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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Nice Car, really!! 2.4 auto flexfuel - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
By Dean - September 14 - 2:00 amI bought a rental car with 8200 miles. Fuel mileage is not terrific (18-21 on E85)(45 with my vw bug diesel), but well built, and handles well with proper tire inflation. Light switch has odd quirk (goes off when bright to dim and dim to bright for split second). Torque steer when accelerating is startling (hang on). I like the storage in the middle of the dash, but not a whole lot of storage around the driver is available. The small windshield takes a little getting used to. I wish the adjustment on the steering wheel was greater.This car would be great with a dash like a Peterbilt (straight dash with lots of gauges). Long trips are very nice, however more cupholders would be nice.
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Good Car - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
By craig455 - September 12 - 2:00 amI bought my Premier Edition with 35K on it and put another 25k on it. Overall I like the car a lot. It is comfortable and well equipped. The car has plenty of power and gets upper 20s for gas mileage. Interior room is what you should expect for a compact SUV. To everyone complaining about noise, the issue is the sway bar end links. Replaced mine with aftermarket links for $50 and the problem is gone. Also, the bumper does not need to be removed to change a headlight. It does require removal of the wheel liner (a few screws & plastic fasteners). My only other complaint is the poor quality (de- laminating) Chevy emblem on the back, but this is not limited to the HHR.
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COMFORTABLE UNIQUE VEHICLE - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By Al Packard - September 11 - 2:00 amBought this HHR used with 16000 miles on it (46000 miles now). First the repairs - front stablizer bars, steering column, heater fan motor and front tie rod busings all under warranty. Front brake rotors and shoes on me. New tires. I love this car even with the repairs. If the repairs wernt under warranty I probably wouldnt love it as much. Very comfortable ride, handling for me is just fine (somewhat of an aggressive driver), love the design. This one is a 5 speed manual 2.2 liter engine and its fun to drive. When I first saw the HHR I wanted one and not disappointed with my choice. Plenty of room for cargo and seating for 4. 3 in rear seat wouldnt be comfortable.
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My HHR - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
By bonnie2008 - September 10 - 2:00 amMy wife and I went to a local dealership to look at the a HHR we liked what we saw and we got a fantastic price, our HHR only had 19 miles on the odd and we paid only 13.500.00 for this model. We couldnt be more happier with what we now own. We havent had one leak we own a 5speed we have great car and we love it
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Reliable Unique Econo-Box - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
By KDW - September 4 - 3:41 pmI purchased this car used in 2008 with 29,000 miles. It has been a reliable, comfortable commuter that gets good gas mileage, 26.5 City/Hwy average. I travel 60 miles round trip to work 1/2 city 1/2 high way and when I hyper- mile it I can average 28 mpg but what fun is that! The car is laid out well and hauls an amazing amount of stuff for such a little car. The interior is laid out thoughtfully but the window buttons are annoying. My biggest complaints are performance and visibility. This car is just NOT fun to drive and its VERY hard to see out of. I added small peep mirrors and that helped but the overall visibility is appalling. Re: steering, it doesnt inspire confidence in turns
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Love it! - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
By Marilyn - August 30 - 3:48 pmI love my new HHR! Ive had it a month, put 1000 highway miles on it and I couldnt ask for better performance. Its zippy, economical, comfortable and roomy! Thanks, Chevy for a great little car!
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Love my Hill-Billy Hot Rod - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By kkingery76 - August 29 - 10:36 amI have had my HHR for 1 1/2 now. Very dependable. Great gas mileage. I am just under 5 3" so this car fits me perfectly. My boyfriend is 6 2"- He is comfortable in the passenger seat but he does not like to drive it or ride in the backseat due to the limited height of windshield and limited leg room. Perfect for an outdoor type family, of average height, with pets and a couple kids who live on a tight budget. Not as quiet and comfortable as my previous Lumina, but definitely low maintenance and dependable for a small family. It is fairly plain on the inside but classy on the outside. I test drove many small to mid-size SUVs prior to picking my HHR they are not made for short people!
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Small package with big storage - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By AMAZED - August 26 - 2:31 amDrove one and fell in love with it I am 6 ft 4 in and play drums the drums etc fit perfect with room to spare 37.8 mpg at 70 mph I had a vibe and Honda fit and would take this over all of them
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Great 4 the money - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By Jay Agulia - August 19 - 7:24 pmWe bought this wagon used with 38k traded a pt cruiser. Our 06hhr lt2 2.4 L has plenty of go, has all options ht. Lthr., 6 in dash cd. Sat. Pioneer radio, onstar, frt.&rear air bags. Only missing running boards. Wish we had them, the paint@ the rear doors is coming off with out them. My wife is the primary driver she travels a lot with this wagon. Carries all her stuff and room for 3 more passengers. Shes very happy. Goes through brakes. R&r frt. Links. Ghost problem with park switch, cant remove key. Suggest extended warranty, if buying used. We did has paid for it self. P. S. Electric power steering went too, also likes to go through tires too soon, must rotate often, about 10k. Now has just over 80k.
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Awful car! - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
By Brad - August 18 - 9:39 amI bought my HHR used from a local dealership, which was my first mistake. The car, had front struts replaced twice, had to buy new tires for the front, strut mounts replaced, and a bunch of other parts, so Ive been told, all before 40K. Had all the work done at the Chevy Dealership and its still not right. Rides rough, front end shakes, annoying rattling noise never goes away, and now the rear end is starting to make knocking noises. Also, when I stop it has started acting like it wants to shut off, was told nothing was wrong, of course. I regret ever looking at this car. After 7 visits to the dealership in just over 2 years this car is still a piece of junk! Will never buy GM again.
