2006 Chevy HHR

[jwrebholz]

I heard about all the people here on GMI seeing HHRs at their local dealerships and thought I'd try my luck getting a test drive. Fortunately for me (and you, the reader) my luck held out. Kenny Ross Chevrolet in Cranberry Twp, PA had a single HHR in stock. Not only did they have one, but it was available for test drives.

The HHR, as many of you know, is the latest from GM's Delta platform, a sort of compact crossover non-SUV-type vehicle. OK so it's hard to pin down into one specific category--essentially it's a tall, small station wagon that looks like a cross between a jellybean and a '49 Suburban.

My test car was a 2LT model, and pretty well-optioned. It included a nice set of alloy wheels, power windows/locks/mirrors, a sunroof, some nice floormats, satellite controls for the stereo, cruise, really all you could ask for. The interior was a comfortable place to be--plenty of room up front, including headroom. Usually with a sunroof-equipped car, my head is brushing the headliner, but in this case I had a couple inches to spare--so there's plenty of room up front. Rear seat room is less generous. While head and shoulder room seemed about the same, there was a lot less legroom in back. I found my knees hitting the front seatback rather uncomfortably. Make sure tall people get shotgun.

The IP is for the most part easy to read and very clear, however the tach is a little small. Most of the controls are within easy reach of the driver, including the new GM corporate stereo, and were easy to work by touch. Gotta love the huge power button and big volume knob for the radio. My one major gripe with the controls regards the placement of the power window switches. Everyone else puts them on the door, but where are they here? At the bottom of the center stack, under the radio, behind the gearshift. I couldn't reach them without leaning forward, making operating them while driving dangerous. To be fair, the PT Cruiser also has its switches here. For what reason I don't know, but it's a stupid design decision and the only thing about the interior I'd change.

Powering the 2LT is GM's heated-up 2.4L twin-cam ECOTEC four-cylinder, routed to the ground via a 4-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels only. I feel this engine is a really good match for this car, as it seemed to power itself down the road with ease. Handling also was a strong point. Although it looks somewhat tall it really isn't much taller than the Cobalt it shares a platform with, and so it tracks well without feeling tippy. It's true the HHR is no sport compact, but it handles the twisty bits reasonably well--certainly better than other similar vehicles. The car's 4-wheel antilock brakes bring the HHR down from speed with considerable authority.

Fuel economy is another bright spot. Despite the engine's peppiness it's rated at 23 city and 30 highway, better than the PT's 22/29 and with more horsepower to boot.

With all the options my tester had, the final sticker was about 21 thousand bucks--a little on the pricey side, but not bad considering all you get. Of course a base-model HHR can be had for much less, but after driving the 2LT I'm not sure I'd want a base model.

I went into the dealership with my doubts about the HHR, I'll be honest. It seemed like an okay but odd vehicle, possibly a jack of all trades and master of none. I'm happy to say that it is capable of many roles--and should be able to perform all of them well.

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by jwrebholz

Fuel economy is another bright spot. Despite the engine's peppiness it's rated at 23 city and 30 highway, better than the PT's 22/29 and with more horsepower to boot.

Good review.

However, you neglected to mention that the slight fuel economy advantage over the PT Cruiser comes at a price: the 2.4L HHR takes PREMIUM fuel. Any cost savings from using less gas are completely negated by the use of high-octane fuel.

[Kar Krazie]

My dad went to the dealer and saw the HHR. We sat in it and looked at ti for a long time. He now is considering buying one, for his 40 mile commute every day. It gets better gas milage than his 2004 Sierra

[jwrebholz]

Whoops. Thanks for the correction. I must have overlooked that on the sticker.

[01cavalier]

According to GM, "premium recommended but not required"
This is noted for several of their higher output engines

[Ming]

Great review. Much the same thing I thought - I was skeptical too before seeing one up close and in person.

[T-Type]

I finally saw one in person at a dealer's lot the other day and I was really struck by how small the vehicle looked. I'm not saying that to be negative, just an observation. I didn't sit inside, (it was a Sunday and the dealership was closed) so I can't comment there.

What was interesting was that there was one inside the dealership with the hood up. The hood wraps around and comes down the front a little. It was interesting because you don't see that kind of thing anymore.

[ChevyRules]

If you don't like the window switches near the gear shift, don't ever buy a BMW. They place them right there too. Anyway, a good review. The HHR is a sharp looking car.

[2005 Equinox LS]

I think a lot of people will buy it because its usable and economical for a vehicle like that. Kind of like a small SUV. But easier to live with when you need to fill it.

[osv_alero]

My wife and I considered the HHR over the Cobalt. The only negatrive we found with the HHR was the super thick pillars making it hard to see out of.

We ended up with the Cobalt for a couple of reasons. It wasn't one of the first vehicles out, it got better gas mileage, it cost $3000 less.

[1BadPig]

Originally Posted by Buick61

However, you neglected to mention that the slight fuel economy advantage over the PT Cruiser comes at a price: the 2.4L HHR takes PREMIUM fuel. Any cost savings from using less gas are completely negated by the use of high-octane fuel.

On the www.hhrclub.org many stated that there was little to no noticeable effect using 87 octane versus premium. Only 2 more days we will take delivery of our SOM 2LT HHR!

[IAMCANADIAN]

Originally Posted by Buick61

Good review.

However, you neglected to mention that the slight fuel economy advantage over the PT Cruiser comes at a price: the 2.4L HHR takes PREMIUM fuel. Any cost savings from using less gas are completely negated by the use of high-octane fuel.

the 180 HP PT turbo takes premium as well and develops similar HP. I'd just put midgrade in, it shouldn't be too bad, but turbo, i'm not sure about chryslers system, but in Saab's you can use regular without wrecking the engine.

[parky]

As a HHR owner with the 2.4liter engine and auto transmission, REGULAR grade gas works fine and achieves 28-31 mpg so far in mixed driving. There is no pinging or knocking and when at idle is so smooth you can't tell it is running except for the tachometer being at 600 rpm (hot idle) This car is the ideal SUV replacement, it has similar storage space and handles like a sportier car being that it is smaller in overall dimensions.BTW I have just over 1000mi on vehicle so far.

[wpbharry]

I saw a row of about a half-dozen at my dealer's this morning from about 250 feet. They didn't have one on the showroom floor and the new car lot is behind a locked gate. I was also surprised at the small size, but if a PT had been parked nearby, I'd have noticed the slight size increaase, for sure. My reaction was "How cute they are!". The brochure (colors, for example, with only the Sunburst Orange and Black being the more masculine colors, IMO)confirms my hunch that a significant percentage of expected buyers will be women (and the ad on TV does too). Nothing wrong with that, just not my cup of tea. I like the concept of the thing, though.

[1BadPig]

Check these out from www.chevyhhr.net !