Chevrolet HHR Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.52/5 Average
777 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 581 through 590 of 777.00
  • Perfomance & Appearance - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
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    The performance of the HHR is excellent I enjoy driving it. The appearence is different and very interesting. Would recommend it.

  • Love our HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
    By -

    We bought our HHR in November after much research of the competition, including the PT Cruiser, Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe. After reading the Edmunds HHR reviews (again), we can only shake our head and wonder why the critics are so hard on this great little vehicle! (The window control buttons are hardly a major issue to harp on). Our HHR is very road worthy, handling is excellent, mileage is 25 mpg in city driving on the 2.4 engine, the ride is incredibly comfortable and we do not miss the gas guzzling Jeep that we traded for the HHR. Dealer experience continues to be excellent. The HHR is nothing but fun to drive. We highly recommend this wonderful vehicle and applaud GM.

  • My 1st new car and I love it! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
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    I got this car on June 1st of this year, I saw it in an auto show in FL and I had to get it, I finally did and I am so happy!, I made it part of the family and even gave it a name...Wheelie. I have yet to go on long outings with Wheelie but I will soon, the 3 weeks Wheelie has been with me no has been wonderful. I had people approach me and say what a cute car it is.(Although I say Wheelie is a truck) I am a handicap and Wheelies cargo space is excellent for my wheelchair. by the way, I ordered Wheelie with auto trans., 172 HP engine, and chrome tip, Thats all I need, but a wheelchair lift would be great for me. Overall, Wheelie is a fantastic little vehicle, and I love him dearly.

  • Love my HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
    By -

    Turns on a dime. Excellent interior workmanship. Good visibility, good cargo area. No leaks. Great stereo. Have a 4dr LT upgraded HHR with limited color edition. Best seating of any car I have owned, and I have owned foreign and domestic cars. Mid-life crisis dream and great for your ego

  • My Review - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
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    It looks good and people ask you a lot of guestions about (mostly} likes and dislikes. One guy said it look like a PT on steroids. Which was a good thing he said. All who have rode in it like the way it rides and its looks and a good sound system. Im getting good gas mileage also, 25 to 28 mpg. All in all Im very pleased with this small vehicle.

  • Nice car, lots of goodies for the money - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
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    We have the LT, but even the LS has lots of goodies for the price. Features not even mentioned include speed sensitive windshield wipers, traction control included if you get the ABS brakes (option), nicely tinted windows, and a drivers information display on the speedo.

  • Fun Road Tripper - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
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    I think you either love or hate the design of this car. I love it. Funky, weird, retro. I thought it was unique until I bought one, now I see them everywhere! Economical and seemingly well built. Bought the car and put 3K miles on it in two weeks! Took it from GA to FL on a roadtrip. Fun, comfortable, great gas mileage. I was impressed with the AC too I havent had it long, but I did a lot of homework and it seems like a very good car compared to its peers, for features and functions. I am glad to be able to buy an American car again.

  • HHR is a blast! - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
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    I purchased the HHR mainly for the looks and economy. It is quite adequate in both categories. Performance is a little suspect even with the big 4 cylinder engine and the premium fuel suggestion is absurd. It runs fine on mid grade or even regular. No pinging and no noticeable power loss. It is fun to drive and handles very well. The XM radio is great but the cup holders are not very good. I am still trying to figure out what that little light next to the sunroof controls is for. All in all I am very pleased with my purchase and coming from a Ram 1500 Quad Cab with hemi engine I love being able to drive by a gas station without stopping.

  • Wow - Get one - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
    By -

    Stop looking any further- youll only be going back to the HHR and may find it was sold. We were shopping at 2 stores and then at some "foreign" places. The HHR is more functional and a better value. The are selling fast- we lost one because we wanted to shop around then had to wait a week for another to come in. We got one with the bigger engine and love it. Peppy, quiet, safe, sturdy, super mileage!

  • HHR - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
    By -

    Got the car a few days ago, and am enjoying the ride so far. Ratings are relative to the price and segment. For the price, we couldht have gotten a better car. My wife and I didnt want to get another HoHum sedan (at least not until we are pushing 60), and we also wanted a car that seated 4 comfortably, with a smooth ride. HHR fit the bill. Car handles better than what I read about it. Not perfect, but handles well. I am very happy with this purchase.

Chevrolet HHR Reviews By Year:
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