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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Good car - 2010 Chevrolet HHR
By tdyson - October 10 - 2:00 am500+miles on the road on a tank of gas $17,000.00 out the door with Power Windows, locks, remote start, navigation system, am, FM, XM, cd, and onstar. Drives nice and a lot of car for the price I have a 2008 max pick up that refuse to pass a gas station. For the price and the cost to operate this the the best that it have been for me.
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BRAKES - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
By crybabby - October 6 - 2:00 amJust got it and the brakes squeak. It seems like it may be a problem. I am not the only one with it. And its funny it happened after i bought it, not on the test drive. Didnt like the car when saw it, but after driving it and getting used to all the blind spots I fell in love. If you are going to get on the hwy. Turn ac off, You will get more power pick up. Oh yeah, cup holders, what were they thinking.
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Needed new alternator at 98,000 miles - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By WCS_in_SM - September 27 - 2:00 amUpdates "Smooth Ride" 7/22/09 and "Needed new engine at 71,000 miles pm 8/22/09. Car would not start. Got jumped, went a mile, car died big time. Towed to dealer. $816 for new alternator. Battery is still OK. If you buy an American car new, get that 100,000 mile warranty!
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Fun to drive, its a gas - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
By Linda - September 25 - 2:00 amWe couldnt be happier with our HHR. Great fun to drive and it looks wonderful. I would recommend it to anyone. Its the perfect "dog" car. One of our friends told us that and he was right. We have 2 rescued greyhounds and it is perfect for them. They have plenty of room with the back seats down. We did not have to give up the fuel economy for the extra room we needed. It is a perfect fit for us!
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Good Car but has some problems. - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
By FFDice - September 24 - 2:00 amThis was my 1st new car ever. I always liked the look of classic cars and this car caught my eye. I bought this car during the gas price boom and it didnt disappoint me. Average MPG 24- 26. The car does have some squeaks and problems, but still a good car. Dealership has taken care of all my concerns. Back seats lower and can haul a lot of stuff as long as its not filthy dirty.
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Dont Buy From Hare Chevrolet Indiana - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
By rustychevy - September 21 - 2:00 amWe have a 2008 HHR that has rust at the bottom of the doors. The dealership Hare Chevrolet refuses to do anything about it and accused me of wrongdoing on my part. Like the car but, dont like the dealership. Again the dealership is Hare Chevrolet Noblesville, Indiana
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Bad Brakes - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
By Bobnur - September 19 - 2:00 amGreat car, fun to drive, bad rotors, it is like the last four cobolts I have owned, brakes vibrate due to rotors, they said dont use them going down hill ?
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What a Letdown - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By Rockin Royce W. - September 18 - 2:00 amI traded in my beloved T-Bird for one of these babies, and I could shoot myself. Yes, the car looks cool, drives well, but built flimsily. Cheap plastic interior all throughout, everything rattles. Lame window controls in center of console. Fabric stains extremely easily..even just water. Havent had it a full year and its already spotted up everywhere. If you buy one, get some seat covers right away.
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Red Rocket - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
By Dave Henry - September 17 - 2:00 amI bought the car sight unseen, and it had a different seat than the one I tested, and also a sunroof, both of which cut into the very limited headroom. The car is a blast to drive, especially since I added the dealer installed turbo upgrade. Handling and precise steering are surprising in a retro wagon. I have major problems seeing out of the car. The roofless/windshield design make me crouch down to see overhead traffic lights, and the center windshield rear view mirror obstruct vision severely. Also, theres a huge blind spot when changing lanes. The 4 speed auto is missing at least one gear, as the turbo is always trying to make up for the huge gaps. Id get the manual trans next time.
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Zippy - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
By 4Ransom - September 15 - 2:00 amI bought my HHR LT in August of 2010. When I saw it on the lot I didnt give it a 2nd look, but after test driving it, it was a fun car to drive. Ive had it about a month and have found it to be a roomy, zippy, fun car to drive. I never wouldve seen myself in an HHR, but I really like it.
