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:

• 

  Must hve runing boards - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Corey Cox - January 18 - 2:07 am

  I love my HHR. I do a lot of driving and it is great for long trips. The sound is very nice and the 2 selling points for me are the curves and the leg/head room. I am 6 foot 2 and have no problems at all. I love to keep it waxed but I do not have running boards and due to the design the front tires kicks up stones and gravel to the point that the paint is destroyed infront of the rear tires. Chevy repainted it once but did not offer to put on the running boards. I am not happy that i have to sell it but it does not drive very well in the snow! I have to get a 4x4.

• 

  2009 Chevrolet HHR LS1 4 spd. auto - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By McM - January 16 - 1:09 am

  Just got the HHR 3 wks ago, fun to drive, handles nicely. Good fuel mileage for not being broke in yet, 22 mpg in town, 31 on Interstate, also uses Flexifuel. Comfortable seats with lots of leg room in the front, havent been in the back yet. Back seats fold down completely flat for a full hauling area and front pass seat folds down also. Rear storage underneath back hatch area above the spare tire door. Stereo is nice with lots of optional functions & MP3/iPod/Sat., plays MP3 or WMA CDs also. 1 yr of free OnStar is a great thing to have also & 3 mo. of Sat radio. Personal options digital display setup on dash. Auto on/off headlights, Remote Vehicle Start to 200 ft. (we love it!)

• 

  HHR is my last American car ever - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By norm - January 14 - 7:22 pm

  Ive owned 16 American cars. Really felt patroitic about buying them until I got sucker punched with the HHR. The drivers window does not roll down in the cold. The drivers door does not open from the inside. The headlight required a body shop to replace. The headlights turn off when I make a rt hand turn. The air filter involves 13 steps to replace. The air and oil filter were dealer only parts the first year I owned the car. The rear lights are not normal, and Ive been rear ended twice. Im ready to trade it in for a Yaris.

• 

  Chevy got it right! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By WILLIAM R. JACKSON - January 8 - 7:10 pm

  I have had at least a hundred people comment on seeing my car. Wow! We love how it looks! What is it! Its the best car Ive ever had! Im 80 years young and Ive had a lot of cars! My wife has a bad back and we were looking for great seating. Well we found it! Just open the door turn around and place your posterior in the seat! All you seniors listen this is a great car! Many amenities. Someone at Chevy finally got it right!

• 

  You get what you pay for - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Murgatriyd - January 8 - 12:07 pm

  Serves its purpose for my wifes business. Very good cargo room with the seats folded down. Decent interior room. We looked at everything in that class that was under 20 thousand and this seemed like the best.

• 

  Room, Comfort, and Economy - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Spencer - January 6 - 12:00 pm

  Before buying, I drove a Nissian Versa and a KIA Rondo. I found the HHR to be more comfortable, handle and ride better, be more responsive, and very close on fuel economy. I am very satisfied with my purchase and have gotten 34+ mpg on the highway with A/C operating. I also feel the little wagon handles like a big car.

• 

  2008 HHR LT - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Big Dog - January 3 - 11:58 pm

  Since Purchase have put 8K on with no issues at all. 2LT Pkg great and radio with upgraded speakers is very good. Car comfortable but I will never get used to the window buttons in the middle console! 17 inch tires great on dry pavement/wet but snow is so-so. Well satistfied so far!

• 

  Definetely a summer car. - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Kellie Schaefer - January 3 - 2:58 pm

  HHR is definetely a summer car not a winter car. Ice gets between the bottom of lower front fender and door and freezes up preventing us from getting in and out of car. Outside of that it has been a great car, my average MPG is 27.

• 

  Enjoy Driving It! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By riderblues - December 31 - 12:19 pm

  It is a fun car to drive around town or the interstate. I perfer interstate driving. Easy to drive, switching lanes passing another vehicle goes very smoothly. Very east to park not to be of a car, but will hold alot of stuff with the back seat laying flat.

• 

  Love this car - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Phil Burch - December 31 - 11:58 am

  My wife and I have made 2 trips from Phx. Az to Bogalusa, Louisiana (1551 miles) this year and have averaged over 37 miles per gallon. Our gas only cost us $60 each way. Not bad at all. It is very comfortable on a long trip and has plenty of space for luggage and our dog. On the long stretches I put it on cruise control and she just hummed up and down hills. We love this car.