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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  I love my HHR! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Maxs Mom - May 17 - 5:50 am

  This car is a blast! I downsized from an Envoy. I have had it less than a month and love the 26mpg versus 17mpg! Gas mileage will get better as we have it longer. Lots of room in the backseat. I like the height adjustments on the drivers seat. I am short and I feel taller than I would in a regular car. I get so many compliments wherever we go in it. I have a baby and can get him in and out of the vehicle easily. You have to drive one to really like it. The steering is great. I had first liked it because of the look and then drove it and thats all it took to buy! My husband is a "truck" person and he loves the HHR. We fight to drive it! Thank you, Chevrolet!

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  Smooth ride with some electrical quirks - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Onion42 - May 5 - 10:30 pm

  I enjoy driving this vehicle a great deal. One of the main reasons I purchased it was for the seating features, as I have back problems and the adjustable seat/lumbar support/heat was very attractive to me. The placement of the power window controls are odd (right side "floor" near gear shift)and its hard to clean the window under the back wiper. The main problem Ive had is frequent internal electrical shorts - the horn has gone out twice and I have had problems with the power seat a time or two. Its all covered under the warranty though. Im hoping it gets sorted out before the warranty expires. I love the car though - lots of room, features, and a thoroughly fun drive.

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  2006 HHR Review - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Tim - April 13 - 5:46 pm

  Although I like the overall looks and performance of my HHR, I am totally disappointed with the various electrical issues I had to put up with during the cold weather months this past winter. Issues with HVAC lights blinking on and off, battery going dead three different times for no reason, rear wiper motor have to be replaced for intermittent operation,windows that freeze and will not open after car has been warmed up for 45 minutes and last but not the very leaset, snow and ice build up at the front door which rubs the paint when opening the door. With all this said, I plan on replacing this car after driving for just 10,000 miles and I was a loyal GM owner for over 30 years.

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  My 2 Toned HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By cj krause - April 13 - 5:13 pm

  I love it, hauls a load. Quick, fun to drive, handles curves, turns 180s in a tight radius. Great gas mileage, unreal looks and the ability to customize and make it one of a kind is why I bought it. On the highway I can go over 450 miles before fill up, around town over 350 miles. Nice 16 gal tank and hard to get over 14.5 gal in it on a fill up. Very quiet, too easy to go fast and probably one of the best starter family vehicles on the market. I have customized mine and have won 2- 2nd place and 3 first place trophies in 6 car shows.

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  Great Mini SUV with Style - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Billy - April 1 - 12:20 am

  I love my new HHR 2LT. I have just about all the options available. Ive only been driving it for about 2 weeks at the time of this review. I only have 2 real complaints about the HHR. I do not like the power windows located in the center console. I am not used to them, and they seem awkward. They may be good placement in the winter months, so snow doesnt get in them. The other thing I dont like is the ability to flip one switch to turn on all the car dome lights from the drivers seat. Ive never seen a car without this option. I love the sporty suspension and styling.

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  Great choice - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By J Burns - March 31 - 2:10 am

  Ive had my HHR LT2 since July, and its been great. I got the loaded version with every option offered, and Ive been very pleased. It was relatively inexpensive, its comfortable and versatile. Im coming from a Ford Expedition, so it was a bit of an adjustment, but it works. My wife and kids had to warm up to the styling, but I love it. Im over 6 foot and I found both the front and back seats roomy and comfortable. The engine is plenty peppy for a little 4 banger, which provides a much appreciated fuel efficiency. And the leather package is pretty nice. The stereo / CD player sounds great and I love the ipod jack.

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  HHR 2LT 2.4 - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Wayne - March 30 - 1:16 pm

  We purchase our HHR to replace a Chevy Tahoe. The vechicle has proformed nicely and we enjoy the ride. Only problem we had with our purchase was the floor mats were not with the vehicle and after about 7 weeks we got a set of mats, but they were the wrong ones. Also the drivers mat is not designed properly to protect the carpet.

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  HHR Rocks - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By petreydish - March 15 - 3:06 am

  Fun car to drive. Los of looks from others. Handles great. Nice stereo setup. Great gas mileage. Not much of a center console, but 2nd glove box built into dash is very nice. Purple color is very attractive.

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  HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Kurt - March 7 - 3:43 am

  Bad placement of the window switches. You cant put the rear seats down unless you remove the head rest first or put the front seat all the way forward. Then you cant get in the car and drive it. The rear view mirror placement is too low in the windshield creating a large blind spot.

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  HHR - Better than PT Cruiser - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By GEORGE - February 20 - 12:40 am

  I have driven both the 2006 PT Cruiser and the HHR. I am not a Chevy Man by any means. Nor am I a Chryler Man either. I must truly say that the HHR fits my needs and is an all-around better car than the PT Cruiser. The Cruiser seems outdated now. There is hardly any improvements from previous models. Yet, the price keeps climbing. I am over 6 foot tall and I am very comfortable in the HHR. There are more options available on the HHR too. However, In Chrysler defense, I must admit I would like to have a turbo on my HHR. But Im sure theres a supplier working on that as we speak. I really felt cramped in the PT Cruiser in comparison to the HHR. I just think that the HHR is a better deal.