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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  Totally Awesome Auto - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By jamie1502 - December 28 - 6:06 pm

  I recently bought the Chevy HHR my driving experiance with the car is just awesome. It handles just like a high end sports car, ride is so comfortable. I took it twice too Little rock ark. from ft.myers fla 1200 miles each way the fuel economy is great averaging 29 to 31 hwy miles. I have the royal blue metallic. it has just the right amount of chrome to set it off and turn heads. The only drawback is where they put the power window controls. You have to take your eyes off the road to find them. If anyone wants a truly great auto in a small SUV try this one you will not be disappointed. More than plenty off horsepower and comfort and leg room. Get this one its great

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  Fun Has Returned - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Willie - December 24 - 7:03 pm

  I needed a daily commuter vehicle to replace my aged truck. I also needed better gas mileage. I am very comfortable in my HHR and the gas mileage is excellent! The takeoff is lacking but the car can keep up with traffic on the 4-lane. I owned a Fiero and found it a joy to drive. The joy HAS returned!!

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  HHR - A Great GM Vehicle - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Ron S - December 17 - 11:07 am

  I have owned or leased at least 60 vehicles in my lifetime. This particular vehicle is one of the best in its class. It is well designed, is very stable, is fun to drive, is quiet, and gets great mileage. I have read a lot of reviews and have not found any of the negatives that others have reported. Yes the cupholders leave a bit to be desired and the front visibilty is a bit impaired because it is not a curved windshield. However, this is not a big deal. If you want a great domestic vehicle, ignore the skeptics and buy or lease this car.

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  Excellent car for low payment - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By mutedexposure - December 4 - 11:16 am

  I bought this car knowing I could not afford the bigger price tag of the big SUVs plus I love the old school look GM is bringing back. It is very roomy inside even if it doesnt look like it would be. The chrome package makes everything stand out and I highly recommend getting it. I did upgrade to a 2.4 on the engine so I cant say if the smaller engine is good but the 2.4 is excellent. There are times it gets sluggish but only when I am trying to hotrod myself into a spot on a busy road. This car rides smooth. The only issue I have had with it is that occasionally the key gets stuck in the ignition and I have to shift the gear back and forth to get it to release. Cup holder is in bad spot also.

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  How to make some improvements - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Dick - December 3 - 8:11 pm

  Please think about the following changes. 1. Offer 4 wheel drive as an option. 2. Replace the 4 speed auto tran. with a 5 speed auto.(will give better gas mileage, ETC. ) 3.Use more or better sound deadening material. 4. Upgrade the fabric seats with leather side panels & use better fabric for the interior seat backs plus seats. 5. Use more care with body panels. Have everyone think about this car as if it was their own.

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  Fun little red milk wagon. - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By NYer in Calgary - December 2 - 11:45 pm

  When my wife & I were looking for a commuter car, we started at Honda (you want how much!?), went to Toyota, Hyundai, Mazda, & Nissan (almost went with the Rogue) our last stop was at the good old Chevy dealer as an almost patriotic afterthought but we were pleasantly surprised by the value of this car, gets acceptable mileage, lots of stock doodads, power is adequate (but surprising for a 4 banger). With the rear seats folded it holds lots. It can even be used as the family of 4 car (or short time replacement when the sport ute or mini van is being serviced). Yep, we think it was a great buy and would recommend. (Just wish we went with the LT for the better seats & dont get the sunroof).

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  Little thing that annoy me - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Ron - December 1 - 10:12 pm

  I have the 2.4 L (larger 4 cyc) engine which is fun. I have a white with the chrome package with it decked out except it has gray material seat. It gets between 25 - 32.5 mpg so that is wonderful for commuting.

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  Cute but needs some redesign - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Kenn - December 1 - 9:57 pm

  I have almost had 3 wrecks due to the blind spot dealing with the windshield pillars. They are very thick for such a small vehicle. The windshield needs to be bigger, when I put the visor down I have to slump down in the seat to seat under the dumb thing. GM did move for 2009 the window controls to the door they are a pain in front of the gear shift. The cup holders are too close together so you cannot have to larger cokes in them and then the armrest are in the way to get to your drink. It needs to have a console and lots more cubby holes. There is a lot of space that is wasted that could have been utilized for storage. The storage in the door is way to small needs to accomodate drinks

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  Chevy HHR fun to drive - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Harold Rutherford - December 1 - 5:19 pm

  I traded my 2002 GMC 2500 Savannah van that averaged 13 to 14 MPG at its best. I do estimates for my business and wanted something with better mileage. I decided on the Chevy HHR LT2 because of its looks, driveability, features, comfort. I have been pleasantly surprised by its quite comfortable ride and great gas millage. This vehicle will almost pay for itself in fuel savings alone, The radio with 7 Alpine speakers sounds great. So far I love the HHR and glad I picked it over its competition.

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  Brand new for $12,500! - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By John - November 30 - 10:46 pm

  Liked the retro look from when I first saw the concept car, always been a Chevy fan but only owned their trucks (3/4 ton HD) all my cars had been imports. I traded in a CRV for this car because it was the most car for the money period! We saw an ad price for $12,500 for the LS and with my GM card discount we drove home in it for $11,500 brand new! cheaper than a cobalt or focus, or a less equipped hyundai! We love that the base model has so many features standard. Oh, and did I mention how great the mileage is? We average 36 on trips and have on one trip gone over 600 miles on one tank! For snow, we bought Bridgstone Blizzack studless and they are amazing! No need for AWD