2009 Chevrolet HHR Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.50/5 Average
71 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

More safety features come standard on all models of the 2009 Chevrolet HHR, including ABS, stability control and side curtain airbags. The 2.2-liter and 2.4-liter engines can now run on E85, and the turbocharged SS model is available in the rear-windowless Panel body style. And although the in-dash six-CD changer is no longer offered, the base stereo system now includes satellite radio and MP3 playback. Bluetooth connectivity is also available.

Pros:
  • Comfortable ride, capable cargo hauling, distinctive design, SS model is a spirited performer.
Cons:
  • Lackluster handling and braking from non-SS models, some cheesy interior trim.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 71.00
  • Worst car ever! - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
    By -

    This 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!!

  • Key Stuck Problems - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
    By -

    I bought this car in April 2012. My battery died and so I called GM. GM boosted the car with their roadside assistance resulting in a stiff steering wheel that couldnt be turned. My keys got stuck in the ignition as well. Both problems where resolved but my auto starter (oem) was blown in the process that was not fixed by local Chevrolet Bob Myers. So I had let the issue go with them since I thought they had done enough for me. 2 weeks later (mind you I barely drove the car in this period) the keys are stuck again in the car. Car is at 88,000 km.

  • LT 2.4 auto - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
    By -

    I bought my HHR 2.4 LT at 8100 miles. I am a spirited driver. The suspension is antiquated. Look under the rear and discover the solid axle. (I have had 3 bmws). That said, the car starts well and is dependable, and is a good solid car for hauling my wife and 4 dogs. (the back seat folds down.) There is not enough storage in the front and the front corner of the dash tends to bother my knee on long trips. The drivers seat isnt bad, but could be improved. The dimmer switch seems to make the headlights disappear for a microsecond which is irritating. The torque steer when you really stomp on it is pronounced. This car is pretty good on long trips and doesnt handle badly. I enjoy it

  • Thank God for a good dealership - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
    By -

    Bought my 2009 HHr in 4/10 and it has had more problems that all my cars I owned in 40 plus years. The pass. side power windows quit after about 4 weeks of ownership and the drivers side front and rear floors were wet. This water caused the wires to corrode and the ecm to go out which caused the windows to get no power. The dealer fixed this under good will. Then after that the dealer fixed another short and then after a time the key would not come out of the ignition. The dealer replaced the shifter and the ignition switch and that has corrected the problem. Since then I had to replace the battery and front brakes. All good now.

  • Not looking forward to warranty running out - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
    By -

    My wife and I purchased this car new back in 09. Its good on gas and not too bad for road trips. A taller person like myself might find themselves hunched over to see out the windshield though. The ignition went bad within the first year. One day we just couldnt turn the car off, the ignition had locked up and you couldnt turn the key to shut it off. Had to pull the fuel pump fuse to kill the car. Weve had to have the brake rotors and pads replaced a couple times. Most recently we had to replace a leaking front strut. All this before the car reached 27k miles. Havnt had to pay for repairs, but the warranty ends soon. I would not purchase another one.

  • great little car - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
    By -

    I really, really like this car! Fun to drive, got it with 14500 K miles and still in warranty with all the bells and whistles. Wont say I love it cause it is just a material object but really, really like it. So far no problems with anything. MPG would be great if I didnt have a lead foot, but that is what the cruise if for! I would recommend it to others.

  • Love my HHR - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
    By -

    This is the first new chevrolet I have purchased I got hooked on the HHR when I rented one while my Toyota was in the shop. When I got my toyota back from the shop I went down to the Chevrolet dealer and traded it in on my HHR. Up until now I have always owned a Toyota. I get 25 mpg city and 31 highway.

  • What a Blast! - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
    By -

    I bought this car, used from a dealer about 2 hrs from my home. It was the closest HHR with all the things I wanted in it. It has been Great since day 1. I drive from NC to NY every 2 weeks for work and it is a pleasure to drive.I get about 28-29 mpg while cruising at about 75 mph.My dog rides in the back and is very comfortable or so he says.It gets a lot of looks but more often than not, people dont know what kind of car it is.I think thats changing because I see a lot more of them on the road these days.I know mine will be on I-95 for a long time to come.

  • Amazing Multipurpose Vehicle - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
    By -

    This started as my Monday through Friday vehicle. In the 18 months, and 65,000 miles I have owned it, it has become my weekend car as well. The sports car and the truck have been relegated to the back of the driveway. This HHR SS serves as a daily driver and a weekend hauler. Great acceleration and great gas mileage if you stay out of the turbos maximum boost. Noisy cabin at speed and entirely too much plastic used in the interior, but still FUN to drive. Have only had one issue with the clutch slave cylinder, but Chevy covered the repair under warranty. Other than that,the vehicle has only had oil and filter changes. Changed out the Michelin tires at 45k miles, Contis have improved ride.

  • BRAKES - 2009 Chevrolet HHR
    By -

    Just 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.

Chevrolet HHR Reviews By Year:
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