HHR

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"This retro-flavored wagon offers a compelling blend of compact SUV utility, small-car fuel efficiency, and cheeky styling. Pricing and features availability are competitive, too." -- Consumer Guide

"The 2010 Chevrolet HHR is a good choice for buyers looking for a compact wagon that's practical and distinctively styled. In SS trim, it's even sporty to drive." -- Edmunds

"Choosing a new car with good fuel economy and a decent price doesn't mean you have to drive a boring econobox that feels like a sardine can." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Overall, the HHR is a pretty neat piece, less cute than a Chrysler PT Cruiser and way more refined than a Scion xB. The retro look is cool, but the retro values of practicality and utility are even cooler." -- Automobile Magazine

"Around town the test vehicle seemed a good friend, able to hold people and cargo gracefully, able to slide into tight parking spots easily because of its trim size and tight turning circle, and good at generating smiles and approving looks from other motorists." -- USA Today

Steady improvement has made the 2009 Chevrolet HHR a solid choice for a small wagon.

Pros

Comfortable ride, capable cargo hauling, distinctive design, SS model is a spirited performer.

What's New for 2009

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.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The front-wheel-drive 2009 Chevrolet HHR is available as a regular four-door wagon or a two-seat Panel variant with windowless rear doors and side panels. Both the regular wagon and the Panel model come in three trim levels: LS, LT and SS. The LS includes 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning with cabin filtration, cruise control, keyless entry, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, full power accessories and a six-speaker CD stereo with MP3 playback and an auxiliary audio jack. The uplevel LT trim is subdivided into two packages -- standard 1LT and upgraded 2LT. The 1LT includes upgraded 16-inch wheels and an eight-way power driver seat. The 2LT adds a firmer suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, exterior chrome accents, color-keyed running boards, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity and a premium audio system with a subwoofer. The high-performance SS variant loses the 2LT's standard premium stereo but gains a powerful turbocharged engine, unique exterior styling cues, 18-inch alloy wheels, an exclusive sport-tuned suspension, a boost gauge and two-tone sport seats and interior trim.

Options on the base LS are limited to minor enhancements such as running boards. Major options for the LT include remote vehicle starting (included with the automatic transmission), leather seating with heated front seats, Bluetooth connectivity and a sunroof. The SS can be outfitted with the optional Performance Package, which adds a limited-slip front differential and Brembo front brakes, and the 2LT's premium audio system can also be added. The HHR Panel van comes similarly equipped in the same trim levels but has windowless rear cargo panel doors (they open via remote release), windowless rear quarter panels, cargo floor storage compartments and a rear 40-amp power point for electronic equipment.

Powertrains and Performance

Base LS and midlevel 1LT HHRs come equipped with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 149 hp and 152 pound-feet of torque. Optional on the 1LT and standard on the top-level 2LT model is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder generating 175 horses and 167 lb-ft of torque. Both are mated to the standard five-speed manual transmission or available four-speed automatic. The SS comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four that pumps out 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque when paired with the standard five-speed manual; these numbers drop to 250 hp and 222 lb-ft when the optional four-speed auto is selected.

The naturally aspirated 2.2-liter and 2.4-liter engines are coarse at higher rpm and short on low-end power, though the larger 2.4-liter does deliver a fairly spirited performance once it gets going. The SS model, though, is an altogether different beast, offering up gobs of manic turbocharged thrust that should generate 0-60 sprints in the low 6-second range. EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2.2-liter engine stand at 21 mpg city/30 highway and 24 combined with the manual transmission; a similarly equipped 2.4-liter model has a 20/28/24 rating. HHR SS models are surprisingly fuel efficient given the extra performance, having a 21/29/24 rating with the manual.

Safety

Antilock brakes with a front disc/rear drum setup are mandatory across the HHR lineup, with the exception of the SS, which comes with four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Stability control and side curtain airbags are also standard, though front seat-mounted side airbags are not available. OnStar is also standard on all HHR models.

Despite the absence of those side airbags, the HHR earned a highest-possible five-star rating in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration testing for both front- and side-impact crashes.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Chevy HHR's cabin is attractive and functional. It has handsome, bright-ringed gauges, easy-to-use stereo and climate controls and impressive outward visibility on regular wagon models. On the downside, some of the interior plastics are on the cheesy side and outward visibility is substantially compromised on the largely windowless Panel models. The optional leather seats are better-bolstered and more supportive than their standard cloth cousins. Legroom is ample front and rear, and the front passenger seat and rear seats fold easily to provide a flat loading surface. Maximum cargo capacity is admirable, if not class-leading, at 63 cubic feet.

Review
"Bought this vehicle brand new and saved $8000. I love the space for carrying stuff with the fold flat seats. It allows me to carry my daughter's drum kit. Very smooth ride. Swapped in Michelin X-Ice 2 tires. What a difference it made on icy roads...I'm passing everyone (legally). Very good on gas. Was starting to get a sore back sliding down into cars to get in...not anymore! This is the easiest vehicle to get into. No more sore back! Fantastic Pioneer sound system with the factory installed sub woofer in the rear. A lot of people have stopped to comment on the great looks and to ask me what I think of the vehicle. Seriously thinking about getting a second one. Great warranty too!"

HHR Exterior - 7.5 (Good)

HHR Interior - 7.7 (Good)

HHR Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)