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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  Silver HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Nancy - October 9 - 5:20 pm

  Love to drive this new model which has excellent seating, terrific storage and hauling abilities, and an excellent value package for the money. We like it so much that were paying to add parking assists as we plan to keep it for 5-7 years! We even work for Daimler Chrysler and this Chevy beats the pants off the PT Cruiser!!

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  HHR the best compact wagon/suv - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By asian_chevyfan - October 8 - 12:27 pm

  I did an extensive research for the best wagon/suv that has 2.4L engine before buying our HHR. RAV4, Sportage, CRV, XB, Element, and Tucson beat the HHR in cargo capacity. But HHR beats them all in engine power, fuel mileage, and price. And HHR is also one of the CRs "Consumer Recommended" car. A loaded HHR for $22K like ours is a price that is hard to beat!

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By MikeO - October 7 - 11:20 pm

  Fun to drive. Great handling! Packs a little bit of punch for a 2.4. Great on turns. Gas mileage is very good.

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  So far great! - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By jonathan p - October 5 - 10:03 am

  Great gas milage, very comfortable. I love the way it looks. The only bad thing is how short the windsheild is. Its tough to see stop lights without bending down. Other than that a great car!

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  Awesome! - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Brandi - October 4 - 9:04 am

  I am very happy with my purchase. This car is great! Great gas mileage, looks great, and didnt hurt my wallet! I love the remote start and power everything! I didnt get the sunroof though( with much regret) I have always been worried about it leaking! I wouldnt trade my Chevy for anything in the world! I got the orange color which totaly suites me! Its easy to get in and out of, rides great, and is very comfortable! The cargo space in the back is also a major plus. I have plenty of room for me my husband and child. Its a great buy!

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  HHR - practical cruisemobile - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By baudyboy - September 28 - 1:39 pm

  I bought the HHR as a compromise - a fuel efficient commuter, comfortable trip car, roomy hauler and cool looking style-car. Handling with the 17 in wheels is adequate, though pickup is more station wagon than sedan. The arm rests covering the cup holders could be designed better. The window controls down low on the center console are no biggie, but then I owned a CRV for four years. The leather seats are very soft and comfortable for long trips. Chevy was dealing and I got a loaded up LT for under $20K. I have 10k miles on it so far, no defect issues and think it was a good buy for the money. The 100K power train warranty was also a factor here

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  One happy dude - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Doc in Fla. - September 28 - 2:43 am

  Chevy hit a home run on this one! Great fit and finish. 27mpg around town with five speed and the 2.4L 172hp. the extra $20/Mo.for 91oct gas is well worth it. Shell seems best so far!? some engine and exhaust noise for the first five to six hundred miles (break-in) smooth and quiet now. Wish the interior was as retro as the exterior but still nice.I was doing research for another PT cruser on Edmunds and saw the HHR on the comparisons page. Thanks for a great web site! Went for a test drive and put in the order. MY beagle and terrier love it because the rear windows go all the way down! Oh, ya, my wife loves it too. Time to drive the Chevy to the levee

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  Irritants - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Peter Charlton (cda) - September 27 - 7:01 pm

  Pick up and ride quality are good. Interior design is adequate, but irritants are a dime a dozen. Wheres the shift selector indicator ? Buzz in the fan at 1? Wind noise at 80 kmh left hand side in mirror ? And on and on. GM engineers missed the boat on the interior ergonomics. Even the Koreans have a much more ergonomic interior. The seats are uncomfortable on long hauls. Steering wheel belongs on an 18 wheeler. No hand grips at 3 passenger doors. No manual control of dash lights. That stupid light sensor should be shot.

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  Nice Fun vehicle - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By gsize19 - September 27 - 11:07 am

  So the wife is looking for a vehicle, wanted a Hyundai Sante Fe, I went to the dealership the day before and told the salesman, I guarantee when she sees he HHR, she will want this, as I am a Chevy man. Took the Hyundai for a spin, she was ready to sign, I told her, lets look at the HHR. I had not even started the engine yet, and she wanted this vehicle. Comfortable, all the goodies, roomy for passengers, just an all around great vehicle. I wish it came in a 6 cylinder, but thats neither here nor there. Seems to be a very reliable automobile that is comfortable and attracts a lot of attention in the Southern Ohio area. You dont see many here, but I have had many say they like it.

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  Chevy HHR, all looks, - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By jhvegas - September 26 - 8:01 pm

  We were at first very excited to purchase this attractive and different vehicle. It was fun to drive and my first Chevy purchase. Shortly after, began multiple warranty problems. We have had an ac compressor go out a hub bearing replaced a shifter replaced and a huge water leak through the cowl seal. Cosmetically, the interior cant withstand even minor use without dirt showing cheap carpeting and fabrics. The railboard rubber came unglued and buckled. The paint chips easily. The radio pops, even with the upgraded Pioneer model.The third break light fried. I really like to drive the car for the exterior looks, but it isnt a reliable vehicle for a commuter who needs to use it everyday.