If the new Chevy HHR reminds some people of a PT Cruiser at first glance, the confusion is understandable. After all, over 900,000 Cruisers have taken to the road since they first launched in model year 2001, and HHR just got here. But Chrysler doesn’t own the patent on retro. Many all time truck classics were built by Chevrolet, including the stylish Cameo Carriers of the 1950’s, and decades of El Caminos. So, if Chevy wants to borrow some design lines from their ’49 Suburban to help create their new model, they’ve certainly earned the right.

HHR’s retro fashion allows for high function. The four door Ute has squared off lines, with upright seating and good visibility. HHR makes the most of a flexible floor plan. Swing up the lift back door, fold the rear seats flat forward and you’ve got 55.6 cubic feet of space (63.1, if you remove the seats entirely). It’s a wide, usable cargo bay, and the load floor (under which is an additional 2.8 cubic feet of storage) can be repositioned as a shelf. And, if you fold the front passenger seat flat forward (not advisable if you’ve got someone sitting in it), you can stow a ladder, long board or eight feet of anything else inside, with the hatch closed. Liftover height to the load floor in back is low. But so too is the height of the liftgate when open, so if you’re over six feet tall and you’re not into head butting, you’ll learn to duck.

Two trim levels are offered – LS and LT – and even base models are nicely equipped with popular features like air conditioning, power windows, door locks and side mirrors, remote keyless entry and an AM/FM/CD stereo (with an input jack for an iPod or other audio source). HHR has six footer type room, front and back. The cabin is a little long on plastic and short on storage spots (though a nice one is the covered, dash top bin). All controls are admirably simple, though the window switch placement (low on the center stack) takes a bit of brain reprogramming.

HHR rolls on the same, front wheel drive platform as the Cobalt. The car-based chassis means that the new Chevy drives with more agility than you might expect, given its straight-up styling. The suspension is MacPherson struts up front and a semi-independent torsion beam in back. Two packages are offered. The base, “FE1” is tuned for a softer ride. The “FE3” setup is biased towards sportier handling, and while stiffer, it is not the least bit harsh riding. Depending on trim level chosen, your HHR will come with either a 2.2 or 2.4 litre Ecotec four cylinder motor. I’ve not driven the 143 hp, 2.2, but I can recommend the 2.4. Rated at 172 hp and 162 lb. ft. of torque, it’s quick enough to get you going, cruises easily at Northway speeds and it does pretty well with a gallon of gas. EPA mileage ratings for the 2.4 are 22 mpg’s city, 30 highway. That’s with the 5 speed manual transmission, and as with most small displacement engines, the Ecotec four really responds well when you shift it yourself.

We Americans have a national phobia about the word “station wagon”. As a result, there are now all wheel drive station wagons with sport utility trim that we call hybrids, and station wagons with retro (PT Cruiser, HHR) or boxy (Scion xB, Honda Element) styling that we call utility vehicles. Whatever you call them, “wagonesque” cars are popular now for the same reason that wagons were popular then – they’re practical. And, in the case of the HHR, fun, and a good value, too. HHR prices start at $17,010, and even with $3,360 worth of options, my tester stickered for just $20,900. With a little bit of restraint, you could take one home for under 20 large, and for that money, you’d have a vehicle that’s long on versatility and personality, too.

------------

Numbers and Dollars
2006 Chevy HHR
MSRP: $16,425
As Tested: $20,900

Drivetrain
Engine: 2.4 litre Ecotec four cylinder, multi-port fuel injection
Horsepower: 172 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque: 162 lb. ft. @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission: five speed manual

Weights and Measures
Wheelbase: 103.5" Height: 65.2”
Length: 176.2” Weight: 3,208 lb.
Width: 69.2” Weight/power: 18.65

Interior
Head Room: 39.5” f, 39.6” r Leg Room: 40.6” f, 39.5” r
Cargo capacity: 55.6 cu. ft., with rear seats folded

Chassis
Suspension: MacPherson strut front, torsion beam rear
Brakes: Front disc/rear drum, optional ABS
Tire size: 215/50R17 all season

Mileage
EPA city/highway mpg - 22/30

Warranty
3 years/36,000 miles – bumper to bumper, limited

Back To Reviews Index