Chevrolet HHR LT

Reviewed by: Jeff Fortson of JeffCars.com
Date: December 2006

Arrival Date:

Is retro look in again? Not quite! Although, the HHR sure does look like a reincarnated 1949 Chevrolet Suburban, this retro-styled Chevy arrived in showrooms during the fall of 2005 with some styling cues of the past, but with a more contemporary package suitable for today’s discerning drivers.

Target audience:

Don’t be surprised if you notice some styling similarities with Chrysler’s PT Cruiser. Based upon the design, one of the principal architects of Chrysler’s PT Cruiser has moved across the street to work for GM. GM is wooing the same customers that fell in love with Chrysler’s retro design.

Replaced:

This is an all-new vehicle segment for GM. This vehicle is based off the same platform as Chevrolet’s compact-sized Cobalt, which replaced the Chevrolet Cavalier.

What’s new:

Everything!

Body type:

It’s a 4-door wagon.

Seating:

The retro-styled wagon is capable of seating five.

Popular Standard Features:

-Air condition (standard on test vehicle)

-Power Driver seat (standard on test vehicle)

-Power locks

-Power windows (standard on test vehicle)

-Remote Locks (standard on test vehicle)

-AM/FM/CD player

Safety Features/Awards:

- NHTSA ( National Highway Traffic Safety Administration):

*has not been rated at the time of review

-Air Bags (side curtain included as an option on test vehicle)

-Daytime Running Lamps

-OnStar System – (included as an option on test vehicle) Includes Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment, Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, Emergency Services, Roadside Assistance, Remote Door Unlock, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, Hands-Free Calling, Accident Assist)

-ABS (included as an option on test vehicle)

-Rear Window Defroster (standard on test vehicle)

Remote Vehicle Start (standard on vehicle)

-Remote Keyless Feature

-Automatic Transmission w/Remote Starter (included as an option on test vehicle)

-Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls (included as an option on test vehicle)

Warranty:

Basic warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first)

Powertrain warranty: 3 year or 36,000 mile (whichever comes first)

Maintenance Included: No

Towing Included: Yes

Engine/Gas Mileage:

2.2L 4-cylinder, 143 horsepower, 23 city/30 highway (featured on test car)

2.4L 4-cylinder, 172-horsepower, 23 city/30 highway

Fuel efficiency:

Chevrolet offers two engine choices for the HHR. Our test vehicle came with the standard 2.2L 4-cylinder engine. Because of the fluctuating gas prices, consumers should not have any problems topping off the tank of this vehicle in case gas prices rise toward $3 a gallon.

Looking forward:

The HHR should consider offering a 6-cylinder engine, that will in-turn provide more horsepower for passing action on the highway. Rumor has it Chevy is working on a high performance HHR to join its lineup. In addition the engineers at GM should consider designing more accommodating front seat armrests similar to what is on the Saturn Vue.

What’s so special:

If you like the yearning for the yesterday-look, with the amenities provided in today’s vehicles, you should love the HHR. And if you wondered how Chrysler could perfect the next-generation PT Cruiser, now you know. The HHR is a competitively priced, roomy and comfortable compact to wheel around town in. Unlike the Chevy Cobalt the HHR is based on, this vehicle has a much higher seating position. With such options as leather heated seats, an automatic starter for those cold winter days and the sporty 16-inch aluminum wheels, this car should be on your shopping list if you don’t want to tie-up too much of your cash.

How much:

The HHR LT reviewed by JeffCars.com listed for $21,030. With such options as an automatic transmission, leather heated seats, an automatic remote starter, ABS brakes, additional air bags, GM’s OnStar safety system and a XM satellite radio, this added an extra $4,035 to the vehicle. The only major options missing from this test vehicle were a sunroof and 17-inch wheels. The HHR is available in two trim levels: the base LS and the nicely equipped LT. The base HHR LS starts at $15,890, while the LT starts at $16,890.