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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  Hot Hot Ride - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Harry - November 10 - 7:23 pm

  This is an awesome vehicle. I love it because it is different! But the ride is awesome. My family fights over who will get to drive it! My grandson already told me that I have to keep it so he can drive it! The only thing that I did not like is that OnStar was not available. The extra cost down the road is worth it. But I love this HHR!

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  Nice Little UV Wagon - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Boston Guy - November 1 - 3:10 pm

  So far so good after two weeks of new-car ownership. I traded an 04 Chevy Astro Van with AWD for my HHR 2LT with the 2.4L 172HP Ecotec engine. Gas mileage is not as high as I was expecting, so I am trying to modify my driving habits a bit and see if that makes a difference. Right now I average about 24mpg between in-town and highway miles. The larger engine gives adequate pick-up at on-ramps onto the highways, and I have found myself going 85mph without trying! Quiet and very smooth ride for a small car.

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  Black HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Jim - October 31 - 6:30 pm

  I love to drive this car a lot. I really like the look, ride, and workmanship. I rate this car high. Mine is black, and it gets a lot of positive comments. This is my first new car since 1979 and I would buy this car again.

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  Fun in the Sun - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Elliethom - October 16 - 11:50 am

  Love this car! Have owned it 3 weeks now. Weve taken 2 day trips in FL and averaged 32.3 MPG! In town average is 29 MPG. Compfy, quiet ride, room enough for all our stuff,& everyone crowds around to ooh and aah over it. Even my 80 year old parents can get in and out without help and our 29 yr old son is drooling over it. Cool styling, comfort, quiet, roomy, versitile, and good gas mileage. We got lots of options which really enhance the experience. Sunroof, OnStar, satellite radio, running board etc. Never thought Id want all that, but now I cant imagine not having them. You do have to use 91 octane gas which we achieve by alternating fill-ups at the 1/2 full point w/mid and high test.

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  HHR Heaven - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By vg - October 13 - 4:43 pm

  I dont drive on the highway much except to the airport, I am an around town/back and forth to work driver. This vehicle replaced a Suzuki small SUV that I loved. However, the HHR is a great replacement. Very comfortable seats and very smooth drive, maneuverability, quiet,peppy (I have the 2.4L) and it is great in town. Good price for the money. I recommend it.

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  2008 is not a 2006 or 2007 - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By David - October 13 - 4:03 am

  Bought it 30 days ago. Love it. Got a LT loaded, Leather seats and all. Big difference with a loaded HHR and a basic HHR. Cost was 18K.

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  Great value & safe - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By mlmotorsport - October 6 - 9:56 am

  I bought the HHR to use it as a work vehicle because I haul a variety of odd objects on a daily basis. It carries a ton of stuff for such a compact vehicle. I soon found out that the HHR was much more than just a reasonably priced fuel sipping "stuff" hauler. Last week I was rear-ended by a full size Dodge cargo van. I was stopped but the van hit me so hard that I was pushed 20ft by the impact (with my brakes applied). I figured the tailgate would be in the back seat judging from such a hard hit but there was almost no visible damage other than some scuffs on the bumper. The Dodge could only be so lucky. Its bumper had to be pried off of its front wheels before it could even move.

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  Love My HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By PAT - October 1 - 1:26 am

  Im so happy with my loaded HHR. Its comfortable on long trips, with great gas mileage. A really fun car to drive, with lots of room

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  My HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By sylvia - September 7 - 1:30 am

  I love my car. Its really a nice driving car with good gas mileage. Its like a car and a truck together. I would recommend it to anybody.

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  2006 HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Dara - July 31 - 11:40 pm

  My HHR is black with the chrome grill, sunroof, XM-radio. I have enjoyed this car so much that when it is parked outside my business, people have come inside inquiring about it. Its that cute when you see it first hand. There is plenty of room inside. It handles great on the road and has a lot of power. I was quite surprised since I am used to driving a V-8. Its easier on the pocketbook when you have to purchase gas, especially these days. I am getting right at 20 miles in town, but the engine is not broke in yet and I am driving it in 100 + degree temperatures. Mine came equipted with a Pioneer sound system/equilizer and has more sound than I know what to do with. Love my 06 HHR.