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 Rules Over PT - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Brutus59 - February 14 - 3:50 am

  Awesome car that I think Chevrolet has outdone themselves on. Much more class than a PT Cruiser plus, its a Chevy for petes sake! More tradition, more quality and a better looking car. Great performance and interior space and styling. Have driven both a PT Cruiser and now own an HHR. Enough said! Go get one for yourself!

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  Fun In Your Fifties - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Dick - January 21 - 12:40 am

  I have never been happier with a new vehicle. I cant believe the looks I get just driving around town. Summit White with pinstriping. Chrome package with all the upgrades on the inside. Just plain fun to drive. Economical as well as reliable. My Border Collie loves the back storage area. Shes made it her home when were out and about. Handles with unexpected precision and quickness. Just a joy to drive. Ill never go back to Jeeps again!

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  Fun Car & Great looking too! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Fun Ride - January 8 - 8:13 am

  I love this car. For those who are short (Im 5 1")I think it is great with the power seats. The smaller windows are great as well, the visor actually works for me in this car than any other car I have ever owned. Storage is wonderful, this is great to hide all those little things you would like to have in the car. The price is right for what you get.

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  My HHR - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By jo - January 7 - 10:26 pm

  I wanted to get rid of my gas guzzling SUV, but needed the room of a station wagon and this was it! I am 6 tall and found this to have the perfect legroom and headroom I was looking for. Plus it had all the features I wanted at a very reasonable price. I wasnt looking to be the first one off the line at the light (you wont win any races) but the HHR runs, travels, and handles well. Ive been in the automotive business (mechanical and body shop) for 26 years and I am quite pleased with my purchase of the High Roof.

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  Be the first on your block - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Long Island HHR - January 2 - 8:16 am

  We got the LT1, 2.4, auto, XM radio, moonroof, chrome package, in red about a week ago. When I saw my fiances grin on the test drive (after test driving a PT turbo, by the way), I knew we would get it. After a week and 500 miles, we are in love with our HHR. We look for reasons to drive it (we commute in my company vehicle - darn). The car is a blast to drive, the visibility is great, were both comfortable (Im 6- foot, 240), and I cant believe the storage space for a small car. If you like to blend in, dont get an HHR. If you like to have fun, get good gas mileage, haul stuff (mountain bike, musical equipment, photography equipment, etc.), and turn a few heads, go check this car out.

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  Quality Vehicle - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Chuck C - December 29 - 7:50 pm

  We have recveived a lot of casual inquiries about this car. The style is creative, the interior is very functional, and overall the car is funto drive. The powertrain is well suited for suburban driving, and provides good gas mileage. This is an excellent choice for someone seeking to downsize their SUV.

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  HHR Heaven - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Rick - December 13 - 4:56 pm

  I have driven Chevrolet all my life but this is the first brand new Chevrolet I have bought, and Im am very pleased. It is a very comfortable ride and looks awesome! I would recommend this car to anyone who likes Chevrolet. Gas mileage is excellent. Love everything about it. I tell everyone after 51 years I deserve a new car.

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  HHR - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By lillie - December 6 - 8:03 am

  I love it. It drives good and handles good. Gets good gas mileage. Love to drive it. Had a big truck for six years. Had to get a car I could get in because of my health. Like this just as well.

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  Best car ever - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By mendez - November 9 - 11:33 am

  Me and my wife love this car. If we had the money we would buy another one just like it. I like the way Im sitting high up with 18 inch rims. Driving the car is so smooth. My wife was scared to drive it at first because shes not used to driving a somewhat big ca,r but on the first drive she loved it, so now we switch between cars

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  Great Overall HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By kds hhr - November 7 - 5:40 am

  So far I have really enjoyed my HHR. I have had to get used to not having the power that I had in my previous vehicle but overall it is fun to drive. For a couple of hundred dollars you can change the suspension and gives a much overall better performance with lowering the springs. It has been overall great. We will see how it is for longterm dependability.