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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  My Metallic Orange Crush - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Vincent D. Ryan - August 25 - 5:44 pm

  Bought new in 2007-2008 from dealer in my hometown! Car is now 10 years old, still gets 29 miles to the gallon Highway, about 26 city. Has 120,000 miles on it and still runs like a champion. I must admit I am a small person so the interior works for me, may not for a taller individual. I dont forsee any reason I wont be keeping this car for an extended amount of years, as it still runs like new! Highly recommend this vehicle if you are in the market for a good used vehicle if it has been well cared for like mine, has always slept in a garage at night!

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  It is what it is. - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By defenbaugh - August 19 - 1:32 pm

  The retro design is appealing to this old man with desires formed in the 1960s. The 2400 engine is amazingly responsive. The transmission has a lot to do with the responsiveness. Both are smooth without the power mower sound. The entry and seating are suitable for this arthritic. We use it for short runs and errands. For journies longer than a few hundred miles, the crampedness and the small drivers legroom would become cumbersome. With 20,000 miles we had to have the rotors turned as it shimmied violently at high speed braking. I understand this has been a problem with other owners. We will see how this plays out. Being rural it is nice to have nearby GM service.

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  Our red HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By darlene Haase - August 17 - 4:23 pm

  Everyone stops us to ask where we found this beautiful car. They ask all of the usual questions , mileage, etc. We must be in our second teen years because we love this beautiful red car.

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  SS HHR - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By dotes - August 5 - 12:40 pm

  Purchased a 08 HHR SS and have been enjoying it. Even with the high performance turbo charged engine, I get decent gas mileage. Of course using the various readouts and the cruise control helps too. Of course there are some minor things that I dont like. But at least the window controls are back where they should be on the SS. Having to go through two tire changes when a flat occurs on one of the front tires will be a real big pain. But I have roadside service. I rented a HHR for a week a few months before. So I could see if I liked driving it. I did and waited for the SS model to come out. I got the victory red and have got several comments on the HHR. So far I like the HHR I have.

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  What do you want for $16900? - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By JC - August 1 - 2:37 am

  No its not a sports car and it certainly isnt a race car , but it is comfortable with reasonable handling and good gas mileage. I am 6 ft tall 200 lbs.and its comfortable for me to drive. Have the 1LT with the 2.2 and 5 speed. OnStar, leather, ABS, rear-side airbags, bright chrome package, stereo controls on steering wheel. Averaging 26.8 mpg but only has 1,300 miles. Half our driving is city. What else has all this for $16,500? Plus a 100,000 mile waranty

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  2006 HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By kcjonz - July 31 - 2:36 pm

  Purchased new 2.4L with 5 speed manual transmission. Fun to drive although does not inspire hard driving. Fuel economy close to EPA estimates, to achieve the highway EPA must be kept under 70 mph. Mine has the "sport" suspension, still has excessive body roll. 17" wheels a must.

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  Wow, what a looker! - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Rick Ratayczak - July 30 - 8:10 pm

  I purchased my 2007 HHR fall limited edition on July 5th. It has the spoiler, running boards, and a factory pinstripe. Ive put 2000 plus miles on it in three weeks! Went to Memphis from Milwaukee and back on a road trip. I love this car.

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  Awesome - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By chrisj - July 27 - 6:23 am

  Initially I wanted a PT cruiser, those drive ok but the size, price, and comfort is not comparable to that of the HHR. The HHR is a better value, has better handling, has larger storage capacity, and handles in the Buffalo snow like a full size suv with 4WD. I think its the benchmark for all up and coming crossovers. I love it!

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  Love It - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By hhrider - July 26 - 4:56 am

  "Her Hignesses Ride" is what I call it! I love it, drives like a sports car, works like an SUV, eats like a compact, great gas mileage! Its like a computer on wheels. Love them gadgets and read outs! Love the solid feel, the way it hugs the road. I feel safe and secure in it. Only fault is the center console design, they kinda screwed up the cup holders, but I knew that going into it. If you want to use the cup holder, you might as well forget using the arm rest. But, all the other great features out way that.

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  I love my HHR! - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Shelly - July 18 - 6:45 am

  I got rid of a truck I had that got 12 miles per gallon and an SUV to get my HHR LT with the 2.4LT. The gas mileage is awesome. It is so fun to drive. Got the white exterior with the chrome package. I get lots of compliments on it.