2006 Chevrolet HHR: Road Test
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2006 Chevrolet HHR ▼
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- MSRP: $15,325 -$16,325
- Invoice: $14,482 -$15,427
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Our road test for the 2006 Chevrolet HHR includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Chevrolet HHR from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Chevrolet HHR, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet HHR help you decide if a 2006 Chevrolet HHR is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LT w/2.4-liter, man. | LT w/2.4-liter, auto. | LT w/2.4-liter, 2LT Pkg, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.4 |
No opportunity to measure with 143-hp engine. Test 172-hp models had decent around-town go, but highway passing, hillclimbs can feel labored. Manual transmission feels slightly quicker than automatic, but manual shifter's crude movement, long throws diminish sporty feel. Automatic transmission responsive, quick to kick down for more power.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LT w/2.4-liter, man. | LT w/2.4-liter, auto. | LT w/2.4-liter, 2LT Pkg, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 6.7 |
Test 172-hp LTs averaged 21.8 mpg with automatic transmission, 22.1 with manual. Chevrolet recommends premium-grade fuel for 172-hp models, regular otherwise.
RIDE QUALITY
| LT w/2.4-liter, man. | LT w/2.4-liter, auto. | LT w/2.4-liter, 2LT Pkg, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
Composed overall, though ride can get bouncy over sharp bumps. Standard suspension, 16-inch tires absorb most bumps, but transmit some vibration over coarse surfaces. 2LT's sport suspension, 17-inch tires have little effect on ride quality.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LT w/2.4-liter, man. | LT w/2.4-liter, auto. | LT w/2.4-liter, 2LT Pkg, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Capable, but certainly not sporty, even with 2LT upgrades. Good around-town maneuverability. Modest grip, some noseplow in faster corners, though little undue body lean. Steering linear in turns, but requires attention in straightline highway-speed cruising, where stability is affected by crosswinds, gusts. Brakes have decent stopping power, but spongy pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| LT w/2.4-liter, man. | LT w/2.4-liter, auto. | LT w/2.4-liter, 2LT Pkg, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
Wind rush well-controlled, but engine buzz intrudes during acceleration. Noticeable coarse surface tire noise.
CONTROLS
| LT w/2.4-liter, man. | LT w/2.4-liter, auto. | LT w/2.4-liter, 2LT Pkg, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.9 |
While exterior design recalls the 1950s, cabin design is modern. Gauges unobstructed, but markings a bit small, hard to see. Climate, radio controls easy to reach. Power-window switches located on central console instead of door panels, which takes getting used to. Unpadded plastic dominates dashboard and door panels.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LT w/2.4-liter, man. | LT w/2.4-liter, auto. | LT w/2.4-liter, 2LT Pkg, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Adequate head, leg room for all but the largest occupants. Comfortable, chair-height seats, though tall drivers might wish for extra height adjustment on seat, more tilt steering wheel travel. Thick pillars slightly impede view fore and aft, though generously sized rearview mirrors help. Low step-in, tall door openings make entry/exit a breeze.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LT w/2.4-liter, man. | LT w/2.4-liter, auto. | LT w/2.4-liter, 2LT Pkg, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3.9 |
Head room diminished beneath sunroof housing; good otherwise. OK knee, toe clearance, but leg space cramped with front seats more than halfway back. Seatbacks quite upright. Seat cushion modestly sized. Easy entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| LT w/2.4-liter, man. | LT w/2.4-liter, auto. | LT w/2.4-liter, 2LT Pkg, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 4.7 |
Versatile storage space. It's easy to fold the 60/40 split rear seatbacks to create flat load floor, but front seatbacks must be far forward for headrests to clear. Handy touch: Rear cargo cover slots into interior side panels to form a two-tier loading "shelf." Small-item storage just so-so: no center console, slim map pockets in doors, only one cupholder for rear-seat area.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LT w/2.4-liter, man. | LT w/2.4-liter, auto. | LT w/2.4-liter, 2LT Pkg, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Some buyers might wish for sportier handling, and most would want smoother, more powerful engine performance. But Chevrolet's retro-flavored wagon offers a practical blend of look-at-me style and utility in a not-too-large package. Pricing and features availability are competitive, too.
Total Score
| LT w/2.4-liter, man. | LT w/2.4-liter, auto. | LT w/2.4-liter, 2LT Pkg, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 55 | 57 | 52 |
Total Score: 56
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