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:

• 

  You Gotta Love It - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By HHRfersure - September 25 - 6:40 am

  Admittedly, My wife and I have had this vehicle for less than a week, but she fell in love with it the minute she saw it. And I started appreciating it when I drove it and realized how truly comfortable and spacious it is, given its size, coupled with its affordable price and standard equipment. Ours is the 1LT with the larger 2.4L DOHC engine. It handles great and the gas mileage should far exceed the Trailblazer we traded (and both hated to part with) Chevy did it right this time. The ride is stable and quiet and it is fun to drive. It also has plenty of pick up for what well need it for. It does turn heads.

• 

  06 not bad - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Ken - September 18 - 4:33 am

  I always like the HHRs but hate PT cruisers. I could not pass up this deal a 06 for $13000. Even through the door molding could be a little better and not so cheesy Im very happy with the car. The visability is very different but not impossible with minor adjustments to how you use vision for everyday driving. Overall very happy and glad I got it.

• 

  Easy To Drive - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Little Red Head Girl - September 16 - 12:30 pm

  At first, when I saw this car, I wasnt happy with the design but when I test drove it at the dealership, I was sold. The turning radius is wonderful, It parks easilly, is fun to drive, and is roomy for even short or tall people.

• 

  Fun car - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Brookfield - September 6 - 12:40 am

  This is the smallest car I have ever owned. It does everything my mini van did ,just in a smaller way. I really am enjoying this auto, and will be looking to up grade after a year or so. I highly recomend this car.

• 

  Favorite "commuter" car - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By george - August 29 - 7:30 am

  I bought this card to provide an ecomonical, comfortable, ride for my long trips. I visit customers throughout upstate New York and take weekly trips of 2 to 5 hours. Ive had the car but a few days and it is living up to my expectations. It is economical to run and has a great ride! Comfortable on the highways, and a bit sporty on the back roads.

• 

  Sweet Car! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By MRFNB - August 17 - 4:06 pm

  I traded a van for the HHR because of the smaller size and lower access to the rear cargo area. The car runs great and gets good mileage, 23 mpg or so in almost exclusively stop and go driving, and approximately 34 mpg on a 1000 mile vacation trip. The driver info center is handy, showing all the necessary numbers at the push of a button.

• 

  Great little cruiser - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Balou - August 13 - 1:10 am

  The HHR is a great little car thus far. After looking at the Matrix, Element & Forester, we decided on the HHR. The ride was smoother and the layout was more user friendly. The fuel ecomony in mixed driving is around 27 mpg! I am looking forward to seeing what the MPG will be when the engine is broken in. Chevy finally got something right.

• 

  BRAKES OF HELL - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By T. Rogers - August 9 - 8:02 am

  I purchased this 2008 HHR LS Wagon 4dr car used on February 15, 2016 on Presidents Day Mon. As far as RELIABILITY - Wednesday, I was at the repair shop to let them know when you first get in it to drive to work in the morning...it will not accelerate properly. At lunch time it does the same thing. But as you get going it doesnt do it again for the rest of the day. When I got to the service/repair shop they had me sit in the lobby, then they came and got me and asked me to ride along with the mechanic so I can tell them what Im talking about. It never did it again in the presence. Of course the next day it did it again. As far as PERFORMANCE/SAFETY - On Saturday February 27, 2016...I got into a 3-car accident, I was the third car. the car in front of me instantly stopped I SLAMMED on my brakes in which I had PLENTY enough time to stop, but the BRAKES WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. Im telling you my daughter had a 2006 Chevy Blazer and those brakes stop on a dime. Other than the safety...the car looks amazing. The electronics, sound system, interior, style, everything is great as far as that.

• 

  A lot of car, not a lot of money - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By dogd923 - August 9 - 3:40 am

  My Daytona blue HHR turns heads and gets a lot of attention. People love the looks, even though most people mistake it for a PT Cruiser. Interior is roomy and comfortable, even for a 300lb guy like me. The 4 cylinder still has plenty of zip, and the gas mileage is great. I love the car, but my only complaint is- everyone asks-"what does HHR stand for?" Most cars that use initials for a model name,the actual spelled out name is either on the car,or brochure,or,owners manual. Nowhere on my paperwork, owners manual,or anywhere, says what "HHR" means. But,I really love this car, with its retro looks, and modern technology.

• 

  Fun Car! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By JESSE HEFNER - August 7 - 9:36 pm

  I have greatly enjoyed my HHR. The only problem I have is the radiator is in the wide open for rocks and road debris to get in. Within 500 miles I had to replace the radiator due to a rock puncturing it. All I was doing was driving down the freeway.