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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  Functional Fun - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By larry - January 9 - 8:55 am

  This is my first American car in over 20 years. Im very satisified. This auto has the space I need, with cool retro styling, and the right mix of power and economy. I dont cary a load every day but when I do this car can do the job excellently. Im very pleased with the smooth ride, very comfortable and easy to get in & out. This is a great buy!

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  HHR Rocks - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Scott - January 9 - 5:56 am

  The LT2 with all options gets all the looks on the highway from everyone who sees it. It is peppy but still has good mileage. A family of four is very comfortable for long trips, and the large gas tank provides many miles between fillups.

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  HHR SL - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Steve - January 9 - 2:20 am

  Great small hauler. Good with the family and has the power and interior room to make it more than just transportation. Good mileage and I disagree with others who say it doesnt handle well. I am a Ford man but was intrigued by the HHR and now am glad I bought one.

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  Must be good - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Willie G - January 2 - 7:56 pm

  They sell fast, that should tell you that the public likes the HHR. I find it very comfortable and very quiet on the road. Moves out when you need to. Way above what I expected from a small car.

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  A great ride for the buck - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Bill Towson - December 31 - 12:19 pm

  I have enjoyed driving this vehicle from the very first day, and I still enjoy driving it today. I just wish that the fuel mileage, which is not bad, would be a little closer to the new EPA fuel ratings. Buy one, You will love it.

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  Hip Hot Ride - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By midnightmike - December 18 - 7:06 pm

  Okay, heres my story. I own and operate a mobile dj service. I owned a 2002 Chevy Avalanche. Great vehicle, just became too big. Traded it in for a 2004 Mazda 6 Sportwagon. Fast and it handled like it was on rails, and oh yeah very roomy. I saw the HHR and had to have it. Gave the Mazda to my wife and traded in her Protege for the HHR. I have gone from an eight, to a six and now a four?! Believe me this HHR can scoot! I have a black 2LT with every option except OnStar. Leather, moonroof, running boards, spoiler and bright chrome package. Gas mileage is good and has a ton of room for all my equipment. I cannot wait to go cruising with the HHR and my 68 Buick Skylark this summer!

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  Good Car - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Matthew - December 13 - 2:39 pm

  I would say this is a good value car. I have owned vehicles with superior performance and better ergonomics, but overall am pleased with the product. The fuel economy is good, performance is unrefined but expected. I have a two year old daughter and it is easy for her to climb in and out herself without my need to worry about falls. The stereo and components are great, roominess is fine, visibility is great, and the overall look has people taking a double. I would change a few things but overall am very happy.

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  Great Little Car - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Mike - December 11 - 3:23 pm

  I bought this car for my wife and she loves it. She only lets me drive it on the weekends. Its fun to drive, handles great, and has plenty of pep. The mileage is great and the looks are awesome. We looked at the Cruiser and found it to noisy. The HHR is quiet and more roomy. The things that are standard on the HHR are options on the competition. Good job Chevy.

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  HHR surprise - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By bill - December 9 - 2:47 pm

  I am impressed with the vehicle so far. I bought it in August of this year and have only put on a little over 2000 miles on it. I have not been back to the dealer for a single problem as of now. I have the base model with 5 speed and it is fun to drive and functional for a 50 plus 66" male. I do little highway driving and am getting over 23 miles to the gallon around town. My last 3 vehicles have been Toyotas but I could not get a Toyota that I could get my frame into and aford the payment and get 20 plus around town period. The HHR replaces a 98 RAV4 that I purchased new and really liked put on over 130000 miles and was a truly reliable vehicle. My wife likes this better and so do my sons.

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  Crashed - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By hhr owner - December 9 - 6:20 am

  I owned my HHR for 8 full months. I ran into the rear end of a tractor trailer, and wasnt injuried with the exception of an airbag burn. I loved my HHR and will own another one very soon. To me, there is no comparison to a PT. Ive driven both, and enjoyed my HHR ten times more. My HHR was reliable, agile, and had great looks. GM has really turned their program around with this vehicle, and I cant say enough about the Ecotec. What a great engine. I just hope they introduce a boosted version in the HHR soon.