2007 Chevrolet HHR Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2007 Chevrolet HHR includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Chevrolet HHR from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Chevrolet HHR, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Chevrolet HHR help you decide if a 2007 Chevrolet HHR is right for you.

2007 Chevrolet HHR Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Acceleration

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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	4.6

Test 2.4-liter models have decent around-town go, but highway passing and hillclimbs can feel labored. Test automatic 2.4-liter LT did 8.4 sec 0-60 mph. Manual transmission feels slightly quicker than automatic, but manual shifter's crude movement, long throws diminish sporty feel. Automatic transmission responsive, quick to downshift. No Panels or HHRs with 2.2-liter engine made available for test.

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	6	6	6.5

With automatic transmission, test 2.4-liter LTs averaged 21.8-23.9 mpg in city/highway driving that included gas-eating performance runs. Another test automatic 2.4 LT averaged a frugal 32.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test manual-transmission 2.4 LT averaged 22.1 mpg. Chevrolet recommends premium-grade fuel for 2.4-liter 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	5.3

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	5.8

Capable, but certainly not sporty, even with 2LT's sport suspension. Good around-town maneuverability. Modest grip, some noseplow in faster corners, though little undue body lean. Steering linear in turns, but is numb on center, requires attention in straightline highway-speed cruising. Decent stopping control, 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	4.4

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 acclimation. Unpadded plastic dominates dashboard and door panels, but nothing looks cheap.

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	5.6

Adequate head, leg room for all but the largest occupants. Comfortable, chair-height seats, though taller 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	4

Head room diminished beneath sunroof housing; good otherwise. OK knee and toe clearance, but leg space cramped with front seats more than halfway back. Seatbacks quite upright. Seat cushion modestly sized. Narrow cabin precludes three-abreast adult seating. 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
7	7	7	4.8

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: small 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	7	6

Chevrolet's retro-flavored wagon offers a practical blend of look-at-me style and utility in a not-too-large package. Throw in attractive pricing and HHR becomes a fun alternative in a crowded class.

Total Score