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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  2008 HHR SS - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Lew Jump - May 15 - 3:01 pm

  We bought the SS HHR a few weeks ago and I have few complaints. The car looks and drives great - I especially like the turbo power for passing and climbing hills. The front bucket seats are made for small, slim people. Im 5 7" and if I was one inch taller, my head would touch the roof. The seat side bolsters bite into the side of my back - not too comfortable on long trips. After a 1,200 mile trip last weekend I got 25.2 mpg but the tailpipe got really carboned up and the oil got pretty dirty. Dealer says "its normal" - which I doubt. Oil was somewhat overfilled from the factory and Im hoping it just blew out, causing the tailpipe (somewhat oily) buildup - time will tell.

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  Excellent Car for Fun and Economy - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By James - May 12 - 8:57 pm

  I purchased this car a month ago after researching the auto, it is well made and fun to drive. I have owned cars and still own multiple autos. This is fun to drive and a great car for the commute to work. I really like this auto, already placed 1300 miles on the auto.

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  Love most of my car - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Janet5952 - May 10 - 6:47 pm

  I bought my car cause I loved the style. My 2006 had only 8,032 miles on it when I bought it. It now has a little over 10,000 miles on it. I do not like where the window controls are or the cup holders but other than that it is great. The car is not for a big person my son and husband are both 6 ft and say it is to small for them leg and head room. It is just fine for me!

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  Aubergine - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Andrew - May 9 - 3:50 am

  Love the car including its looks and gas mileage! The color was a question mark but Ive decided I really like it, too. This is the best car youve come up with since you stopped making the Cavalier and Chevelle wagons, both of which I owned and liked a lot. It is good to see a practical, modestly priced, fun car! I almost bought a PT Cruiser until I happened to see the HHR.

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  Fun little monster - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By murdog - May 3 - 7:02 am

  I bought my HHR for my wife in 2007 for a nice car to drive back and fourth to work. Mileage has been solidly in the upper 20s with mixed city HWY. When we are on the open highway I have gotten as good as 33 but stick around 31 most of the time. The car is solid it is just a base but the auto start was a deal setter for my wife. Great little car. But just a few weeks ago i got a safety recall on the little beast. Come on GM get your heads in the game. This final recall is the last nail in the coffin for my GM purchasing days. I just bought a Ford fusion for myself. And my wife pretty much stole it from me. Looks like GM just cant seem to build something with out needing to recall it.

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  My Fun for the Sun ride - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Ray - April 29 - 10:11 pm

  I have driven from Ohio to Florida 3x and counting. With 64,000 miles the HHR is still going strong. Avg.29gpm it is easy on the wallet and the lumbar support makes the long drives a pleasure. I was disapointed just after I bought mine they lowered the price and added the 100000 warrenty,just my luck. The 2.4 175hp motor climbs the WVA hills easy. I did have a problem with the front stabelizer bar at 32,000 miles,just after the warrenty ran out but it was a cheap repair. The brakes going down hill at speed pulsate and I had 2 tires break their belts(not Chevys problem) I love this little car and thought about trading it in on a new one with the warrenty but dont want to give mine up.

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  Front Brakes - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Don McWhirter - April 25 - 4:43 pm

  We like driving this HHR. It hasnt given us problems execpt for front rotors. They were turned twice and finally replace at 15000 miles. Not good prefomance when the Rav4 we traded in hadnt been touched in 60000miles. The dealer screws you around saying the rotors are still within tolerance even though when theyre turned they warp faster next time. GM doesnt seem to want to admit they have a problem.

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  Good so far - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By AmyF - April 22 - 4:43 am

  Weve had our HHR now one month, and we like it so far. Roomy for the kids, and I like not having to bend over when putting my 2 yr old in his car seat. Ive been slowly getting used to the design of the windshield (kinda small) and I keep forgetting where my window controls are, and Im a little surprised at the lack of console storage... there is none! Theres the small storage bin in the dash, but I dont have anywhere to put CDs, kleenex, and other "junk"...maybe thats a good thing as my husband would prob say. Okay mpg, but not where we want it yet. We plan to change to synthetic oil and a K&N Air filter when the oil needs changed. All in all, we love the car so far. Very sporty!

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  First car/suv in over 10 years - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Russell Davidson - April 18 - 6:04 pm

  Havent owened a car/suv in over 10 years. We own a Suburban now but the poor thing dosent get drove any more. All Ive evered owned is trucks and a few Suburbans. We fell in love with the HHR on our first test drive with in 4 miles. Im 6 foot tall and this thing has more room than my trucks. Its so easy to get into and out. Great job GM. The fuel mileage is great the ride is also great. The main thing I love is my wife is right by my side. With all my trucks and the burb you have to much room between you. I love to reach out and touch her without taking my eyes off the road. Im sure this will not be my last HHR.

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  Stellamobile - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Ste77a - April 16 - 3:47 pm

  The car itself is a pleasure to drive. I have always been a Chevy girl, all V8. This is the first 4cyl car I have owned and let me tell you, it has gusto, of course not as much as a Silverado or a 69 Malibu, however, it serves its purpose, especially with fuel prices. This is my second one, first one went into repair shop becuase I could not get it out of park, needless to say, they were not able to fix it, after 3 months, so the lemon law applied and I was able to get a new one without a problem. Why? you ask, because i loved the car so much. My current car has not had any major problems with the exception of some radio stations not coming in clear, other than that, Im satisfied!