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:

• 

  My HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By JR Brown - July 24 - 7:00 am

  I have not had a bit of trouble with this vehicle. I just get lots of attention. The only problem so far was a flat tire and it was hard to find that size in stock in Cincinnati

• 

  So far, so good. - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By John - June 30 - 6:43 am

  While many people compare this car to a PT cruiser, there is more cargo space, and more wow factor with this car. Also, the auxillary input jack for mp3 players makes makes this cars sound system state-of-the-art. Sometimes I sit in my car when I am at home because it is so enjoyable. I run all errands for my wife, just so I can drive my car.

• 

  Finally - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Mark Willetts - June 26 - 3:50 pm

  Been waiting for six months to purchase. Only driven 400 miles so far ,but very happy with the whole package. Traded a Focus. The HRR has more power and is very comfortable. Styling is great, and I like it much more than the PT Cruiser. (Wife has one and I have driven both)

• 

  2006 HHR 2.4 CYL - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By M. Kuehn - June 17 - 12:13 am

  The only thing I dont like is the drivers center armrest. It hangs down too low. I cant seem to convince GM it isnt quite right. It also plows a little bit when cornering a highway exit ramp a little above the recommended max.

• 

  Love it! - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By mekiess - June 10 - 1:50 am

  We loved it the minute we drove it. The only complaints we have are the location of the cup holders and the shortness of the arm rests. We particulary like the shape of the door handles. Anybody with a hand problem can easily open this door. Also, be careful closing the hatch with your hip, my husband did this and it left of dent! We have to have bodywork on our HHR with only 1000 miles on it!

• 

  Survivor - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Kelly - May 26 - 3:16 pm

  I really enjoyed having this vehicle. To me it was the best vehicle in its price range at the time. I had owned this vehicle for about a year. I had totaled this vehicle in a rollover accident. Me and my passenger walked away with just scratches. That says something for the safety of the vehicle. I was disappointed that it had rolled over so easily though. Just a sharp turn of the steering wheel at 65MPH with the trunk full and it flipped down the median of the highway several times. I am afraid to own another one but will purchase a similar style of vehicle.

• 

  Love my HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Gina Pasfield - May 15 - 8:13 pm

  I just bought the HHR and it has a lot of nice standard options. It is a head turner. It gets very good gas mileage and drives like a charm. Fenders and doors line up very well which are important qualities to me. Paint job is excellent. Cant find anything wrong with it thus far.

• 

  HHR - Cool little ride - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By dmcdulin - April 20 - 3:16 am

  The HHR looks nice and has some good features for a low priced SUV. The remote start, dashboard storage, and cool chrome displays are all solid, especially on a car at $15,000. Only drawback so far has been when I need to push the endgine for a littel extra power, it delivers but when the AC is on, you can tell the power drop a little bit.

• 

  A Better Cruiser than PT - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Clint - March 20 - 7:13 pm

  My only gripes with my HHR 2LT are that: 1. The rear spoiler (which I did not order) is a *requirement* to keep rain/snow runoff off of the back glass. Its difficult to see; 2. There was no available back-up sensor. Its difficult to see when parallel parking; 3. The supercharged engine from the Cobalt is NOT available; 4. The mileage isnt great for a 4- cylinder. It would probably be better with a 5-speed automatic (like is offered in the Honda Civic...a like-priced vehicle). Other than these items, its quite a lot of vehicle for the price. Front and side visibility are great, the breaks have good feel, the controls are thoughtfully laid out. Good bang-for-the-buck!

• 

  Unique Whip the HHR experience - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Jeff Lynch - March 2 - 2:30 am

  This car has the look of a modern day hotrod. The chopped roof and the chrome accents inside set it apart from other mundane cars I looked at. The price is excellent for all the features and comfort. The gas mileage is great and the power is fine for a daily commuter. Unlike other reviews, I like where the window switches are, thats just one feature that makes it unique. Turns heads and my wife loves to park her gas hog to drive the HHR. Chevy hit a winner on this one!!