. I am getting great gas mileage even though I havent put 300 miles on the car yet. I am having a problem with the lock feature....when it locks up I havent learned how to unlock that feature without getting the owners manual out and reading it again. Yet what the book says I am not grasping so I just play with the push buttons on the lock and eventually I get the car to turn on.