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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  Wish it was better built - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By John - June 23 - 4:47 pm

  Great car. I wish Chevy had put a little bit more Chevy heart and soul. This could have been the best light truck/full sized sedan car ever made. My two biggest complaints are the fact that whenever it rains the car leaks on the floorboard If you own one keep an eye on this. The other thing is the fabric they used for the for the seats. Dont let a drip of water touch, it will stain.

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  A Joy To Own - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Victoria Smith - June 20 - 9:24 am

  After the purchase of my vehicle I begin to love it more than when I purchased it. The vehicle has looks, power, handles great and it is fun to drive. If Chevy continues to build this vehicle and make in a way that it is fun to drive we will add a second one to our household. And now the with the economy as it is and my vehicle is averaging about 31mpg on the highway and it did not cost a small fortune to own it, I am back home with American cars again. Go Chevy!

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  Talk it up! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By stewart savage - June 19 - 10:24 pm

  I bought my HHR in May `06. I am pleased with the overall reliability and performance of the car so far. We took a trip on mother Day weekend. Leaving metro Detroit, we didn`t refuel until we were in Louisville, Ky. Love It!

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  We Love Our HuhHer, the Jurys Out. - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Rose4HHR - June 19 - 5:30 pm

  Well...I love driving when I can steal it from my hubby, but Ive noticed some brake squeal and he drives it mostly on the interstate. Hes not a brake man. I took Huh-Her as we call it to the shop (not dealer, I dont trust them-sorry) for an oil change today and asked if it could need brake pads. Their response? "Uh-Oh!" Not lets sell you some stuff...they explained theyve had a slew of people with some serious issues, mainly rotors and encouraged me to return to my dreaded dealership to resolve the issue. The dealership denied it at 1st, but when I stated I would research and report they gave me a card for the 1st time and stated they would "take care of it".

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  Worth the 24,000 out the door - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By chris - June 11 - 2:31 am

  Fun car. Love the old school exterior. Great on gas. Im an avid surfer and my 9,8" longboard fits in the car. Makes a forty year old family man feel like hes back in the neighborhood! For what I paid for it thers not a better car on the market.

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  HHR is the bestest car in life - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By HHR06 - June 10 - 10:46 pm

  I highly recommend HHR for good gas mileage and room for vacation get away. Great for road trips & long distance work. Way much better in snow than Chevy S-10 trucks. I will trade in for another HHR annually if I was a high roller!

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  Waynes HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By 2G1WT58K069210822 - June 7 - 2:13 pm

  My wife and I are retired and bought our HHR for the fun of it. We liked the style and compfort right off. We have the 2LT model with all options except OnStar, we miss this option. I am looking froward to the new SS model or what ever they may call it, to come out. We will most certainly be looking.

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  First Impressions - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Chad - June 3 - 2:49 pm

  I researched many new cars before deciding on the HHR. My wife and I test drove five cars (Dodge Avenger, Dodge Charger, Subaru Legacy, and a Chevy Malibu) and looked at four or five others. Although we almost bought the Malibu we both agreed the HHR would be more practical for us (we have three kids and the Malibu had a small trunk). Ive only been driving it for a week, but so far I couldnt be happier. We bought the 2LT with every option. The standard equipment looked a bit unfinished. The leather interior really made the difference for me. Its strange but this is the first time I have liked a car more after I bought it than before. I dont know what else to say. It just fits.

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  Best Buy for the Money - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Kevin - June 1 - 4:25 pm

  We been driving this car for about a month and each day we love it more and more. Gets great gas milage, handles great, and when you need to move the turbo kicks in. Plenty of room inside for a small car. Im 6 ft tall, 210lbs and there is plenty of knee and head room. We have two younger kids and they love it.

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  My Panel - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By blake - May 29 - 9:42 pm

  Found that the car had more than enough power (2.4) for quick acceleration. Handling was good and the antilock brakes work great in all weather. Also found Panel easy to park in town