2006 Chevrolet HHR: Tester's Comments
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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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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2006 Chevrolet HHR. See if the 2006 Chevrolet HHR is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated

| Make/Model: | 2006 Chevrolet HHR |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | LT |
| Arrival Date: | 09/12/2005 |
| Engine: | dohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door wagon |
| Transmission: | 4-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 16,425 |
| Price as Tested: | 21,900 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 2145 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 2372 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 227 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 10.42 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 21.79 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Preferred Equipment Group (2.4 Liter 4-Cyl DOHC High Output Gas Engine W/VVT And Bright Chrome Exhaust Tip, Sport Tuned Suspension, Bright Chrome Appearance Package, 4-Wheels Antilock Brake System, 17-Inch Painted Aluminum Wheels, Fog Lamps, Pioneer 7-Speaker System, Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel, Redundant Radio Controls, Leather Wrapped Shift Knobs, Auto Dim I/S Mirror W/Compass), Auto. Trans. with remote start, XM Satellite Radio, Roof Rack
From the Back Seat
Kirk Bell
HHR is a viable alternative to an SUV. It has plenty of room and sits a little higher for those who like that sort of thing. The tradeoffs are poor sightlines and weak acceleration. Still, it's better than getting 12 mpg at $3.00/gallon.
Mark Bilek
At a fully loaded price of just under $22,000, the HHR is a reasonable and useful alternative to a small SUV. The interior is spot on and dynamically this is fun-to-drive car. Sadly, the me-too, PT Cuiser styling might hamper overall sales.
Vehicle Evaluated

| Make/Model: | 2000 Chevrolet HHR |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | LT |
| Arrival Date: | 07/06/2006 |
| Engine: | dohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door wagon |
| Transmission: | 4-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 16,325 |
| Price as Tested: | 23,755 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 2724 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 3349 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 625 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 25.733 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 24.25 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Spring Edition Pkg. (victory red exterior, 16-inch chrome wheels, chrome wheel center caps, leather wrapped steering wheel w/ redundant radio controls, leather wrapped shift knobs, HHR spring edition sport decal, bright chrome appearance pkg., running boards color keyed, fog lamps, luggage carrier side roof rail), Automatic Trans w/Remote Start, Power Sunroof w/Express Close, Leather Seating Surfaces including Heated Driver and Front Passenger, Onstar Service, 2.4-Liter 4-Cyl DOHC High Output Gas Engine w/ VVT and Bright Chrome Exhaust Tip, 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Break System, Side Head Curtain Airbags
From the Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski
HHR doesn't have the outright muscle or available convertible bodystyle of a turbocharged PT Cruiser, nor does it have the comfortable interior of a Vibe/Matrix. But this wagon strikes a nice balance between the two. It remains to be seen when the styling will lose its appeal, but it's been a home run for GM thus far. Judicious option selection makes this vehicle a credible alternative among compact cars.
Mark Bilek
HHR's got a few flaws, outward visibility and mediocre engines. However, it's versatile, fuel-efficient, and fun to drive. In addition, it's priced right. It isn't hard to see why this is one of General Motor's best-selling vehicles.
Tom Appel
The surprisingly refined HHR makes the most sense lightly equipped. Our $24,000 tester begs comparison with the likes of Honda CR-V and other efficient boxes. But for $19,500 with the beefier engine, automatic, curtain side airbags, and ABS, HHR is a compelling value. The only danger here is looking tragically unhip when the HHR's design fades into ubiquity.














