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 Is All I hoped It would Be - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Jim Kerbow - November 6 - 1:13 pm

  I have been very inpressed and delighted with my HHR 1LT. I knew that I had to have it since I first saw one on TV last fall. I had had a 1995 Suburban for the past 10 years and loved it, but the gas mileage and size got to be a problem. The only problem that I will be addressing with the service department is a very loud pop in the speakers sometimes when I start it, and sometimes the remote starter system doesnt work. I feel sure that these can be resolved. The vehicle is everyting I thought it would be.

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  All good - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By nolaman - October 14 - 1:26 am

  This car can get almost 600 miles on a tank of gas, I am not kidding you about this. The back seat folds totally flat, its a traditional station wagon. Even with the back seat up there is plenty of room for most trips. The looks? Well, thats a personal choice, but it suits me well. Extremely quiet, it rides on the interstate like my mothers Grand Marquis. Brings a smile to my face every time I drive it.

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  Chevy did it Right! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By John - October 10 - 12:23 pm

  Chevy gets this one right - cool styling solid road feel & handling with great fit and finish for an American car. Drove 400+ miles to WinterGreen VA area after pickup - up & down the hills nicely, great gas mileage and turned heads all the way.

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  What a looker! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By ssrhhr - September 26 - 6:03 pm

  I have waited on the HHR !! The dealer got this on Tuesday pm, I saw on Wednesday am and the rest is history. Everywhere I went this vehicle drew stares, smiles, and looks of wow! I had people with a lot of smiles and thumbs up. This is an awesome little ride. The 2.2L has plenty of pep on the freeway and great fuel economy. I have only driven 250 miles but it is on the mark at 30 mpg. For the money it is a great value and is loaded with much more than I was expecting. Dont miss this one, it is one of the best retro designs yet.

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  Awesome! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Roslynn Eaton - September 22 - 8:20 pm

  This is a replacement vehicle for a 2000 Tahoe. Needless to say I was not real sure I wanted to get rid of the Tahoe, as it was also a very awesome rig. Not too great on fuel tho. But this HHR has surpassed all my expectations by leaps and bounds. I am 67 yrs young, Tahoe had purple flames and so naturally, this HHR had to have purple flames also. I love the vehicle. I cant say enough about it. The handling ability is so great and it really gets up and goes. I think it would have beat the Tahoe!! GM has done it again.

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  I fell in love! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By ladyangel - September 20 - 5:53 am

  I loved this car the moment that I saw it, in the purple. But due to my disabilities and other circumstances I had to get another one in silver. So far so good with operational peace and comfort.

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  I dunno - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By wabbit - September 11 - 3:00 pm

  I just love my HHR and feel good that I got a lot of bang for my buck! I spent a month deciding between HHR and Vibe (similar crossover vehicles) and option for option I got the HHR with remote start (which Vibe doesnt offer)for $2K less than the Vibe!

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  Pengwens HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Pengwen - September 3 - 7:50 am

  I love my new HHR. I cant tell you how many "looks" it gets on the road. Mine is red and really catches the eye. Also, have had several people to stop and ask me "What kind of car is this?" I had two PT Crusiers prior to my HHR. The speed regulated steering is great for me as I am disabled and have limited use of my arms and the extra room in the back is great for hauling my mobility scooter. The power seat on the drivers side is what made the sale. I now have more room to get in and out and still able to reach the steering wheel and pedals. I highly recommend the HHR for style and accessibility.

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  Very happy with my HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By kevin - August 31 - 4:23 am

  I bought my HHR to replace a Ford Focus. The HHR is much more comfortable and quiet. The car acctually accelerates and rides much better then i had expected. I am averaging 28 mpg and very happy whith my decision to purchase this car.

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  3 weeks - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By 6111 - August 26 - 1:40 am

  What a great car, mine is an LT1 with the auto 2.4. So far 25 MPG city 32 HWY. This thing simply rides like a large car, smooth and quiet. I took a PT for a test drive and its not in the same class as the HHR. Mine cost $17600 MSRP was $19500, for this price its a super car. Dont pay more than $18500 for an HHR if you do you got ripped off. The 3 dealers I went to in Omaha all dropped the MSRP by at least $1500. Sure I had to order it, but it only took 7 weeks. IMHO the $21000-$24000 HHRs are a huge waste of money.