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:

• 

  HHR is a hit - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By welz - April 24 - 5:33 pm

  This car is great on gas and is a blast to drive on the the highway. The fit and finish is superb. The stereo sounds great. Interior is nicely done. I use it to go out on the town and to go to Home Depot to pick up all my stuff for around the house and yard. The running boards and the chrome package set it off.

• 

  FINALLY!!! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Krow - April 15 - 11:10 am

  After experiences with terrible rattles, squeeks and vibrations in various GM Mini-vans over the past 13 years, I was more than ready to try an import. I was looking recently and spotted an HHR at a local lot. I immediately fell in love with the styling and the price and decided to give GM ONE more chance. Im glad I did! What a high quality vehicle! Absolutely norattles, squeeks or vibrations and very little wind noise.

• 

  HHR a great car - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Our HHR - the hearse - March 28 - 3:53 pm

  We have owned our HHR for almost a year (this replaced our Saturn VUE). Its comfort level and fun to drive rating are high for us. It is black and our freinds refer to it as a hearse. It is anything but a hearse. Neat looking, lots of after market items available to customize. This is a leased car. We may wind up buying because of the style and comfort level. Highly recommend this to anyone. Just plain cool to be in and drive.

• 

  Handles great - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Shelley - March 25 - 8:10 pm

  The car handles great. Interior handles pets feet and sticky kids well. There is enough lighting. Storage is all around. Roomy back seats. The cargo area is pretty neat too. Love the hatch back. Having electric windows is a great plus. Everything is close for easy reach.

• 

  Driving my HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Kelli Grogg - March 15 - 1:53 am

  I love driving my HHR and everyone else who has driven it really likes it also. It has a very smooth ride and I can not wait until winter to see how it will perform

• 

  from Monte Carlo to HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By montecarlo - March 14 - 9:00 am

  I recently survived a crash with my 2001 Monte Carlo and a snowplow. Although it was totalled, it gave me the opportunity to buy my HHR 2LT sooner than this summer. What a GREAT CAR! Super roomy for a guy 62". We thought something was wrong with it because people drive really close to us on the highway. They are just getting a better look at its sleek styling! Its sunburst orange metallic II and it glows! The 2.4L has good pickup and keeps up with the big SUVs. Great options that are standard and what a sound system from pioneer! Excellent cargo space for the size and the gas mileage is nearing 26 mpg around town. Cant wait to take a road trip this summer. Its a charm to drive!

• 

  HHR Experience - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Runner - March 3 - 1:16 pm

  Very satisfied with driving and ownership of vehicle. Pleasant to drive with great storage capacity for a small SUV. Would not hesitate to buy another HHR.

• 

  Safety on winter and price by diler.no follow up o - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Irma g - February 20 - 1:44 pm

  Me encanta mi carro pero primero me hisieron fraude al comprarlo con un costo de 40mil dolares y deja un cbslt2006 del año me quede con el para no aruinar mi credito....el carro es economico ayuda mucho para mudansa pero para tiempo de nieve se resbala mucho la palanca de cambios es la 2 vez que la cambio para abrur las ventanas siento que es un peligro y distraccion el espacio de los acientos de enfrente muy juntos la pintura se arruina pronto y aun estiy esperando mi cita del recall

• 

  Great Looking Car - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By HHR HAPPY HOTROD - February 18 - 1:40 am

  I love driving this car. It has a smooth ride and great gas mileage. Highway mileage from 30-35 MPG. The body style is really awesome and Chev. has done a good job here with the styling. I test drove a PT Cruiser after the HHR but bought the HHR, hands down!! Chevrolet has a good reputation of quality built cars. We have always been a Chev. family.

• 

  Good American Car - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Ed - February 15 - 12:36 am

  Serene ride, comfortable driving position is giving the sensation that you are at the command of a solid vehicle. Well equipped, good sound system and lots of electronics controls, temperature, gas autonomy, oil usage, etc. Good gas mileage for the size of the car. Interior temperature warms up fast, Im from Colorado and this is very important here more now that is winter. I did not find the windows controls far from reach, perhaps confusing as you always find them at your door side in other vehicles. Break wise, I did not find my self in a situation that demands strong breakage so far. Lot of cargo space. Easy acces. Generous rear mirrors.