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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HHR is fun and economical - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By Todd McGonagle - July 29 - 4:33 amThis is the first new car I have ever had and Im glad I bought one. It has plenty of space inside. It has a fun retro classic look. It gets all the mileage it claims to get, and even more if you drive slower than 65 on level ground. The automatic transmission is responsive and the little 4 banger is plenty of power for this car. If the engine were bigger it obviously wouldnt get that all important 30 MPG! For an inexpensive vehicle, I cant say enough positive things about it. I highly recommend the HHR if you like the utility of wagons, coupled with a car based body style. I hope Chevrolet will offer a 2 door panel delivery version of this car in the future.
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Much more than a PT Cruiser - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By Keith - July 16 - 9:03 pmWhen I first looked at the HHR, I immediately drew a comparison between it and Chryslers PT Cruiser. However, a retro wagon appearance is all they share. The HHR is towable 4 wheels down in an automatic, the PT is not. And although they have similar cargo room (about 65 cu ft., the seats need to be removed from the PT to accomplish this where in the HHR, they fold flat. Additionally, many items, like A/C and cruise control are options on the base model PT, but standard in the HHR LS. Finally, with a larger fuel tank & better fuel economy (23/30 vice 21/26 for PT with an automatic) I will be stopping less often to fill up. So the HHR is not a copy, but an upgrade from the PT Cruiser.
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Fun Buggy - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By mmjsucocks - July 11 - 9:06 pmI just bought my HHR and I love it. I cant keep out of it! It is a LT with a 2.2 5 speed manual. It has lots of get up and go. I bought the car from a dealer about 200 miles away from my house and drove it home and it got a average of 35 mpg! The best thing is that I got it for around $16,500. Why buy Japanese when you can buy American and feel good about it.
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Love my HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By Lucy - July 11 - 9:40 amI have owned my HHR for 4 weeks now. It is a lot of fun to drive. I have had many complements on it. I like the retro styling. I traded in my 2001 PT Cruiser for this car. My HHR is more comfortable to ride in especially on long trips. My husband didnt like to drive the Cruiser but boy does he like to drive my HHR.
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HHRoom! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By Pitbull - July 7 - 1:56 amMaybe every radically styled new car turns heads, but Ive never been the center of attention the way I am when I drive my Sunburst Orange HHR into town. Young, old, even cops do double takes! I couldnt get out of the dealers lot without being persuaded to give another customer a test ride around a few blocks! I got the LT with the larger 4 cyl. engine and manual 5 speed. What a blast to drive! Mixed in-town/highway milage - 29 mpg for the first quarter tank. I live at 8500 ft elevation. Takes the hills just fine. Seat comfort is exceptional. Interior is very well designed and I just love the XM radio! Side curtain bags, ABS, adjustable belt height; great safety. Homerun, Chevy!
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Very Fun Car - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
By HHRfan - July 5 - 6:20 amI did a lot of research before I bought my HHR, but I was surprised at just how fun this car really is. There are a lot of extras and small touches that make the car something special. Of all the cars Ive ever owned, this one makes the best impression. Contrary to some reviews Ive read, the handling is fun. The ride is as smooth as glass, and the steering is very responsive. Its amazing how tight it turns in parking situations. I can make u-turns in very, very tight circles. The small windows and windshield give the car a fun attitude when you drive, too. The novelty of the doesnt get in the way, though. Its not over the top. Its just fun. My favorite car ever.
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Cool car! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By lovinchevy - June 25 - 4:36 pmThe new 2006 HHR is everything wede hoped for and even more. Outside of the design or arrangement or number of cup holders, we have very little that we are displeased with. The road handling of the vehicle on a whole is terrific, as are the brakes. Chevy has done an outstanding job in the production of the HHR, although it would be nice to have seen the engine produced in USA, we are pleased with the engine. The leg room for both driver, front passenger and rear seem to be adequate. This was a great purchase, having made our decision to down size from a mini-van. The basic standard model allows its owners to personally customize, showing their own personalities, not the Chevy producers!
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I Love the HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By livingfortheride - May 29 - 8:00 pmI actually sold my Harley to get this vehicle. I am glad to say we made a good choice with the HHR. For my wife with the kids, she has plenty of room for shopping bags and items in the trunk area. We went with the LS because neither one of us care about power seats or chrome mirrors. As far as the hubcaps, we are looking into getting rims for it anyway, so why spend the extra? Also, on the base stereo, it is fine, good volume, bass, and treble. The 2.2 engine has plenty of pick-up and great gas mileage, averaging 33mpg on the freeway. Usually around 30mpg per tank, if not more, depending on how much stop and go driving we do.
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A Must Have for the Family - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By Pintoguy - May 29 - 2:33 pmWe have owned this car for about five months. The build quality is the best of any previous new car that I have owned. No problems as of yet. Would like to see a better center console, and different positioning of the power window switches. Other than that, I wouldnt recommend any other wagon for a small family.
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My HHR LT - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By RICH M - May 16 - 7:40 amHonda owner for many years. I Just liove my HHR LT. Its fun to drive and comfortable. Great styling and gas mileage. Went on a trip and average mileage was 31.3mpg. Cant beat that at todays gas prices!
