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:

• 

  Awesome HHR with Nitto Tires - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By gkarr1 - April 16 - 11:17 am

  This car was absolutely the best car I have ever owned. I could not believe the value packed into this car. There is no one out there that can go head to head with the HHR on price, performance, you name it. I sold it recently to buy a Chrysler Crossfire, to be honest I wish I had my HHR back. Dont get me wrong the Crossfire is awesome, but with the 18" rims and 40 series Nittos that HHR handled as well as any car I have ever driven. I honestly cant say much of anything negative except they need more cup holders for the driver. I had the 175hp version of the 4cyl. engine. I think back, my 1984 Mustang GT had 175hp. I have to laugh now looking back. I want the SS!

• 

  Bad experience - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Rachel Goodman - April 15 - 5:42 pm

  I thought I loved my car. I have now owned it about 8 months. The paint is chipping, my power steering has gone out, the traction was horrible this winter, and when more than 1 window is down there is a suction almost. There are several things that I do like, but I dont believe my vehicle should be having problems yet and I am upset, thats why I bought a new vehicle, to not have problems for reliability.

• 

  2007 HHR LT - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Rodney Duggar - April 15 - 2:41 pm

  I had admired the HHR for some time and finally took the plunge. Its a great car with everything you could want. Styling is exceptional, its fun to drive, its comfortable with great mileage. When I test drove the vehicle I have to admit I felt a bit claustrophobic what with the huge windshield pillars and dark tinted glass but soon got used to it. The large mirrors compensate quite well for any blind spots. My only complaints are the front brake rotors are too light for the car and front end needed work at 29,000 miles (which the dealer performed under warranty). Overall, I am thrilled with the car.

• 

  High MPG HHR - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Ken - April 15 - 12:08 am

  I have the 5 speed manual, 2.2 liter engine. I get far better mileage than the EPA estimates. Around town, I get around 28 mpg, and on trips I get 36 - 38 mpg! Its a terrific vehicle and I am totally satisfied with it.

• 

  My HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By ProJenn - April 10 - 4:03 am

  I love my HHR. I love the design and the comfort. It is very easy for my 4 year old to get in and out and do her own seat belt, which was important. For a small car I was happy to find not only a booster seat but a full size car seat fit comfortably in the back seat. The window controls could have been put in a better place and I feel like I am sitting up high. Overall I am very happy with my HHR. Gas mileage is great. Only one cup holder in the back. That kinda stinks.

• 

  Electrical nightmare - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By rick - April 5 - 9:05 pm

  When we bought our HHR It was our first new car. We thought it was going to be the last new car we would buy for a long time. Little did we know it was an electrical nightmare. The radio shorted out two times. The brake lights shorted out. The headlights would not go out. The inside lights stayed on and the door chime wouldnt quit dinging. Then the electrical wireing fried under the dash. The dealer had to replace the complete harness from front to back. Now the wipers go nuts when they are on intermedant. The headlights are blinking off and on. Now the radio is starting to go out again. I wish we had bought something else. Never again

• 

  A truck car worth your attention - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Wang - April 4 - 10:03 am

  HHR is definitely a car worth your attention. It runs very smoothly and quietly, gives you great gas mileage (30 miles highway plus local in my case) and plenty cargo space. My HHR has a 2.4-liter engine for which premium gas is recommended (you can still use other grades but later on your engine may need to be serviced). Ive noticed that whenever Im driving up-hill, I really need to push the paddle to maintain the same speed. The only thing I dont like at all about this vehicle is the little compartment space. My previous car is a Geo Prizm (much like Toyotas Corolla) which is quite smaller than HHR. But Prizm has more space where I can put CDs, maps, stuff like that.

• 

  Love it - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Kate - April 3 - 10:41 am

  I thought these were funny looking cars till I saw one at the Philly auto show. Then I realized how hot they are. I had a Focus from the first year they sold them, so I was nervous buying the debut HHR. In the year that Ive owned it, I havent had a single problem. I love driving it, the handling is great, and I love the style. A very reliable, fun to drive, comfy car.

• 

  My little blue HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Joy - April 2 - 9:46 pm

  Even though we also own a Mercedes, I still love and miss driving my little blue HHR every day and that is why we decided to keep it. Its fun to drive, has tons of cargo space and gets great gas mileage. There are a few things Chevy needs to add but overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed owning this vehicle and look forward to more years of great use.

• 

  My HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By SakiTX - April 1 - 2:20 am

  Great vehicle. Fun to drive. Lots of compliments. Have one drawback. Small noise in dash that cant be found yet.