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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Pleased I Bought It - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By Don - November 24 - 11:36 pmI havent had this car long but from the time that I have had it I believe it will give me years of fun driving. The styling is masterful but the engine could use more umph. The vehicle is well built. Actually put together like a Swiss watch, and it runs like a Timex! I have the 5 speed Getrag manual and I wished that I had the automatic. However this transmission is very good. I would like to add an STS Turbo if I could find one. I would recommend this vehicle to any and everyone.
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Replaced PT - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By bobalpena - November 24 - 7:36 amJust picked up our new HHR LT2 to replace the PT. The PT was nice but this car has more room, is quieter, handles better on highway and turns on a dime. Wanted white but due to color ordering on first units ordered light grey. Cars looks very rich!Way to go GM! Now we need a new truck!
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Rating my HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By Pat - November 19 - 6:30 amThe 2006 was my first HHR My husband bought the 2007 and I traded mine in & bought a 2008. We love these cars they are comfortable fuel effecient and reliable. One thing we would like to see [as we live in the Poconos of PA] is all wheel drive, even though they are good in the snow.
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I love my HHR - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
By Jessica - November 18 - 10:07 pmI love this car. Ill admit at first I was not excited about it because I dont think its the most attractive of vehicles on the outside, but once I stepped inside I fell in love. I got used to the outside, and the only thing Also, I dont know what everyones talking about with their car being in the shop. I travel everywhere with this car, almost had it for a year and driven over 10000 miles and its still going strong with no problems. Though, I did get in one accident and my car had the slightest dent/scratch on it while the other was nearly totaled. So its a pretty tough car.
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Its a Chevy - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By OUIMCM - November 18 - 3:14 pmI do like this car, but after having a Buick, you get kind of spoiled. I realized when I bought it that you get what you pay for. There is nothing wrong with the car, except for the car radio turning on by itself, its just cheaper made. However, I saved money purchasing it also, and it serves my needs just fine. My two big dogs fit in the back seat, and it holds a lot in the back. For a 4 cylinder, it has plenty of power.
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Gets better with every mile - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
By loopdriver - November 18 - 10:49 amI was drawn to the HHR by its combination small-ish size but generous cargo space. I read the reviews, pro and con, and took a test drive. Initially, I wasnt hooked. The test drive was in a loaded LT, which made the car too costly and too gadget-laden to make me leery of potentially costly repairs. My interest in the car held, however, and a year later I test drove an LS with essentially just ABS and side airbags as options (std on the 09s). I liked it. Bought it. Have been driving it for 6 months and still am happy. Very comfortable. Handles well. Lots of fun to drive. Took about a week to adjust to the short windshield and "blind" spots, but no big deal.
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Love - Hate Relationship - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
By Tigger - November 5 - 1:41 amLove my HHR and I wont give it up, but I hate that it has been in the shop so much. It is a blast to drive - especially since mine has the 2.2 with a 5-speed transmission. Great fuel mileage - average 27 mpg daily driving and 33 mpg on highway. Items replaced thus far, upper and lower steering shafts, front brake rotors and brake pads, radio (three times), front sway bar bushings, and body control module (related to radio issues). Running boards and Splash guards are a must if you experience winter driving conditions (protects paint on rear doors). Changed tires to Goodyear TripleTreads (Original Firestone Affinity tires were junk) and I now have better control, handling, and traction.
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Excellent car/suv - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
By joe7978 - November 2 - 6:13 pmThis is a great car with lots of uses. I bought mine back in November and I love it. It gets decent fuel economy, and the driver information center is great for knowing whats going on with the rest of the car. I actually was able to fold the front passenger seat all the way down put a lap top on top of it plug the lap top into the i pod jack and watch movies it was like having a mobile theater! As far as the tan interior goes I would recommend putting a little scotch guard down to help with mess prevention. All in all a great car, you will not be disapointed!
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Update to 5/26 Review - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
By bb - October 31 - 2:55 pmI still really enjoy this car after driving it for about 6 months. Ive had no problems at all and have noticed quite a few more on the roads lately. The gas mileage isnt quite what I was hoping for - only about 22 mpg, doing almost all city driving - but I can still go 2-3 weeks between fill-ups. Im still very happy with the LS model, it may not be as fast or as stylish as the LT or SS models, but for just driving back and forth to work and around town it works perfectly.
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Love my HHR SS - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
By Tim - October 29 - 9:00 pmI have almost 3000 miles on the SS. Gas mileage is better than expected so far. I commute 50 miles round trip, mostly the Katy Freeway in Houston. The last four tanks averaged 26.5 mpg (actual calculated miles divided by gallons purchased, not the cars computer mpg display.) My previous vehicle was a 2000 Tahoe, a great truck with no problems. The handling and acceleration of the SS is great. I dont have the brake issues other posters have noted. I plan to put a lot of miles on the car.
