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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  Never happier - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By 1BADHHR - August 30 - 1:23 pm

  I purchased my HHR and from day one I have never been more satisfied. This car exceeds all my expectations. Comfort, mpg, handling and a real eye catcher. I couldnt have asked for a better automobile.

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  Great for young families. Love it. - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Jonathan - August 28 - 8:16 am

  My HHR is an LS with manual transmission. Its comfortable, fun to drive, smooth ride, and with the manual transmission the acceleration is much better than the automatic. I test drove the automatic and thought it was sluggish. My manual is not sluggish. Im surprised and impressed with the car. Its roomier than I thought it would be. I have a young family and a tight budget, the HHR is big enough for rear facing car seats and front passengers. Its a hard quality to find in affordable cars.

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  The New HHR. - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By J Sims - August 27 - 11:33 pm

  I purchased my HHR the day after Thanksgiving. I have been driving Blazers and Trailblazers for the last 10 yrs. This is a fun car, with good get-up and go. I love the retro look, but it has all the modern perks. Since I have only owned it a short time, my experience is limited, but so far...I love it.

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  I love my car - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Patsy - August 27 - 10:38 pm

  I love this car. It rides and drives great. Its fun, comfortable, smooth, and peppy. My mom has a Toyota Camry, and this little car rides just as good. Does good on gas, and is equipped the same as a luxury car. The back is great for hauling groceries, and the seats lay down for hauling larger items. I went from a full size SUV, and I havent missed a thing. The extended warranty GM offers is great. I hope to have this car for a long time. I am slowly adding new accessories to dress her up. This vehicle is like a little truck, SUV, and car all in one. Why would anyone want a regular vehicle when you can have one of these. Drive one, love it!

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  Small car with a big punch - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Not your average man - August 22 - 3:28 pm

  I purchased my 08 HHR over 2 months ago to take the gas pump burden off my wallet (HHR $55 evey 10 days vs $90 every 4-5 days with my Silverado). I now find myself driving this car all the time and my 07 Silverado may get driving only once or twice on the weekends. I drive 35+ miles to & from work during the week and when I can lock the cruise at 60 the car will get 35-37 MPG. I am a 65" tall lbig guy and I have no problems with leg & head room (no sunroof - have the issue seeing the stoplights when first in line. I get a lot of people askng about the car & the fuel MPGs, the GM Performamce Air Intake makes a huge difference. My neighbor loves my HHR and wants to trade in her PT Cruiser.

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  Ex-Suburban owner goes 4 cyl - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Je - August 22 - 2:14 pm

  I have been driving Suburbans for 30 years and finally caved in to the current gas prices. I couldnt face going into a small car, and decided to test drive the HHR and found that I really liked it. The ride is comfortable, I sit a little higher than a car, and the 4cyl engine seems to have enough pickup as I drive on the expressway all the time. After 2 months of driving this vehicle I find it fun to drive and the gas mileage is great! The only undesirable is the loss of power when turning on the air conditioning.

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  Almost a year and 17000 miles - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Happy HHR owner - August 20 - 2:50 pm

  Car has proven to be very reliable. I have total confidence in the ecotec motor and GM transmission. Car is well built and everything fits, no rattles. You cannot hear or feel the motor inside the car. Car is quiet at speed and at idle. Handling is pretty good. I love the cargo utility & the fold down seats, I use it quite often. Very little maintenance is required. I had a few small problems with brake drums and vibration when I first got vehicle. Dealer fixed it all promptly and professionally. This is the first ever GM product I purchased new! I have no regrets, satisfied with my choice and recommend the HHR highly if you are looking for a small, efficient, family utility vehicle

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  Just a little unhappy - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By K.Campbell - August 18 - 1:10 pm

  I agree with other buyers that the car looks great but it does need better fabric seats! My car has expeienced cant getting the key out the ignition! I not to happy about that because I havnt had the car that long. Overall, I would still stay with Chevy. Going to get a 2009 HHR! I think that one will be much better.

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  Great Vehicle? - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By George - August 16 - 8:46 pm

  No one in DMV could tell me what model this was.......car/truck/suv/van????? Drove it two days after purchase from Clearwater, FL to Sierra Vista. Driveway to driveway 2062 miles with average 29.7 with normal I-10 cruise control set at 80mph. Shorter run to Phoenix got 31.9 on I-10 and in an around town w/ac so far 27.6. Rides great, handles great in and out of traffic and wife found it more than comfortable on trips with plenty of room for her shopping while traveling.

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  Dont buy an HHR - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By tamie - August 16 - 1:45 pm

  My HHR has been in the shop 13 times in past year. I would be driving down the road and it wold just shut off. Burning smell, all kinds of electrical problems. Before 7K miles it had to have new bearings. It was in the process of Lemon Law and 1 week shy of owning it a year caught on fire while I was driving and burnt to the ground. I was lucky my children werent with me. Gas mileage started out good almost 30 on the hwy and then went to no better than 21. Bought it for gas mileage and safety..I guess they failed on both......