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-Fun to Drive and Solid Too - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By CentralWisconsinite - April 9 - 5:36 am

  I was attracted to the look of the vehicle and its impressive mpg rating (30 hwy). I have been totally won over by the fun of driving, the solid feel and the attention to detail. I have received many compliments. The vehicle is surprisingly roomy. It is a little odd to have the window controls behind the floor shifter, but that is not a big deal. I purchased the 1LT version with upgrades to leather trimmed heated seats (important in Wisconsin). I also went for the 7 speaker Pioneer sound system. Coupled with the XM radio and convenient input jack for my MP3 player, this is an excellent ride.

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  CT REV - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By swysowski - March 21 - 8:06 am

  Great gas mileage. The seating is excellent for me. Im in an upright position, and feel very comfortable. The car looks awesome, and I have to say that I have not experienced one problem since I purchased it 7 thousand miles ago. I love the storage with the seats down, and even with them up, I have more than enough room. This is a great car for the money.

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  We love this car! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Sam - March 5 - 5:03 am

  While driving my "spring edition" victory red HHR with special body striping and highly polished wheels I get so many looks from people that I pass. It is so fun to drive that my wife and I fight over who will drive it to work, or just on leisure drives.

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  My HHR - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By Charles.Stellini - February 23 - 11:20 am

  Just bought it a couple of weeks ago, and my wife and I really enjoy it very much. It handles great, parks easy, rides smooth, is really good on gas, and we love it.

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  HHR 10 - PT Cruiser 5 - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By mywicks - February 23 - 8:10 am

  I think this is a benchmark vehicle for GM. If you close your eyes get into the car and open them the car speaks import. Think no cheap feeling plastics were so used to in GM products. And lets not gripe about location of window switches, etc. We saw those as soon as we drove the car. What I do love is the attention I get with this car--Ive been driving some 30 years and I have never gotten the compliments like I do with this car. And all of my cars have been nice.

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  Nice, but... - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By ScottWPS - February 12 - 10:30 am

  Coming from F250 4dr diesel, I cried. Owned 3 wks now, avg 800mi/wk. Still miss truck! Likes; 27mpg avg, rides tall/nice, XM radio, AC can cool 3bdrm house, remote start, chrome pkg, good space for its size, mid-life-criss-red, cool looks. Dislikes; 2.2L slow (b careful pulling into traffic), tan interior dirties easily, drop on-star(?), 6 tall-rt leg cramps-seat wont go back far enough, MGP counter .2 to 1mi/gal optimistic vs actual calc. Totally useless; armrests block rr cupholder, at nite-interior lights in rearview mirror useless & sunvisor completly useless when pulled toward the dr side window! Needs sm diesel opt. After 17.5mpg in that big F250 want only diesel engines-(pwr + mpg!)

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  General description of vehicle . - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Norman Shapiro - February 5 - 4:33 pm

  This HHR is a 2nd vehicle for us. I purchased it as an inexspensive form of transportation. I purchased a manual 5 speed shift for that reason. Disapointing to note that this vehicle caused me much grief that was due to shoddy workmanship. I received a severe laceration because the seat of the vehicle was inferior.