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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  11 Month Update - not good - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By RedGeminiPA - June 2 - 6:50 am

  Ok, I posted a review not long after I purchased this car. I rated it a 10. Now that Ive owned this car almost 11 months, I wish I could say the same as before. Not long after the first review, I started having electrical problems. The dealer made 3 attempts to find the problem with no results. They finally pulled codes on the 4th attempt when I finally got it in with the "TC off" light on. Then the district service manager wont authorize local dlrs to attempt to fix my car: bought in Pittsburgh 2 hrs away. I love the car, but not the problems. Other problems: stereo, headlights, security, trans noises. I dont think Ill buy another GM. Poor dealer/GM support. Buying import next time.

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  HHR Hits - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Rhett - May 18 - 11:53 am

  I was skeptical when I first saw the leak photos of the HHR. Unable to determine the dimension and target market, I wasnt sure what to think. As soon as I saw one on the road, I was sold. We needed a 4 cylinder and this one comes nicely wrapped in distinctive sheet metal. For a car with a base price in the mid-teens, this is got to be the best bang-for- buck set of wheels on the market. If GM detractors can get over the overcooked Luminas and Caviliers of recent past theyd find an excellent small car. Fit and finish are tight, great colors, amazing array of options. I bought the loaded 2LT for invoice and would do it again, and again. Too much fun for the economy of a four-banger!

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  HHR One nice Crossover - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By MisterB - May 3 - 7:26 am

  Ive had the HHR for about a month now and have no real big complaints. Its somewhat underpowered and as most of the reviews have said the cupholders and power window controls could use better placement. The ride and handling are great and the gas mileage seems to be as good as the sticker states.I love the retro styling and I think GM has a winner in the HHR.

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  The 49 Subur.. Um HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By RetroKid - April 28 - 9:50 am

  Overall the HHR is a great car to own. It is fun to drive and own. The gas mileage is better then the PT Cruiser (which I also own), and the features are great for a car in its price range. The instrument panel is designed well except for the almost out of reach window buttons. The interior room is solid for the front, Im a big man and I fit perfectly into the car, but legroom is a little tight in the rear. I would have liked to see more entertainment and other convenience features available for the LT models at least. Again overall its more fun to drive then the PT and is very stylish while maintaining a retro look.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By G-unit - April 7 - 3:23 pm

  Very interesting design on the interior and the exterior. Very versatile and completely a great and fun drive. Extremely smooth and perfect for your young children. I bought it for the look but i got more than I had expected. I got one of the best quality cars to start off the year 2006, the Chevy HHR. Beautiful and smooth.

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  HHR = Hot Home Run! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Hooked on GM anew! - March 14 - 4:16 pm

  GM has hit a grand slam home run with the HHR. My buying criteria were simple: comfort, fuel economy and air. HHR is exceptional on all 3 counts. The front seats are among the best in the industry. At 7.7l/100km mixed driving Im more than sold. Add in the reliability of the Ecotec power train and the Getrag transmission; the roominess; the retro styling; the lower cost of repair (it costs a lot money to ship parts from Asia); the kart" like handling; and the HHR becomes a Honda beater! GM has taken stock of the market and taken straight aim at the Asian imports, whacking Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Mazda right up the side of the head. Well done GM!

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  Good Value for the Money - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By john gorczynski - March 9 - 7:26 pm

  Bigger than a Scion, more stylish than the PT Cruiser, this car gets looks from both teenagers and senior citizens. It is comfortable, practical, and drives quite nicely on the highway and back roads. More power would be nice, but for what it is, it is a good all around vehicle with excellent gas mileage. Good points: style, multiple airbags are a good idea, super radio for the money and fun to drive.....Bad points: thick windshield pillars make 10:00 and 2:00 visibility difficult, and low roof line makes tall drivers have to duck down to see traffic lights. I would buy another, and would feel my kids were well protected should they buy one.

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  My Baby - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By parky - March 8 - 11:40 pm

  I have had my HHR only a week and love it. The handling is superb LT 2 options 2.4 engine automatic. First tank gas fillup produced 30.5 MPG mostly around town garage sales etc. Will be putting road miles on the car in November when we return to Florida for the winter. No negitive comments other than the door lock buttons have a tendency to poke into your arms when you put your arm on window sill with window open.

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  Best Ive ever had - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Chevy Sheila - March 1 - 10:30 am

  I began looking on the internet at the HHR. One afternoon I thought maybe test driving one sounded pretty good. When I saw the HHR in person I instantly fell in love with her. Driving was a whole new experience. The HHR is a very smooth running vehicle with lots of comfort. Sure does turn a lot of heads. My HHR is actually fun to drive around. The dark metallic gray is an awesome color. Chevy did a super job with this one. Best move I made even though it put me in debt for a few years. Thank you Chevy, Im a very happy HHR owner!

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  Heavenly Heavenly Ride - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By LINDA THEOBOLD - February 19 - 5:56 am

  I had been waiting for this car to come out, calling the dealer every week, checking on line. I prayed my 11 year old car would hold up until then. I bought my HHR on September 9th. I was blessed that they had exactly what I wanted. Sunburst orange metallic ii, 5 speed manual, CD and cruise. I drove to Talladega for the race a few weeks later. I was getting 38.5 mpg on the highway. I get 26 to 27 mpg in the city. It has great pickup going through the gears. Vroooooom! I have had more people in or around my car, wanting to know about it. Im sure I’ve sold a few. After seeing mine a family member bought one. You get a lot for your money, and lots of looks too.