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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  After 4 months - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By ksscooter - October 27 - 8:02 pm

  This car has been a pleasant surprise so far. It is much quieter than the Acura RSX that I replaced after the Acura had multiple trans problems and the warranty was over. Honda lost me on that car. The Chevy gets great gas mileage, etc. It is hard sometimes to see out of so I have to be sure, the power window switches are placed out of reach, but no car is perfect. My black lab is in heaven with her head hanging out the right rear window. The stereo is A-OK. Mine is a stick shift because I am a stick shift guy and I am happy with the performance of the trans. The car is quiet, rattle free, compact, good mileage, stylish, and my dog loves it. Id buy a another one in a heart beat.

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  Fast little truck - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By E. LINDROS MARTUCCI - October 26 - 9:29 pm

  I really love this 2009 truck. I drive it daily to my home in Lake Wallenpaupack Pennsylvania and get about 27 miles per gallon highway. There is ample cargo room for a family of four and the stopping power is good due to the 4 wheel Brembo disc brakes. I have customized the exterior with chrome accents to give the truck a custom appearance. Test drive one and you will be hooked.

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  This HHR Rocks - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By ChristNMe - October 23 - 5:03 am

  I can only say that I enjoy the smooth ride the handling and the controls. I was looking for a truck and the Colorado was it... until I saw the HHR and took her out for a run. Great pickup for a small engine! The controls will take a little getting used to, but they really streamlined the doors by moving the window controls to the console area. I am so glad I took it for a ride and bought her!

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  Fun Car - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Jim - October 21 - 9:30 am

  I was looking for a retro style car, was looking at PT Cruisers, when I stopped in to the local Chevy store. I didnt know they were making the SS verison. Drove both and for the extra bucks the turbo is well worth the extra. Its a fun car to drive with the 5 speed. Under hard acceleration have a good grip on the steering wheel, there is a lot of torque steer. I guess they have relocated the window switches because mine are on the door and the cup holders arent covered by an arm rest. My only complaint is my right leg rests against the center console and is uncomfortable other than that I really like the car.

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  From Explorer to HHR - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Landis - October 11 - 12:07 am

  I wanted to trade in my Explorer Limited to save on gas and to do that was tough because I loved that truck. I tested the Equinox (didnt like gas mileage)for the heck of it look at the HHR and I have never looked back. This car has lots of room to carry stuff and the gas mileage is the best Ive ever had in the 30 years Ive been driving cars. The only thing I disliked on this car is the window controls but thats been changed for the 09 model I think.

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  Enjoy the HHR - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Mike - October 5 - 5:42 am

  I purchased this vehicle in May mainly due to (1) an immediate need for a vehicle, (2) a desire to get better gas mileage and (3) a very good Memorial Day weekend sale. I have been pleasantly surprised by the vehicle. It is fun to drive and has more pep than I expected.

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  A mileage wonder - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Michael Davis - October 4 - 5:36 am

  This vehicle has been a mileage surprise. EPA estimates of 30 are often exceeded on longer trips. A recent 400-mile, one-way trip got 31 mpg with several in town stops, while the return, mostly non-stop trip logged 34.5 on the onboard computer, but 39 mpg when actually running the numbers on the calculator! This was at 59-60 mph for most of the way. This replace a 1994 S-10 Blazer that only did 24 mpg on its best days. I wish professional reviewers would quit putting so much emphasis on a vehicles ability to rocket off the line. Except for race car drivers, we are not buying cars to win drag races. The HHR has plenty of power to accelerate from stop lights and to merge onto freeways.

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  Nice - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By hhrsag - September 28 - 12:03 am

  A very good car. A little small on the inside, but once you get used to it it is a fun car to drive with good power and mileage. It gets lots of looks and complements

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  Nice car - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By bruce - September 27 - 9:30 am

  I had 520 miles on my 09 HHR when we left on a trip to Denver NC via Norton VA. It was pretty well loaded down with luggage etc. Lots of steep hills to get to Norton but it pulled them very well. no problems with the brakes either except the pedal does feel soft. Coming back to Ohio thru the Blue Ridge on I77 it ran great with the cruise set at 70. For the trip I averaged 29.2 mpg and it was a comfortable ride. You do have to know how to set and use the outside mirrors as there are blind spots.

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  Wonderful Car - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Joel - September 25 - 3:53 am

  I just purchased this car, pretty happy with it so far. In my opinion its a nice car for the money and gets very good gas mileage. Nice and roomy for small family of 4. I disliked it at first thinking it was going to be like a PT Cruiser and I was wrong and sold when I test drove it. It was exactly what I was looking for. So I suggest if youre thinking about looking for a roomy family vehicle that you can haul stuff if you want then this is the perfect car for you.