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:

• 

  HHR 2.4 - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Dave - July 17 - 6:57 pm

  I have owned this car for about six weeks and love it. It does have its quirks like the very low armrests and the window buttons. The tilt steering wheel only moves an inch or two. The manual suggests using premium gas but I have tried both and I cannot notice any difference in performance. The fuel ecomomy is great unless you get a lead foot and then it seems to go down quite a bit.

• 

  Turn Heads Without Headaches - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Jeff - July 16 - 11:21 am

  I was looking for a reliable car with a little flair. I turned in my Honda Accord and went with the HHR. Not only is it fun to drive, but the ride quality rivals a much heavier car without substituting the nimbleness of a compact. I havent had so many compliments on my car since I drove my 69 Camaro. I even enjoy washing it!

• 

  Report of my new HHR LT Truck - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Anna Kirby - July 6 - 9:13 am

  I have really enjoyed the driving experience of this vehicle. Easy to handle, good on gas mileage, love all the remote features. This vehicle turns on a dime. So far, no complaints.

• 

  I love my HHR - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Scott - July 5 - 2:11 pm

  I love my HHR! I traded in my Nissan Titan which was a good truck but terrible on gas. The HHR is great on gas and big enough for weekend trips with the kids.

• 

  Satisfied HHR owner - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By hhrhb - July 4 - 9:03 pm

  I have had this vehicle for about a month now and enjoy it more every day. It is very comfortable and quiet. I have the dark blue exterior with ebony inside and it looks stylish. I drive primarily city miles and obtain 27 mpg averaging around 30 mph and have not taken it on a highway trip yet. Sunroof takes away some head space.

• 

  My favorite car yet! - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Deezwhiz - June 30 - 9:14 am

  My HHR has the economy of a small car, but the room and comfort of a large car. Outfitted with all the bells and whistles, this car is a very comfortable ride. The 2.2L 4 cylinder has lots of ooomph when pulling out in traffic, accelerating uphill, or even when cruising at 70mph on the interstate. No complaints whatsoever! This is the most fun to drive car Ive owned, and youve got to love the retro "gangster-car" look!

• 

  Heritage High Praise - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Todd - June 28 - 12:39 pm

  Had to get rid of a gas eating 93 Explorer and needed fuel efficiency, and something with a longer roof line for carrying a 96" surfboard. Liked the solid feel, styling and ride, 5 star crash ratings plus a nice list of standard features at a very good price. Very peppy for a 2.2L Auto, with smooth shifting that averages about 26MPG in stop and go commuter traffic. Close to 1K miles and my wife and I are very happy(she wanted one 1st). Will hopefully add a 2nd in a year or so. It was great to go out and look at cars and have a US made vehicle meet our needs and come out on top! So far so good!

• 

  Chevy HHR - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By TB - June 26 - 7:52 am

  I knew it was time for me to get a new car although I did love my old one. When I saw this in an ad I clicked on it and knew it was for me. I love the cargo space, the way it drives, just eveything about it is great. I am so happy with this little kept secret!

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Silver HHR - June 15 - 5:10 am

  We love the looks, silver with the 16" alloy wheels. The car is not the a sports car, but it is the most fun I have had driving around in a long time. Between the looks from other drivers and the custom look, its great fun. I think General Motors did a great job with this car. Oh ya, I use the car to commute daily to work, thanks to its good gas mileage. We also use the car on the weekends for our growing family. We love it.

• 

  MS - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By jo - June 2 - 4:23 pm

  Very happy with this car. The dealership was great. Cant find the ashtray, although equipped with cig lighter. Could use more storage space, but these are minor complaints to make the vehicle even better. For the price, GM has done great with all the bells and whistles!