2006 Chevrolet HHR
A Chip off the Old Block Suburban

Looking forward to driving the new Chevrolet HHR was an emotional experience for this writer, just what General Motors ordered. After all, with "sensible" cars in their lineup, according to Bob Lutz, they wanted a "more unusual vehicle with emotional appeal" to add to the stable.

The anticipation was much like that before getting into the P.T. Cruiser. Chevy claims it was the not the P.T. that inspired the new HHR; rather, it was the SSR truck.

A sport-utility-vehicle, the HHR will compete with the Scion xB and the Honda Element. But you can also think of the HHR as competing with the Subaru Forester and Honda CRV, in some ways. Although more of a niche player than Forester or CRV, the HHR offers plenty of room, decent fuel economy and fun. Derived from the Cobalt sedan and available only in front-wheel-drive, HHR possesses the "cool" factor.

Possessing a family resemblance to the 1949 Suburban, HHR is available in three versions: base LS ($15,990), LT1 ($16,990) and LT2 ($18,790). A five-passenger compact sport-ute, HHR offers plenty of leg and headroom, sits high and is configurable in several different ways. One can chose between two inline four-cylinder Ecotec engines (2.2-liter and 2.4-liter) and two transmissions (five-speed manual and four-speed automatic). AM/FM/CD with accessory input jack for iPod/MP3 player is standard.

We tested a LT version with five-speed manual transmission. With an MSRP of a very reasonable $16,425, the total vehicle price came to $20,900, with several options. Going over the option list, we decided we could live without just about all $3,360 of them, making our custom HHR (had we ordered one) come in well under $20,000. This is one affordable, versatile vehicle, and with styling that stands out; no small accomplishment in today's market.

SPECS
MSRP	$16,425; total vehicle price $20,900; destination $565
Engine	2.4 liter 4-cylinder DOHC, 172 hp. Standard engine on the LT1 2.2-liter 4-cylinder, 143 hp.
Transmission	Getrag 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	103.5 in.
Weight	3,208 (2.4-liter); 3,155 (2.2-liter)
Height	61.5 in.
Width	68.1 in.
Length	176.2 in.
Fuel Economy	22/30 mpg.
Tires	P215/55R16 all season (standard); optioned 17-inch
Wheels	16" aluminum
Fuel tank capacity	16.2 gal.

The options available on our test LT version HHR included the 2LT preferred package at a hefty $1,800 (2.4-liter engine with VVT, bright chrome exhaust tip, sport tuned suspension, bright chrome appearance package, 4-wheel ABS, 17≤ painted aluminum wheels, fog lamps, pioneer 7-speaker amplified system, leather wrapped steering wheel, redundant radio controls, leather wrapped shift knob and auto-dim i/s mirror with compass); side head curtain airbags ($395); 17≤ high polish forged alloy wheels ($395); XM satellite radio-service fee ($325); AM/FM 6 CD changer with MP3 RDS & auxiliary input jack ($295), and roof luggage roof rails ($150).

Also included on our test HHR were two dealer installed options: color-keyed running boards ($445) and premium carpeted floor mats ($105). Standard features include air, power windows/door locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry.

The HHR rides very comfortably and the seating position is high, making it good for short drivers. Due to added insulation, you don't hear that dreaded 4-cylinder moan. All controls are easily reached and positioned. The power-window buttons are located on the center console rather than on the doors. It takes some getting used to, but not a bother. The upgraded Pioneer stereo system produced a good solid sound. We didn't have an MP3 player or iPod to try out, but suspect the 7-speaker amplified system would have been a treat.

HHR's cargo area is large and versatile with stowage bins for all kinds of stuff. The thick plastic floor lifts out and serves as a shelf (think tailgating). Two separate settings allow for items to be stored below, out of sight, or as a handy support for grocery bags. All seats except the driver's fold flat making it possible to carry large, long items. The interior is done well with acceptable materials that don't feel cheap. The driver information center is handy and keeps the driver updated. OnStar, upgraded audio system and large power sunroof are all options, as is remote starter.

The HHR's suspension systems are different in each model. Our LT sedan came equipped with a sport tuned suspension. Along with the sport suspension are the 1q7≤ radials for a firmer, better handling ride. The base LS and LT1 versions come equipped with 16≤ radials and a softer suspension. The power steering is speed-sensitive and matches to the suspension. The ride in our LT1 was smooth and quiet. Handling is very good for a car this size, with a wider turning radius than expected.

GM is projecting sales of 80,000-100,000 units a year and expects the HHR to appeal to young, newly married buyers, as well as baby boomers. The HHR falls in the truck category to satisfy CAF… purposes. 

We liked the HHR as much as we anticipated. But then, by its very nature– different kind of vehicle–it's appealing.

Just for the record, the HHR comes in at 8 inches longer than the P.T. Cruiser and 2 inches wider.