2010 Chevrolet HHR

Across the board, the styling on the 2010 Chevy HHR garners a mixed reception from reviewers. Car and Driver is a fan of its “pleasing exterior curves,” as is the Detroit News, which likes the “playful retro design inside and out.” On the other hand, the Detroit News points out that the 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 it a different sense of proportion, first appeared in 2008. It receives some sweet design cues to highlight the vehicle's high-performance drivetrain. Autoblog says there are "some changes with the Chevrolet HHR SS, but the car is still instantly recognizable as a Heritage High Roof." Cars.com comments "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."

The HHR Panel van is geared toward small-business use, with windowless rear cargo panel doors and windowless rear quarter panels, along with cargo-floor storage compartments and a rear 40-amp power point for electronic equipment.

Sadly, the retro theme doesn't translate that strongly in the interior, the styling of which appears similar to the rest of the GM range. The interior is much more "normal" and carlike, with the exception of a slightly higher seating position. Automobile Magazine positively reports on the “nice, suede-like inserts on the seats." Kelley Blue Book claims that "the Chevrolet HHR features thoroughly modern interior styling...tasteful chrome rings and accents combine with pleasing buttons and knobs" and Edmunds makes a note of the “handsome bright-ringed gauges" and calls the interior “attractive and functional.”

While most of the HHR's rivals are also front-wheel drive only, Edmunds finds fault with the fact that the HHR lacks an AWD option “for enhanced foul-weather capability.”

The 2010 Chevrolet HHR SS is an impressive offering that targets performance enthusiasts. Powering the SS is a turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which enables the HHR SS to achieve EPA-rated highway mileage of 29 mpg with the manual transmission and 28 mpg with the automatic. Driver-selectable performance features, including the “no-lift shift,” help the SS achieve 0-60 mph performance in 6.3 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds at 98.5 mph. Equipped with the manual transmission, the SS has a top speed of more than 150 mph. Non-SS versions of the 2010 HHR have a very soft suspension, and it's not very nimble for tight corners or quick maneuvers, but the HHR LT and SS models include a sport-tuned suspension that doesn't sacrifice too much ride quality. The electric power steering in the HHR is a disappointment; it's just too light and imprecise in standard versions, though the revised tuning in the SS is an improvement.

Edmunds claims this version offers “spirited performance.” Its turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec four-cylinder makes 260 horsepower that is channeled to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. Autoblog points out that the HHR SS "packs an impressive 130 horsepower per liter," and Cars.com is happy that the turbo engine “pulls the HHR SS with satisfying strength."

Autoblog states that in the SS "the automatic loses out on power by a few dozen horses and offers a more sedate driving experience," while also recommending that you "stick to the manual so you don't miss out on the awesomeness that is the launch control and no-lift shifting." The SS gets a slicker manual gearbox, though; ConsumerGuide finds it "has smooth shift and clutch action, unlike other manual HHRs, which suffer from long throws and crude movement."

In terms of fuel economy, the 2010 Chevrolet HHR can be best described as frugal. Autoblog suggests that one should "hold off the throttle pedal a bit and you'll be able to get near 30 mpg on the highway." EPA estimates range up to 30 mpg highway with the 2.2-liter engine and manual transmission. ConsumerGuide points out that "Chevrolet recommends premium-grade gas for SS and 2.4-liter models, regular otherwise."

If you're expecting any sort of performance, the SS is the only trim that should be considered. Car and Driver notes that the HHR has “rubbery steering, bobby suspension, and imprecise control,” though it notes a “smooth ride.” ConsumerGuide states that the Chevrolet HHR is "composed overall, though the ride can get bouncy over sharp bumps," and Edmunds recommends 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." The SS version is a different beast entirely: When it comes to handling, it has “stronger braking and buttoned-down handling,” Edmunds explains.

The 2010 Chevrolet HHR really excels when it comes to storage space and cargo, however. Edmunds claims that "maximum cargo capacity is among the class leaders at 63 cubic feet," and Cars.com states that "considering its small exterior size, the HHR SS can swallow quite a bit of cargo." ConsumerGuide praises the vehicle's "versatile storage space," remarking, "it's easy to fold the 60/40 split rear seat backs to create a flat load floor, but front seat backs must be far forward for headrests to clear.” It should be noted that this can leave little legroom in front for tall drivers.

Interior appointments aren't anything special; there's a lot of drab plastic trim, and upholstery and materials are rental-car anonymous. On the bright side, the HHR feels tight and refined most of the time, with surprisingly little road or wind noise.

The HHR, while not winning any awards for interior quality, covers the basics. According to Cars.com, "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." Edmunds, however, notes that "window buttons are awkwardly mounted behind the shifter, and some of the interior plastics are of mediocre quality."

In terms of driving refinement, the 2010 Chevrolet HHR isn't anything to crow about. According to ConsumerGuide, "wind rush is well controlled, but engine buzz intrudes during acceleration. The turbo four-cylinder whines, even under light throttle conditions. All [Chevrolet HHR] models suffer from noticeable coarse-surface tire thrum."

Opinions among reviewers on outward visibility are split. Edmunds applauds the "impressive outward visibility for the regular wagon models," whereas Cars.com finds "something HHR drivers battle that isn't an issue in many other cars is forward visibility. This wagon's unique shape results in a relatively short windshield, which in turn leads to wide windshield pillars—that get in the way when checking for cross traffic or pedestrians." It also points out that "rear- and over-shoulder visibility is good."

The panel-wagon version, which was intended as a work vehicle, has bad rear visibility due to the omission of certain windows.

ConsumerGuide reports that the vehicle's "features availability are competitive" in this segment and price range.

Kelley Blue Book states that one of their favorite features is the "front-mounted auxiliary input jack [that] makes it easy to connect any MP3 player or other audio source to the HHR's sound system." Optional extras include “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," they say.

Edmunds points out that "major options for the LT include remote vehicle starting (included with the 2010 Chevrolet HHR automatic transmission), leather seating with heated front seats, in-dash CD changer, satellite radio and a sunroof."