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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  The joys of a used HHR - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Chris - June 28 - 6:32 pm

  I went out looking specifically for a used HHR for my business. I happened to stumble across my car via anot her car finding website. My "must haves" were a moonroof and Bluetooth. My car was advertised at a ridiculously low price compared to others on the site. Went to the VW dealer that had the car and bought it after they took another grand off "because the website price was wrong". No joke. That was 2 years and 49,000 miles ago. Since then the car has needed NOTHING other than standard maintenance. I bought it with 85,000 miles and was really worried about the 100,000 G.M. fall-aparts. Im at 134,000 and as I said, apart from oil changes, a set of tires and one visit to the dealer for the ignition recall, nothing has broken or gone wonky. The only thing I see as kind of a negative is although it gets within its EPA gas mileage ratings, I feel that gas mileage could be better. I get a consistent 24 mpg all-around but feel it should do better. All in all, its a great little car and I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

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  Chevrolet has a winner - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By parky - June 11 - 8:56 pm

  I have driven oer a thousand miles so far and find the car to be well built with fit and finish to be excellent. I couldnt be more pleased with the car, it gives excellent gas mileage and has excellent carrying capacity.

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  Extremely pleased with my HHR! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By kennyg - June 9 - 2:40 am

  This vehicle is very tightly built for an American car. Ive been very pleased with its quiet ride, gas mileage, and reasonable purchase price.

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  HHR For Me - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By mrlrd - June 1 - 9:40 am

  Car is very stylish. I bought the least expensive model, yet it runs with the most expensive model. About $5,000 difference.

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  First GM car ever. - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Dr. Ray - June 1 - 3:03 am

  I knew it was slow, but I have gotten used to simply pushing it a little. I love the exterior styling, but wish GM had used better quality sheet metal (dings with ease) and interior parts. Cup holder placement is useless, and it needs better storage. That said, I love the retro look, the ease of ingress and egress, the hauling capacity witht the seats down and the $50 a month drop in insurance over my 2001 4Runner. This car needs 25 more horses for this enthusiast. I intend to install a cold air induction to make it sound and move a little better. Too many PT Cruisers out there. 5 more miles per gallon would be good too.

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  Love it! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By dawg379 - May 28 - 6:20 pm

  After having the HHR for just over a year I still love it! It is fun to drive, comfortable and roomy. Like that with the rear and front seat folded I can haul an 8 2x4! Even tho its a small car I can adjust the seat up so I feel like I am sitting up higher. The MPG is very good, have gotten upwards to 35-40 on long trips.

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  NeatLittel Crossover - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By beti - May 27 - 5:00 am

  I have only owned my HHR about 3 months but the gas mileage is very good. The look of the vehicle is very appealing and gets lots of attention. It is a fun little vehicle to drive. I feel very safe and comfortable when I drive it. The only thing I could possibly think that might improve it would be repositioning the cup holders. I am not sure where but they are awkward to reach.

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  The Best Yet - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Sherri - May 24 - 4:10 am

  The best auto I have purchased in years. I purchase a new auto about every 4 years. This auto is rated 25/30 miles per gallon. I am averageing 28.5 miles locally. Have gone on 3 long trips and have averaged 31.5, and latest was 33.1. This auto has so many nice features. It is an eye catcher, have had loads of people asking what it is, what a great feeling to know you have somehing that other people like. The best yet in autos for me. The 7.2 rating is far from what I think of this auto. Get out and drive it, it is fun to drive. Thank You Chevrolet.

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  Simply HHR-appy! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By bernard - May 6 - 9:06 pm

  I bought this car to replace my everyday driver. The wife liked it so much she quit driving her van, which was over twice the money, and started driving it. I dont like driving a van everyday so I traded it in on another HHR with more options, which she has now taken over and I am back to my original one. I have owned some very expensive cars in my time but I am really impressed with the quality and quanity of the HHR for the price.

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  Best car ever owned - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Sully - May 2 - 7:43 am

  Ive owned 30 cars including 6 Hondas and 3 Toyotas. This is the best car Ive ever owned. 31500 miles and zero problems. Fit and finish are tops. Zero rattles, wind noise, leaks, buzzes, hums. 2.4 engine is a must. Pioneer sub woofer makes for great sound system. As a photographer I get tons of equipment with fold down seats that fold down evenly. Plus some great hiding bins. Window switches a little funky and horn is wimpy. Im a fog light freak and these are the best Ive ever had. This car was $5000 under Camry with similar equipment. Ya Id go for a 200 mph rig, but if gas goes over $3.00 a gallon again, maybe not. A fuel cell powered HHR would be totally awesome.