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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  I like it! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By TJK - September 24 - 9:33 pm

  I too had a problem with the Shifter Indent Switch/Key from Ignition problem prior to my warranty running out. I consistantly get 33+ MPG driving both two-lane and freeways. The worst tank was 26 MPG while using the remote start in sub-zero weather. With nearly 40,000 miles in a year, I guess Ill have to drive it into the ground. I would guess my trade-in value is shot!

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  My favorite ride - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Connie - September 24 - 4:43 pm

  Wow! I bought my HHR almost 1 year ago and I still love it. It is the first vehicle I have owned that did not have new car bugs or problems. I have not had to take it back to the dealer even once since I bought it. I bought the Victory Red version, and the paint still glistens. The interior is holding up very well. The features are amazing for the price range. Gas mileage is excellent. Power to go is there. Handling is good except behind a 18 wheeler on the interstate then you get buffeted around a bit. I would (and have) recommend this vehicle to my friends.

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  First new car in 20 yrs - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By scott - September 22 - 12:26 pm

  This is the first brand new car Ive purchased in 20 years. I just had to get one. love it! The look, the ride, the gas mileage, all of it. Could not be happier.

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  Fun car - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Darkboi13 - September 20 - 9:05 pm

  Ive had my HHR for over a year and still love it like the day I bought it. Its reliable, great gas mileage, and its fun to drive. I like the cargo net option and the fold down seats. Ive packed a lot of my belongings with the back seats down. The optional ipod jack is great as well for long drives.

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  HHR LT - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By papple - September 17 - 10:14 pm

  Ive had the HHR for 2 months now and like it so far. I was in the market for a car with good MPGs and had the versatility of an SUV. While it is not near the size of the Tahoe, it has similar functionality with the back seats and front passenger seat folded down. Ideal for trips to Home Depot and such. Averaging 26 to 28 MPGs with the auto trans, but will say Im not a lead foot. I drive 28 miles to work with a fairly even mix of city and hwy driving. The drivers seat is surprisingly comfortable with the power lumbar. I havent had a 4 cyl in 15 years, but it hasnt been a painful adjustment. Overall, I am very satisfied with the HHR. It meets my needs for good MPGs and versatility.

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  Brake Issue! - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By long12u - September 17 - 2:22 pm

  I traded in an 06 HHR LT2 for this 08 SS and really am pleased with everything but the problem with the brakes! GM took a problematic brake system known as Optimized Hydraulic Braking or OHB for short! This system causes no boost to the brake system on initial start-up after sitting for a few hours! At the present GM has a couple of service bulletins one of which calls for a software update that lowers engine RPMs to make it easier to stop (not pulling through brake application) before the vacuum is built back up, the other simply advises the tech "no part replacement or software updates". See NHTSA investigations and KickingTires 2008 Chevy HHR before purchasing. Also check Saturn Sky!

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  2LT 2.4 Fully Loaded - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By MAP Science - September 15 - 11:36 pm

  It has been a great car with a few minor problems. At 14,000 miles it would make a pop sound when speeding up and slowing down. Sounded like slack between two parts in the power train somewhere. Dealer could find no problem? Now with 20,000 on it the pop is louder. The front passenger hub assembly is being replaced. The steering has begun to clunk when turning the wheel and the intermediate steering shaft has been replaced. Sunroof glass is on order to be replaced. When opening the sunroof it drags the underside of the roof and makes cut marks in the glass.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Justin - September 13 - 10:55 pm

  I have owned my HHR for about a year and a half and have been very satisfied with the purchase. The HHR is a car that turns a few heads, carries me through my daily routine, and doesnt burn too much gas while doing so. There are things I like about this vehicle and things I dont.

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  Love my HHR - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Nina - September 7 - 12:18 pm

  I have owned mine for about a month now. I love it. I did read the reviews prior to purchase so some small things I agree with. The door locks, why are they so tall. Makes hard to have your arm on door. Also interior easily staining is so true. I mean water on seats stained and that is so odd to me. I was frustrated as my car didnt come with trunk mat. I did shop around. The dealear wanted $104. for the rubber mat. I actually found a lot of them on ebay for $49. So check that out if you need one. Other than that all is great. I dont see any issues. Everyone loves it and my kids finally have room to relax. Great car dont hesitate.

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  Got me wondering! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By ann - September 7 - 9:34 am

  I love the look of my HHR. I do have a few issues with it. I have had more visits to the service department (other than routine servicing) with HHR than any other vehicle I have owned. I had the same air condition problem twice, brake problems, raining in the vehicle, starting problems, outside mirrors stopped working, etc. Maybe I just got the bad one out of the bunch. I now worry about what will happen when my warranty ends! I have talked with Chevrolet & the dealership. No one seems to understand my concerns. I had planned to keep this vehicle for a long time. I am now very seriously thinking of trading it off! I bought the vechicle brand new. Never had these many problems with other cars!