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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  HHR = Retro, Comfort, Style, and Fun - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Jason Morris - October 22 - 12:04 pm

  This car is great! I have always loved the retro look but it was not till I test drove one that I realized how great the car is! We have the 2.4L and it has some good get-up-and-go to it. We have the Leather and it is so comfortable! The interior has great styling. We moved recently and the cargo room was great when you lay the rear seats flat. The back of the seats are lined with Plastic just like the rest of the cargo area. The stereo is great with the 7 speaker Pioneer amplified system. The car is fun to drive and fun to show off to family and friends. Even if they do not like the way it looks, once they drive it they love it! We have the chrome package which adds some great styling!

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  Vrooooom. . .Vroooom...Vroooom - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Rob - October 22 - 1:03 am

  I purchased this at the end of 2005 after having ordered it. I bought every option but the block heater and spoiler. Price was very reasonable, the car is great. Lots of room, stylish and very comfortable. Back seat could use a smidgen more room as it gets tight with three adults. But three kids fit great.

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  A Joy to Drive! - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By James G - October 20 - 9:17 pm

  Ive owned my 2LT for about 2 mos. now and am really impressed. The utility, the mpg, the drivability are everything I hoped they would be. The HHRs fun to drive, and stands out among the pack. I seem to attract attention and queries on a regular basis. As the first Chevy Ive owned in almost 20 years, I was a little hesitant to buy, but I think GM at least on this vehicle has done an outstanding job on the little details, something that was not their strong suit in the past. Fit and finish on my black HHR is just beautiful all the body parts are flush and exacting. I would definitely recommend this vehicle for purchase.

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  Happy Happy Owner! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By WOT SNU - October 20 - 1:52 pm

  We love everything about this car. Its the first Chevy Ive ever owned and it hasnt been a problem. The only things that I wish were different is the location of the window buttons, and the cup holders. After a time you get used to them though and dont give it a second thought. Overall a great car!

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  First Chevy - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By crawpops - October 18 - 9:03 pm

  Very good gas mileage, nice handling (even in snow). Very high cool factor, lots of complments on the styling. Interior very well laid out(except for window controls). Plenty of head and shoulder room (I,m 6 2"). Very good build quality inside and out. Smooth and quiet ride.

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  Great to drive - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Afurychow - October 16 - 11:12 pm

  We only just bought our HHR after trading in our Chrysler Town and Country Van which I was very attached to, but we no longer need a vehicle that size. I love the HHR, it is so comfortable and fun to drive. I love the interior and the way all the gauges are set up. I was going to go with a tiny car for better gas mileage but the HHR gives me a bit more room with a better gas mileage than my van.

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  The Right Choice - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By The Right Choice - October 14 - 1:38 pm

  I have only had the car three weeks but it has been great so far. Bought it for better mileage in my long commutes to work, so far it is averaging 28.5 in mixed, mostly highway driving (w/2.2 auto). Very comfortable ride, quiet out on the road. The interior is very functional. I have the 1LT in silver and it is everything I need and more...sunroof, Pioneer audio and XM (very nice sound), abs, traction control, curtain air bags. I like the looks with the roof rails, spoiler and running boards. I looked at many other options but this seemed far and away the most (and most versatile) car for the money. Loaded with little extras and niceties.

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  Looks Great - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Kim - October 14 - 1:33 pm

  I have enjoyed the ride but there is a bit of a blind spot at the edge of the windshield and the side window. Take an extra second to watch for pedestrians. I also see they overestimated gas mileage efficency. Im about 20 mpg not at all near the 30/24 on the window sticker. I drive mostly in the city so I know that doesnt help. The car size is great for the city but I chose stylish over hybrid because the mileage estimates were the same. I would have stayed with the hybriyd choice had I known the mileage was going to be so far off. It does always get a "wow" and I never had a car before that did. The double looks it gets have been fun to see.

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  HHR=Horrible Horrible Ride - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Brandon Mayo - October 11 - 4:49 pm

  I have owned my HHR for less than 3 months and it has been in the shop for a total of a month and a half. It rattles squeeaks and shakes and the front end sounds like it is falling out from under it. DO NOT BUY ONE! Check out some of the forums on the internet. I sure wish I had before buying mine. Truly sad because the car looks good and I love the features. Hoping they will buy it back!

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  I really love this car. - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Michael - October 10 - 10:13 am

  The styling, accessories, feel, and comfort are great. I do agree that the braking and handling need some improvement. But all in all, Im very happy that I bought this car.