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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  Love my HHR - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Steve - January 3 - 9:20 am

  Bought 07 HHR LT fall limited edition. Love it. The black chrome looks great. Very comfortable, great mileage. I am 6 and there is a lot of room. Handling is great, not too much body roll. It is a lot of fun. Rides like a much more expensive car.

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  Would buy another - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Debra - January 1 - 2:06 am

  For the price this is a nice car. It get a lot of looks as I pass by. I was quite impressed with the power that is has for a 4 cyclinder vehicle. I am a thick woman and I can easily get in and out of the vehicle. The one program I have so far is at drive through windows, and trying to find a sun deflector for the inside (the folding kind) I have checked some of everywhwere, can you help me please, because the window is so small it is very hard. It steers very easy.

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  I Love My HHR!!! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Barb Vath - December 31 - 10:26 am

  I had 3 Blazers previous to this purchase and I was pleasantly suprised by this car. I researched this auto online and didnt even drive one before I called my dealer and ordered a black one. I picked it up and it has been love ever since. I just hope they continue making this model because I do want another one in a few years.

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  GM hit a homer! - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By john - December 12 - 12:53 am

  This car is certainly not a race car, but I didnt want that anyway!Its fun to drive, has a very comfy ride, looks nice, and seems to be built very well. I have had many cars domestic and foreign. I would have to say this car is as nice and built as well as any foreign car. Very happy

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  2007 HHR Sunburst Orange(2LT) - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Tim - November 8 - 2:33 pm

  The more we drive this car the more we love it. We have a friend who bought one and once we got in it we liked it.Purchased the 2LT model with all the bells and whistles except OnStar. If you like the Sunburst Orange but not sure of the color from the info it is a perfect color for this style of car and the pictures do not do it justice. It is more coppery when you actually get to see it. The black leather sure looks sharp in this color. It is nice to see a car with chrome on it again. The 17" polished aluminum wheels are a very nice touch.

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  I love my HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By shortdrivetocrazy - November 2 - 7:26 pm

  I have owned my HHR for two weeks now. It rides great, drives easy, is comfortable. I am getting great gas mileage in town (22mpg). The ride is quiet, good stereo. The storage and cargo space is nice. Chevy really hit a good one here, and its nice to see them going back to some old school stuff. This should work out well for them. This vehicle is hard to get right now, the dealership I bought mine at, cant keep them in stock.

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  Luvin it - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Holly - November 2 - 4:56 am

  Ive had lots of cars and I think this may be my favorite one so far. I got the bright orange metallic and I love it! Interior design, outside appearance, drivability, acceleration. So much fun.

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  1 Cool little car - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By A. Hot rodder - October 30 - 6:30 pm

  We tried out the Rave 4 & the PT cruiser. All things considered the HHR has them both beat. Dont pay any attention to the "Pros" reviews, the HHR is not supposed to be a Porsche. Drive one, the thing feels super tight. I love the way the steering feels.

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  Great gas mileage in town - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By GWD - October 29 - 8:40 am

  Very comfortable to drive, hugs the road on curves on dry and wet payevment. Quiet inside. Roomy for a small car. Decent acceleration. Passengers say it is very comfortable in the back seats. Excellent fuel economy 9.2 to 10.1 l/100k in city driving. Colour tone of paint is very good {silver with a hint of tan}

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  Love my 6 HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Bruce Bartley - October 19 - 7:16 am

  Over all Ilove My HHR. But with any new car there are some bugs to be worked out. And yes I bought the extended warranty so all of the bugs can be worked out by my dealer. I feel its a small price to pay. I was one of the first to own the Chevy HHR and since then Ive seen a lot more every day.