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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  Amazing - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By sirwillo - January 8 - 9:50 pm

  The HHR has been a huge surprise. I paid 14k for a new 2008 ls. It is far suprior to other cars in its class when it comes to usablility and comfort. The most impressive part of this vehicle is how smooth and comfortable the ride is. I travel about 30k a year so I needed a vehicle that would get great gas mileage (i avg 33 on highway) and was comfortable enought to drive for 5 - 6 hours in. On top of that the storage area is awesome. Lots of space in the rear witha great changing configuration.

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  Dont buy chevy - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Darrell - December 21 - 10:41 pm

  Bought brand new in 2008. Still have in 2016 only 29k miles on it, garage kept and lots of problems. A/C quit working already, lift gate wont open unless you use screw driver to unlatch it. Turn signal will not self cancel, mpg not as good as claimed. Almost have to lay in passenger seat to see traffic light. Sun visor wont stay in place. Will never buy a Chevrolet again!

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  What a great fun car! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Lauri Camplese - November 22 - 7:13 pm

  I bought my HHR last year, and love everything about it. It is great on gas, and has a lot of room to haul things around. I bought it since I have 2 kids that play soccer, and it was voted the safest car on the road, in fact my insurance went down over $600 for the year! If that isnt reason enough to buy it then let me add that it is comfortable and roomy on the inside. The outside style is awesome, I love when people stop me in parking lots to ask me about the performance and things like that. Trust me, I would not want to drive anything else.

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  Hubbys Heritage Roadster - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Hubbys Heratige Roa - October 26 - 7:56 pm

  After searching for the HHR we wanted, we ordered a Sunburst Orange 1LT.We picked it up earlier than the projected delivery date. Love driving the sporty, retro, head turning, car. It is much more comfortable then the previous car, a Cavalier and the mileage is comparable to the Cavalier; 27/28mpg everyday driving. Would love to see what it does on a road trip. It drives great, is peppy and roomy. Hubby loves the retro Suburban design. (So do I) He has added gold metallic stripes and blue dots in the tail lights.

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  My HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Harlene - October 1 - 12:26 am

  I love the *driveability* of my new HHR. I have never had a car that drives so easy. You would have to drive one to understand what I am saying. I drive it every day to work and fall in love with it all over again. There is plenty of room and you do not feel squashed into a small car. The fuel mileage is what you would expect from a smaller car. I get 24 miles pr gal around town and 33 open highway. I cant say enough about this new car except....Thanks General Motors

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  Pros and Cons - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Natalie - September 20 - 1:26 am

  Ive had my HHR for over a year now, and while its fun to drive, ive had no shortage of problems, namely ongoing electrical problems with the signal lights, windshield seal leak, leak in windshield causing failure of heating system, paint chipping along bottom and rear, deprogramming of key/ignition, signal light failure, occasional popping noise when the radio is off, sticky first and second gear. That being said, its a very unique and fun car. Ive put 18" wheels on, making it sporty and quick handling. Stiff suspension, much like a sports coupe, especially with larger wheels on. Gas mileage is great, about 25 mpg in city/rush hour/stop and go traffic.

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  Wonderful Car to have in the household. - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Cindy - September 18 - 8:03 am

  I test drive many cars before choosing the HHR. I had another brand on order to purchase. But after trying out the HHR I just love driving it. It make me feel as if I am driving a Benz. Thanks to the maker of the HHR.

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  PT Eater - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By KEN - September 14 - 6:40 pm

  There is no comparison between the HHR and the PT Cruiser. The HHR is roomier more economical and better looking. I average 29.5mpg cruising at 75mph in hilly West Virginia. The back is large enough with the floor removed to fit a full size contra(drum corp) standing up. I love my HHR!

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  Great choice - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By 98zq8 - September 10 - 9:03 pm

  My 08 LS Auto is fabulous. 2.2 motor 149hp is more than adequate despite the heavy vehicle. Ride is soft as expected and comfortable. We use this as a family hauler with two kids 3 and 4. They can actually get in all by themselves unlike the large SUV guzzlers out there. This is an inexpensive, economy vehicle with some flair and modern features. The info panel is fantastic and interior versatility is top notch. GM is offering the goods to the lower price buyers for a change, not just the monster SUV crowd. Interior quality is better than expected for price and segment. I think it looks more premium than the msrp commanded. Replacement parts are inexpensive too (brakes, rotors,etc)

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  I love my HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Tim - September 5 - 6:26 am

  It is a fun and versatile car to drive. I get 31 to 33 mi/gal on the hwy and ave 28 combined hwy/city. For an encommy car it has lots of extras I didnt expect. I have the seven speaker XM radio and it sounds better than my home unit. I have had it a month and everthing has gone fine so far.