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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Unsafe at any speed - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By Dennis - June 1 - 11:12 pmJust purchased a used 06 HHR. It was inexpensive, available and I needed a vehicle fast. BIG MISTAKE!!! Ralph Nader would surely revise his opinion of the 62 Corvair if he were to drive one of these death traps. This is the first vehicle I've owned in 45 years that has deliberately tried to kill me! The electric power steering has effort but absolutely no feel and has a habit of not wanting to return to centre. The wheel is connected to the steering box with something akin to bamboo so as to eliminate any feel whatsoever, The throttle by wire takes 5 full seconds to close, forget compression braking or trying to match revs when shifting without the clutch. The electrical system was designed and built by Lucas of England and installed by ex British Leyland ultraunion employees. Nothing works reliably! The suspension is rock hard but given the turning radius of slightly more than a 40 mule team does nothing for handling except rattle your kidneys. I could go on with the HHR's glaring faults, but you get the picture. Would gladly trade this piece of junk for a 62 Corvair, a Vega or even a Chevette! That's how bad this thing is.
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Dont buy this car - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
By Steven smith - December 25 - 11:26 pmI have a 2008 Chevy hhr 2lt with the 2.4 engine. For two years I have been deal with a major brake problem the master cylinder and power brake booster has been replaced and to this day the break paddle goes to the floor. Its has been to the dealer and to brake max and they cant even fix the problem all they do is bleed the system. And you can forget it out. dont even think about doing emergency stop because the brake pedal just goes to the floor its kind of scary when youre doing 65 miles an hour down the freeway.
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HHR Hell - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
By Karen Chacon - November 24 - 9:57 amThis is the worst car I have ever purchased. It is rickety, tinny, bumpy ANDDD part of an ignition recall. My daughter at college, Arizona freeway 75 mph, loses all power, no power steering. this happens 6 times! avoiding death or serious injury from vehicles on the freeway. Had it to 4 garages before we knew about recall and no one could diagnose the problem. Had ignition fixed, and now this morning, same. 75mph, Semi swerves to miss crushing her. I call GM, they say sorry, not enough people have called/complained or died to help us. Car dealerships wont take it as a trade in because of all the complaints. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR
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Worst car ever! - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
By Jennifer O - October 21 - 12:03 amThis car has been a complete disappointment and frustration to me since day one.... I bought it used from a reputable dealer with approx. 53,000 miles. It had clean Carfax. I am a seasoned driver and drive very carefully. My car has never been involved in any accidents, floods, or serious storms as long as I have been its owner. In the 3 years I have owned it, I have had to replace the ignition cylinder (because my car wouldnt turn off), the fuse block, the BCM, the control arm- twice, the power steering motor, and the front passenger window motor. I had to have the entire electrical system re-wired. Both before and after replacing all the wiring, the "service airbag" icon and message have remained on constantly. Frequently, the front passenger seatbelt locks-up inside the car wall near the door, making it impossible for anyone to pull it out and fasten it to sit in the front passenger seat. I have had to replace the brakes- 3 times. I have had to purchase 5 tires in the past 3 months because it keeps coming out of alignment. I spent almost $1500 3 days ago replacing my shocks & struts, welding a crack in my exhaust, once again fixing the control arm, repairing an oil leak, and replacing spark plugs and seals ruined by the oil leak. Yesterday as I was driving to work, the "service ESC" light and "reduced traction" message appeared and never turned off. Today, the check engine icon and a "reduced power" message came on, while the car sputtered, lurching forward and then almost dying, then lurching, then nearly dying, in a never ending cycle. I am upside down by nearly $7000 as literally all of my savings and that of my loved ones has gone into the neverending, constant stream of repairs. It wont stop. Every time I turn around something new- serious and expensive- is wrong. It is the worst car I have ever owned in my life. I would not recommend this car to my worst enemy, and I dont feel safe driving it. I would junk it the first chance I have, but its the only car I have, and Ill be paying for it for another 2 1/2 years- IF it makes it that long. Just the WORST!!
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After 5 years I still regret buying this thing. - 2010 Chevrolet HHR
By Nic - August 31 - 3:10 pmProblem #1 HHR would show the no seat belt light for passenger when no one was sitting there. Dealer claimed cell phones caused it to malfunction Problem #2 The car would like autobrake rapidly causing the car to slowdown, and shake. It was very scary when it happened. The "ESC" or something was cutting on. Would have to pull over and restart the car. Dealer claimed they never heard of the problem but I found on line forums where others had this issue. Problem #3 Recall, after recall, after recall Problem #4 The door handle is made of cheap plastic and broke. Dealer wanted like $400 to fix it. Found a replacement on Amazon for $50 and put it in my self Problem #5 Rotor and brakes when out. I think Problem #2 cause this. Cost me $530 to fix. Other issues.
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The HHR that couldnt - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
By Very - August 24 - 4:08 pmWhen the car hit 100.000 miles it stated to be an on going money pit new transmission new starter...door locks would not work engine blew up nothing but problems dont buy one!
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piece of crap - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
By Roberta - August 11 - 10:02 amI just financed this car and already had to take it back for recall then my timing chain broke which costed 1000 all for 2 months and now the engine blew this was the worst car experience i every had never again will i purchase from Chevrolet again im so hurt and disappointed
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Piece Of Cr%p - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By alexborsberry - January 3 - 4:33 pmThis car was the worst investment I ever made. Ive had problem after problem with this thing. The whole car should be a recall. The thing leaks water in the inside the gear shifter broke, blower motor went out, emergency brake cable snapped, I changed the air filter and the in take hose broke, and know the piece of crap is leaking anti freeze. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR. Also the chevy dealer is a bunch of scammers!!!!!
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Unsafe - 2011 Chevrolet HHR
By ray190 - March 9 - 8:38 pmYou can not see out of this car. I am 5-10 and my head is in the roof and my shoulder is agaist the door. This is not a car its a coffin
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Junk! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
By kyle - June 1 - 7:26 pmI bought this car recently and its a hunk of junk. I need a new engine already it cracked for some reason. Thats gm for ya. This car is a headache. Dont buy this car. And the sunroof is very noisy and it leaks a lot to if there is a heavy rain. The plastic parts need to be better made to. When I walked out from the store to open my door the handle popped right off. So when I get in my car I have to go to the passengers door just to get in. I regret buying this car. What a waste of money.
