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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  Honor His Righteousness - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Benjamin - February 9 - 2:03 pm

  I cannot really say anything bad about this vehicle. It could use some more power on future models, but that would be about it. You know, more get up and go when you have to floor it in Houston area traffic.

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  My Baby HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Jeanie - February 5 - 5:40 am

  I purchased my HHR LT in MD. I drove it from Maryland to Florida, then from Florida to Texas. I am 66 years old, and never felt more safe as I was alone on this trip. It handled with such ease and I could "whip" in and out of traffic when necessary. It handled like a dream on my trip. It really held the road with great accuracy and definition. HHR, where have you been all my life? Youre beautiful and I love you.

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  Fun Car - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Dave Palmer - January 20 - 2:26 pm

  I have owned my HHR for about 5 months and about 6,000 miles. The car has been fun and economical to own. The 2.2 litre engine will not win any races but it moves the car with enough acceleration to make it fun to drive. The engine is quite noisey under heavy acceleration. Rock solid on the road with plenty of room for people and things. The interior is roomy and very versatile, and I love the fold flat rear seats. Overall has been a great car.

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  What a great car!! - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Jenni Lynne - January 19 - 10:03 am

  I love this car. I have had my eye on this car since the autoshow. I finally got it. I told myself i wouldnt settle... and i didnt .. its fully loaded... if its offered i have it. The radio is outstanding... the sound amazing. I love that i can store fm, am, and xm channels in the same category in the presets. The drive is amazing. The speed sensitive steering really makes a difference... who knew? It has good power for the size of the engine. The exterior color (golden teal) really turns heads. The remote start is great especially considering that its october and already snowing. Wow the room it has... its the best !!

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  I Love It - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Justin - November 26 - 1:40 pm

  I was hesitant to get the new HHR, seeing I was coming from a Mustang convertible. The 4 cylinder worried me. The HHR has great pick up and is really peppy, very cool and fun to drive, has XM radio, sunroof, and great sounding pioneer system stock. I love this car, and 360 miles to a tank of gas, cant go wrong. I highly recommend the Chevy HHR

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  HHR Beats Ford Freestar - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By oldindian - November 23 - 2:23 am

  2007 HHR sure beats the 2004 Freestar.The ride is at least as good, performance is about the same, MPG is about double, and its twice the fun to drive and most people love the looks. I sure do enjoy it

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  CAR FROM HELL - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Melissa Brown - November 18 - 9:48 pm

  This car has been giving me nothing but issues. Ive had it for about a year and a half. The first 6 months were fantastic, everything worked great! Then the worst came. My car kept trying to overheat, no idea why. I had to keep adding coolant, but I had no leaks. Then, I changed the thermostat and coolant sensor. Still not working. I shortly found out that I needed a new water pump. These three repairs cost me almost $1000. My car was okay for 3 months, then it started running a high temperature once again. I found out that I had an air pocket, and then I was okay for about a week and a half. Now my car is still over heating and I have no idea why. In conclusion, if you want this car, then you better be willing to put more money than its worth in it.

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  Sporty outside, not so comfy inside - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By dclaghorn - November 13 - 5:13 pm

  I really like my HHR. Good for driving around town with the kids, but dont expect to make a major Home Depot run in it. Storage space is pretty limited. Also, these are, without question, just about the most uncomfortable seats Ive ever had in a car (and Ive driven Corvairs and VW Bugs!) Overall though, a good car for tricking out, driving around town, handing down to your kids, etc.

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  HHR one of the best cars I have owned - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Anissa - November 5 - 8:13 pm

  The car is fun to drive and get great gas mileage. And gas mileage is the main reason I purchsed the car to begin with. Now I just love driving the car.

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  HHR Red Hot - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Mckennycoy - October 31 - 11:16 am

  I have looked at the PT cruisers for a long time but I think Chevrolet has one upped Chrysler with HHR. I wanted to get the orange color but it was very scarce almost bought one but hesitated and it sold right after I left dealer. I ended up getting a red one because the 0 percent intrest was the deal clincher. I really like the styling. It is classy , retro, and eye catching on a budget . These cars start out at about 17 grand and get 30 mph on the freeway and look cool . What more needs to be said? Chevrolet has hit a home run.