2009 Chevrolet HHR

That said, the styling on the 2009 Chevy HHR garners a mixed reception from reviewers. Car and Driver likes its “pleasing exterior curves,” and the Detroit News gives good marks to its “playful retro design inside and out.” However, the News and many other outlets point out that the more recent HHR “looks like such a blatant copy” of the Chrysler PT Cruiser.

A special HHR SS version, which—most notably from a styling standpoint—has larger wheels and flashier rims that give the HHR a different sense of proportion, first appeared in ’08 and is now joined by an HHR Panel SS. They both receive some sweet design cues to highlight the cars high-performance drivetrain. Autoblog says that there are "some changes with the Chevrolet HHR SS, but the car is still instantly recognizable as a Heritage High Roof." Cars.com says "the [Chevrolet] HHR SS is a stylish one from many angles...helping its cause are a number of SS-specific cues, like a black mesh grille that replaces the horizontal silver bars on regular Chevrolet HHRs."

Those hoping for the retro themes to continue inside might be a little disappointed; the HHR’s instrument panel and appointments are styled like other vehicles in the GM stable. "[T]he Chevrolet HHR features thoroughly modern interior styling...tasteful chrome rings and accents combine with pleasing buttons and knobs in a contemporary interior that looks and feels like nothing from the automaker's past," declares Kelley Blue Book, while Edmunds notes the “handsome bright-ringed gauges" and calls the interior “attractive and functional.” Automobile Magazine highlights the “nice, suede-like inserts on the seats."

Although most reviewers have some gripes about the available power from either base four-cylinder engines, Edmunds calls the 2.4-liter engine “a worthwhile upgrade.” ConsumerGuide reports that Chevrolet HHR "2.4-liter models have decent around-town go, but highway passing and hill climbs can feel labored," adding that the "automatic transmission is responsive [and] quick to downshift." But the message is clear through reviews that the 2.4-liter versions still don't feel perky or particularly smooth. “The Chevy's powertrain was unable to inspire much confidence, especially during merging and passing,” says the Detroit News, and Edmunds refers to the “lack of low-end pull and refinement from the 2.4-liter engine.”

With either engine choice, the HHR is front-wheel drive and comes with a five-speed manual gearbox or an optional four-speed automatic. Edmunds underscores that the HHR lacks an all-wheel-drive option “for enhanced foul-weather capability.”

The aforementioned 2009 Chevrolet HHR SS and the new Panel SS, however, are hits with the automotive press. This version offers “spirited performance,” Edmunds says; its turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec four-cylinder makes 260 horsepower channeled to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. Autoblog reports the SS has the same engine as “the Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Redline," and that the "HHR packs an impressive 130 horsepower per liter," and Cars.com declares that the turbo engine “pulls the HHR SS with satisfying strength."

Autoblog notes that "the automatic loses out on power by a few dozen horses and offers a more sedate driving experience"—a pretty significant penalty for those who don’t want to do the shifting themselves—and recommends that you "stick to the manual so you don't miss out on the awesomeness that is the launch control and no-lift shifting." Apparently, the SS gets a slicker manual gearbox, which is another incentive; ConsumerGuide reports it "has smooth shift and clutch action, unlike other manual HHRs, which suffer from long throws and crude movement."

The Chevrolet HHR 2009 is frugal with fuel. Autoblog recommends that one should "hold off the throttle pedal a bit and you'll be able to get near 30 miles per gallon on the highway, according to the EPA." EPA estimates range up to a rated 30 mpg highway, with the 2.2-liter engine and manual transmission. ConsumerGuide notes that "Chevrolet recommends premium-grade gas for SS and 2.4-liter models, regular otherwise."

If you expect to hustle the HHR along twisty roads on a regular basis, you probably should cross off all trims except the SS. The HHR has “rubbery steering, bobby suspension, and imprecise control,” says Car and Driver, though it notes a “smooth ride.” ConsumerGuide considers the Chevrolet HHR "composed overall, though the ride can get bouncy over sharp bumps," and Edmunds advises that "it's best to maintain an easygoing pace, as the suspension and steering just can't keep up with overly aggressive driving... the electric-assisted steering is slow to respond and numb in feel, [and] the HHR exhibits a loss of straight-line stability during maximum braking."

Several sources have positive things to say regarding the way the SS handles. The SS version is a different beast entirely; it has “stronger braking and buttoned-down handling,” Edmunds says. Autoblog takes the HHR out on the track and raves, “We flung the little SS around with no mercy and were quite impressed by how rewarding driving the tall wagon proved to be.”

Storage and cargo capacity are where the 2009 Chevrolet HHR really shines, though. Edmunds comments that "maximum cargo capacity is among the class leaders at 63 cubic feet," and Cars.com says, "Considering its small exterior size, the HHR SS can swallow quite a bit of cargo." ConsumerGuide reports "versatile storage space," remarking "it's easy to fold the 60/40 split rear seatbacks to create a flat load floor, but front seatbacks must be far forward for headrests to clear”—a packaging blunder that can leave little legroom in front for tall drivers.

The Chevrolet HHR fares better inside than some compact cars but certainly won’t be lauded for its interior quality. "Most surfaces are textured enough to where they don't look especially cheap. SS models have slightly sportier trim that neither enhances nor detracts from the overall ambiance," according to Cars.com. On the other hand, Edmunds notes that "window buttons are awkwardly mounted behind the shifter, and some of the interior plastics are of mediocre quality." Edmunds is the most positive, saying, “Interior quality is among the best we've seen from General Motors, although it remains short of the caliber found in competing import vehicles.”

On-the-road refinement isn’t anything to praise either in the 2009 Chevrolet HHR. According to ConsumerGuide: "wind rush is well controlled, but engine buzz intrudes during acceleration. The turbo 4-cylinder whines, even under light throttle conditions. All [Chevrolet HHR] models suffer from noticeable coarse-surface tire thrum."

Stability control and OnStar are now standard on all Chevy HHRs, Edmunds reports, while higher trim levels offer more options: "traction control is included with ABS when ordered with an automatic transmission, and is standard on all 2LT vehicles, as is this year's new addition of stability control."

According to Cars.com, "standard SS safety features include antilock brakes and an electronic stability system.” In addition, side curtain airbags are offered on all HHR models as standard for 2009.

Proper visibility is an often neglected aspect of safety, and some reviewers disagree with respect to this on the Chevrolet HHR. While Edmunds commends the "impressive outward visibility for the regular wagon models," Cars.com says "something HHR drivers battle that isn't an issue in many other cars is forward visibility. This wagon's unique shape dictates a relatively short windshield, which in turn leads to windshield pillars—which are wide to begin with—that get in the way when checking for cross traffic or pedestrians." This source does note that Chevrolet HHR "rear- and over-shoulder visibility, however, is good."

The panel-wagon version, which omits rear side windows, has terrible rearward visibility and is intended as a work vehicle.

According to Kelley Blue Book, the Chevrolet HHR base trim includes "five-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD sound system with auxiliary input jack, power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, cruise control, 16-inch wheel covers, trip computer [and] OnStar." They single out a "front-mounted auxiliary input jack [that] makes it easy to connect any MP3 player or other audio source to the HHR's sound system" as one of their favorites. Among the features available as upgrades are “leather seating, heated front seats, power driver's seat, stiffer suspension, power moonroof, 260-watt sound system with subwoofer, in-dash six-disc changer, MP3 compatibility [and] XM Satellite Radio."

Edmunds reports "major options for the LT include remote vehicle starting (included with the 2008 Chevrolet HHR automatic transmission), leather seating with heated front seats, in-dash CD changer, satellite radio and a sunroof."