Chevrolet HHR Review

2009 Chevrolet HHR LS 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 that 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. A passenger version is available as well as a panel van version.

The base LS model features full power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning, keyless entry and a stereo with an auxiliary input jack as standard. The 1LT adds a power driver seat and a longer options list. Both the LS and 1LT are powered by a 155-horsepower, 2.2-liter inline-4, while the 1LT offers the option of a 172-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2LT includes the bigger engine as well as 17-inch wheels, a firmer suspension and a premium stereo. The athletic SS comes with a turbocharged 260-hp 2.0-liter engine, a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels and special exterior and interior accents. All HHRs have antilock brakes, stability control and side curtain airbags as standard.

Oddly, all the trims offer 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. The Chevy HHR is available only with front-wheel drive, while several competitors offer all-wheel drive for enhanced foul-weather capability.

The cabin, unlike those of most other small GM vehicles, boasts nicely detailed gauges, pleasing radio graphics, tight construction and substantial-feeling controls. The HHR's tall ceiling provides headroom aplenty, but the narrow body limits comfort for adults riding in the backseat. 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. Noted downsides included weak brakes, bland handling dynamics 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.

Used Chevrolet HHR Models

The Chevrolet HHR was an all-new model in 2006 and as such, changes have been minor since. The HHR's sophomore year brought a little more power (the 2.2-liter four went from 143 to 149 hp while the 2.4-liter unit went from 172 to 175 hp. A panel van version debuted later that year. For 2008, stability control finally became available and the turbocharged, 2.0-liter, 260-hp SS version appeared in showrooms later in the year. More standard features came on line for all HHR trims for '09, including antilock brakes, stability control and side curtain airbags.

SELECT A SPECIFIC CHEVROLET HHR MODEL YEAR*

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