Chevrolet HHR Review

2009 Chevrolet HHR LT Station Wagon Shown

A newcomer to the growing compact wagon scene is the Chevrolet HHR. The HHR name stands for "Heritage High Roof," referring to its tall retro-wagon styling, which Chevrolet claims is inspired by the '49 Suburban. Everything else about the vehicle, however, is decidedly modern.

Though compact in size, the Chevy HHR features 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 allows it to accommodate bulky and/or long cargo items. For shoppers searching for a versatile compact wagon that's also stylish, the HHR certainly merits consideration.

Current Chevrolet HHR

The Chevrolet HHR is a compact four-door wagon. It shares its front-wheel-drive architecture and thus many of its driving characteristics with the Chevrolet Cobalt. Four trim levels are offered: LS, 1LT, 2LT and SS. Interior quality is among the best we've seen from General Motors, although it remains short of the caliber found in competing import vehicles. The HHR's tall ceiling provides headroom aplenty, but the narrow body limits comfort for adults riding in the backseat area.

The LS model is the price leader, yet it comes comfortably equipped with a lengthy list of standard features, including power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning, keyless entry and a stereo with an auxiliary input jack. The 1LT adds a power driver seat, an upgraded stereo and a longer options list, which includes a rear spoiler, a sunroof, OnStar and leather upholstery. A 172-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is a worthwhile upgrade from the 143-hp, 2.2-liter unit that powers all LS models. The 2LT version adds some sportiness in the form of 17-inch wheels, a firmer suspension, a Pioneer stereo, extra chrome exterior trim and the 2.4-liter engine. The athletic SS adds a turbocharged, 260-hp 2.0-liter four, sport suspension with 18-inch wheels and special exterior and interior accents.

An interesting fact about the Chevrolet HHR is that it offers roughly the same EPA fuel-economy ratings regardless of engine or transmission choice, the latter limited to five-speed manual or four-speed automatic units. Significantly, the HHR is available only with front-wheel drive while several competitors offer all-wheel drive for enhanced foul-weather capability. Furthermore, the HHR's list of safety features is merely average, lacking such items as seat-mounted side airbags and stability control that can be found on several competitors.

Something no other competitor offers, however, is a remote engine starter -- standard with all HHRs with automatic transmissions -- which can help heat or cool the vehicle's interior before the driver gets inside. Once inside, though, the driver will notice nicely detailed gauges, pleasing radio graphics, tight fits between dashboard and door panels, and substantial-feeling knobs and switches.

In our road test of a Chevy HHR 2LT, our editors commented favorably about the vehicle's smooth and quiet ride, ample cargo space, attractive interior, excellent visibility and versatile sound system. Noted downsides included weak brakes, bland handling dynamics, tight shoulder room and a lack of low-end pull and refinement from the 2.4-liter engine. The SS version, on the other hand, offers spirited performance, stronger braking and buttoned-down handling.

Past Chevrolet HHR Models

The Chevrolet HHR was an all-new model in 2006.

SELECT A SPECIFIC CHEVROLET HHR MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.