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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  What a car! Wow - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Richard - July 27 - 7:58 pm

  This is a great car, style, looks, fun. I am a senior who has owned many cars including a 54 Vette, SS396, Mercedes, etc. The HHR SS is a fun car with great mileage and the best thing- Its a Chevy. I am amazed at how well it handles, moves on cue and turns heads. Welcome back GM. Keep making cars like this. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  You get what you pay for. - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By rafreddy - July 25 - 10:25 pm

  This has been a great vehicle. We have 38k miles on it with no problems. The mileage is great: 32MPG Highway and 25city. The fold down seats are very easy to operate allow for ample storage. We have two kids in car seats and there is plenty of room for them in the back. I am 62" and find it a little difficult to see stop lights under the rear view mirror. This car was not designed for taller people! The window buttons are on the center console down in front of the shifter and a total pain to get to, but as with any vehicle you get used to the controls. As for the fit and finish, we have been very pleased. You get what you pay for in this vehicle.

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  Still too new - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Dave Henry - July 25 - 2:49 pm

  Only have about 2000 miles so far, but that includes a couple of nice road trips. The first trip was all 2- lane roads of wildly varying altitudes, and lots of corners. The car is very confidence inspiring, with excellent grip, and crisp steering response. I was a bit surprised at this, due to the electric power steering, but hey, its just my opinion. Maybe the only handling negative is the amount of corner lean when pressing, but considering the cars mission in life, not at all surprising. Averaged about 24.5 mpg in fairly brisk driving. The second trip was 90% freeway, using cruise control.I averaged 28.5 mpg over two tanks with average speeds of 75 mph.

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  Spunky ride! - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By orriginal - July 23 - 3:34 pm

  This vehicle is the perfect combination of practicality and sporty fun! Ive only had my new HHR (LT Special Edition) for a couple of days, so Im not able to rate the reliability or fuel economy yet. So far, so good! I love the retro styling - very spunky! Even my style-conscious 20 year old daughter approves! My HHR is very quiet and has a smooth ride. Im impressed with the roomy seating areas, as well as the cargo space! Its an added bonus that there are two height options for the cargo floor. The seating is very comfortable lots of headroom, even with the sunroof! Very enjoyable and fun to drive. I compared a lot of vehicles - the HHR gives the most for the money!

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  Good Car - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Deb - July 22 - 8:17 am

  I love my HHR! However, been to the dealer several times with rattle. Had steering column replaced two times, dash lights flicker, hub is bad, and radio issues. Dealer sent me home with bad hub, hope safe, he says is safe to drive. Replacing steering column did not help, as it began rattling again after a few weeks. Yes, I agree need better cup holders and window controls on door. Spruce up the interior, other manufacturers know how to do an interior right. We baby boomers love comfort and luxury.

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  Nice car - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Richard - July 21 - 2:55 pm

  I like this car very much. It rides well and is quiet with the windows up. No road noise. Gas mileage is high 20s in city. I would buy another.

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  Fun, looks cool, but hard to see out - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Brian - July 20 - 10:10 am

  I bought this because it looks good, got good gas mileage, had enough power, and still had some room for gear. The 2k rebate then sealed the deal. This is a nice car and I am glad I bought it! (But Chevy could have done a much better job with the poor front window vision, tiny glove box, few cup holders and better emergency brake placement

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  Downside to Chevy HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By tammy - July 13 - 3:06 pm

  I purchased my car and fell in love with the car. We drove it to Myrtle Beach on vacation and on return I had to invest $450 in new brakes and rotors. The car is only a little over a year old and is already rusting in some places. The Chevy emblem is chipping. I have 40,200 miles on my car and then had to replace wheel bearings. If you are buying the car for gas mileage, this is the car for you! If you are looking for durability- you may want to consider something other than the Chevy HHR.

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  Love my HHR - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Love my HHR - July 12 - 11:29 pm

  I have had my HHR over 1 year and have put about 30,000 miles on it. I have been averaging about 33 mpg that is city/highway combined. When I first saw it I really wasnt that excited about the looks of it. But I decided to take it for a test drive because of the sticker price. Once I did that was all it took. It was so much fun to drive I am a very large person and fit in that vehicle comfortably.

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  I love it. - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By JME - July 8 - 9:45 am

  I love this car. I get 29 mpg. I do a lot of highway driving and when the windows are closed it seems like its sound proof. I could use a little more light, being that the windows are tinted and small it doesnt flood the vehicle with light. The one thing I do hate is that the cup holders are between the seats and the power window buttons are next to the shifter on the floor. I have actually been thinking about an upgrade to a 08.