Car Lines Quick Look
by Larry Mason
2006 Chevrolet HHR 2LT

Let’s be honest. The HHR is Chevy’s version of Chrysler's PT cruiser. It’s loosely styled after a 1949 Suburban and their SSR retro truck. Why would they build such a vehicle? Why not? With all the success that Chrysler has had with the PT, why not capitalize on that market segment? There’s no doubt that consumers these days are drawn to the retro-modernism look. Furthermore, with all the extra room inside and configurable cargo storage options, it’s quite a practical vehicle. Top it off with a better reputation for quality and that sounds like a recipe for success.

The HHR is built on the Cobalt platform and is powered by the Ecotec 2.4 liter engine mated to an optional 5-speed automatic transmission. It’s peppy but by no means is this a retro rocket. The engine is quite smooth thanks in part to dual counter-rotating balance shafts and the transmission shifts seamlessly too. The performance is more than adequate for everyday driving. Even though the optional engine is larger than the standard 2.2 liter by 200cc and puts out 29 horsepower more, the EPA mileage figures remain the same at 23/30 city/highway. My combination of driving put my mileage numbers neatly in between.

There was just a wee bit of wind noise coming from the large side view mirrors at freeway speeds but no so much as to annoy you. You just know that it’s there. Other than that, the HHR is really quiet inside. The ride is just a bit choppy on bumpy roads, but again, not enough to bother you. Moderate body roll in corners contribute to the overall confident feel of this vehicle with the upgraded sports suspension.

Inside the HHR has a very nice layout with switches, controls and dials having a richer than expected tactile feel. The steering wheel mounted audio controls as well as cruise control (and menu control for the trip computer) are cool and useful features. However, there are some ergonomic blunders inside. For example, the window control switches are located down at the very bottom of the center console aft of the gear shift knob making them harder to get to than if they were mounted on the door. The cup holders (of which there are three in the front) are also placed down next to the emergency brake and behind. This inconvenience is minor compared to the fact that these cup holders are so shallow that a bottle of water will fall out and roll around during modest driving. On a positive note, I do like the shape and actuation of the climate control vents and the system flat out works great. XM satellite radio is another cool optional feature that gives you uninterrupted music from coast-to-coast. The optional OnStar system is also beneficial and I really liked the hands-free calling feature. Head and leg room is abundant in both the front and rear seats according to my 6’ 3” friend who was obviously aided by the tall roofline.

The HHR has handy storage features including a storage compartment on top of the dashboard. In the rear cargo area, the floor section can be removed and locked in place above to create a sturdy shelf. This shelf can also be mounted at an angle for other storage options. Underneath the floor is more storage space (2.8 cubic feet). But wait, there’s more! Behind the rear seats are two smaller cargo bins (0.5 cubic feet each) that are hidden under small covers. The 60/40 split fold-down rear seats complement the front passenger seat that also folds down flat allowing you to fit an eight foot ladder inside. I had hoped to put a couple of road bikes in the back of the HHR, but was disappointed that they wouldn’t fit standing up even with the front wheels removed. It was, however, a piece of cake to put one on top of the other lying on their sides separated by a blanket.

The HHR base MSRP is only $16,425 but the way this one was optioned out, the price ballooned to $23,345. Big ticket options included the 2LT package ($1,800) which includes the high-output 2.4liter engine, sport tuned suspension, 4-wheel ABS, 17” aluminum wheels and more. Tack on another $1,000 for the automatic trans with remote start, $750 for sunroof, $695 for OnStar and what seems like a bargain $395 for side head curtain airbags.

When you make a bold statement with styling, some people will love it and some will hate it. For those that love it, Chevy has a little winner on its hands. I don’t think that it’ll kill the PT but it’s nice to have an alternative.

Photos courtesy of Chevrolet