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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  2.4L Automatic Review - 2011 Chevrolet HHR
  By elviejo2010 - December 14 - 12:41 pm

  Dont let the funky retro styling fool you, this is a very practical vehicle. We are empty-nesters who seldom have more than two people in the vehicle but haul a lot of stuff around with our hobbies and this is just the ticket. We have a 2.4L Auto with the 1Lt package and it has plenty of features. The high seats are good for us older types, the short doors make entry/exit easy in tight spots and the rear view camera is definitely recommended. Drives well, plenty of power at highway speeds, and quiet.

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  No problems whatsoever - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By love mine - November 28 - 2:00 am

  To whoever paid $800.00 for an alternator you got ripped big time, you can buy these for 89.00 at about any auto parts store, mine now has 93,000 miles and it had a recall on the wiring harness and that all it ever had done to it still runs and drives like new 2.4 engine is the better of the 2 engines mine is a lt model I will drive it till it no longer goes then I will buy a new one they will stop these in 2011 as I was told, varoooom

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  great little car - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By p - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I really, really like this car! Fun to drive, got it with 14500 K miles and still in warranty with all the bells and whistles. Wont say I love it cause it is just a material object but really, really like it. So far no problems with anything. MPG would be great if I didnt have a lead foot, but that is what the cruise if for! I would recommend it to others.

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  My new 2011 2.4L 2LT HHR - 2011 Chevrolet HHR
  By Foggy - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I like this car. But Edmunds only lists the 2.2L engine with Man trans. I got the 2.4L with 4 spd auto. Interior is hard plastic, but leather seats are good. Mileage is 27 mpg avg. I downsized from a Mini Van. After purchase, started noticing so many HHRs out there. Rear view camera is valuable. I got 2LT pack, like the 17" wheels, seems very solid, lots of sound deadening material. Practical design, fold flat seats good. Windshield not very high, but got used to it quickly as did with steer by wire steering. All in all, Id say give this a look. At least it doesnt look like all the rest of small suvs. Lots of aftermarket stuff to add on.

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  Love my HHR - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By lardeawit - November 5 - 2:00 am

  This is the first new chevrolet I have purchased I got hooked on the HHR when I rented one while my Toyota was in the shop. When I got my toyota back from the shop I went down to the Chevrolet dealer and traded it in on my HHR. Up until now I have always owned a Toyota. I get 25 mpg city and 31 highway.

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  What a Blast! - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By Tim - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car, used from a dealer about 2 hrs from my home. It was the closest HHR with all the things I wanted in it. It has been Great since day 1. I drive from NC to NY every 2 weeks for work and it is a pleasure to drive.I get about 28-29 mpg while cruising at about 75 mph.My dog rides in the back and is very comfortable or so he says.It gets a lot of looks but more often than not, people dont know what kind of car it is.I think thats changing because I see a lot more of them on the road these days.I know mine will be on I-95 for a long time to come.

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  This is the Chevrolet to buy - 2010 Chevrolet HHR
  By Jeffrey A. Wardwell - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2010 HHR, because, my Mom has a 2006 HHR. She loves her car. She said IF she ever trades, it will be for a new HHR. And I am enjoying my new HHR as much as she enjoys hers.

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  surprised - 2011 Chevrolet HHR
  By gator929 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised with the engine acceleration and the ride. It has a very car like smoothness.

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  Not What I Thought it Would Be - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Rockin Royce W. - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I mostly bought this car because of the cool retro style, but it kind of goes downhill from there. Theres lots of cheap plastic all throughout the interior..everything rattles and buzzes. Wheels are noisy. So- called "chrome" on door handles is starting to peel off like tin foil. No where to put trash. Lame design for window controls (all in the center of the console, not on the doors themselves). Glove box barely big enough to store a map and a couple of fast-food napkins. Cloth interior stains extremely easily, even from water.

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  Amazing Multipurpose Vehicle - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
  By max solano - October 11 - 2:00 am

  This started as my Monday through Friday vehicle. In the 18 months, and 65,000 miles I have owned it, it has become my weekend car as well. The sports car and the truck have been relegated to the back of the driveway. This HHR SS serves as a daily driver and a weekend hauler. Great acceleration and great gas mileage if you stay out of the turbos maximum boost. Noisy cabin at speed and entirely too much plastic used in the interior, but still FUN to drive. Have only had one issue with the clutch slave cylinder, but Chevy covered the repair under warranty. Other than that,the vehicle has only had oil and filter changes. Changed out the Michelin tires at 45k miles, Contis have improved ride.