2007 Chevrolet HHR Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

A two-seat model targeted at delivery companies is a midyear addition to the HHR lineup. These compact wagons are named for their "Heritage High Roof" styling inspired by early 1950s Chevrolet Suburbans. All HHR models have front-wheel drive and share a basic platform with Chevy's Cobalt. Regular HHR wagons seat five. They are joined by 2-seat "Panel" versions that lack rear-door- and quarter windows. Panels have rear side doors that unlatch via dashboard buttons instead of exterior door handles. Both are available in LS and LT trims. A 149-hp 2.2-liter 4-cyl engine is standard. A 175-hp 2.4-liter 4-cyl is standard on LT Panels, optional on LT wagons. Both engines are available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. Included with the automatic is remote engine start. ABS and curtain side airbags are optional. All HHRs have air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, and remote entry. A split folding rear seat and fold-flat front-passenger seat are standard on 4-dr HHRs.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 100 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.

News

Word is this 2006 newcomer will be freshened for 2009. That likely means a heavy revamp of the current design, not a clean-sheet replacement.

Meantime, Chevy will add an HHR Panel by mid-2007, likely as an '08 model. Besides the typical painted-metal inserts replacing rear side windows, the Panel has only two seats and rear cargo doors instead of a liftgate. The cargo doors and rear side doors lack exterior handles, but can be opened from inside. Offering the same trim levels and powertrains as passenger HHRs, the Panel aims to be a thrifty delivery car for urban-based businesses, as well as a "blank canvas" for customizing by enthusiast owners. Payload is unchanged at 900 lb.

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

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

LT w/2.4-liter, man.	LT w/2.4-liter, auto.	LT w/2.4-liter, 2LT pkg, man.	Class Average
56	55	57	52.9

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		42
Average Score		52
High Score		60

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2007 Chevrolet HHR Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 07/19/2007

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

LS 4-door wagon, 5-passenger	$16,005	$15,125	$590

Panel LS 4-door wagon, 2-passenger	$16,160	$15,271	$590

LT 4-door wagon, 5-passenger	$17,005	$16,070	$590

Panel LT 4-door wagon, 2-passenger	$18,005	$17,015	$590

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat (5-passenger), power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media connection, digital clock, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, 215/55HR16 tires, wheel covers.

LT adds to LS:

Comfort and Convenience Features

8-way power driver seat, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

LT panel adds to LT 4-door:

Powertrain

2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Sport suspension, 215/50R17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
2LT Preferred Equipment Pkg.
LT 5-passenger	$1,800	$1,584
Bright Chrome Appearance Pkg. plus 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, traction control (w/automatic transmission), antilock brakes, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, Pioneer sound system, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, fog lights, sport suspension, 215/50R17 tires.

Spring Limited Edition Pkg.
LT 5-passenger	$995	$876
Unique interior and exterior trim, running boards, rear spoiler, black chrome alloy wheels. Requires 2LT Preferred Equipment Pkg.

Bright Chrome Appearance Pkg.
LT	$295	$260
Chrome roof rails, grille, and door handles.

Enhanced Safety Pkg.
LS/LT 2-passenger	$795	$699
Traction control, curtain side airbags, antilock brakes. Requires 4-speed automatic transmission.

Convenience Pkg.
LT 2-passenger	$295	$260
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.

Premiere Edition Pkg.
LT 5-passenger	$995	$876
Unique interior and exterior trim, running boards, roof rails, rear spoiler, chrome alloy wheels. Requires 2LT Preferred Equipment Pkg.

Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine
LT 5-passenger	$650	$572


4-speed automatic transmission
LS, LT, LT panel	$1,000	$880
Includes remote engine start.

Safety
Curtain side airbags
LS/LT 5-passenger	$395	$348
Requires antilock brakes.

Antilock brakes
LS, LT 5-passenger	$400	$352
Includes traction control when ordered with 4-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system
LS, LT, LT panel	$695	$612
Includes automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.

Leather upholstery
LT	$950	$836
LT 5-passenger w/2LT Pkg., LT 2-passenger w/Convenience Pkg.	$750	$660
Includes heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls.

Power sunroof
LT	$750	$660


AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
LS	$195	$172
Requires OnStar assistance system or satellite radio.

AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
LT	$295	$260


Pioneer sound system
LS 5-passenger, LT	$295	$260
Requires satellite radio. LS requires AM/FM/CD/MP3 player.

Satellite radio
LS, LT, LT panel	$199	$175
Requires Pioneer sound system. LS requires AM/FM/CD/MP3 player. NA LS 2-passenger.

Underfloor storage
2-passenger	$25	$22


Special floormats
LT 5-passenger	$105	$92


Special cargo mat
LT 5-passenger	$115	$101


2-piece cargo mat
2-passenger	$95	$83


Smoker Pkg.
LS, LT, LT panel	$15	$13
Lighter, ash tray.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
LT	$395	$348


Fog lights
LT	$115	$101


Engine-block heater
LS, LT, LT panel	$50	$44


Running boards
LS, LT, LT panel	$445	$392


Mud guards
LS, LT, LT panel	$120	$106


Rear bumper step pad
LS, LT, LT panel	$65	$57


Roof rails
LS 2-door, LT	$150	$132


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Polished alloy wheels
LT	$395	$348
5-passenger requires 2LT Preferred Equipment Pkg.

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2007 Chevrolet HHR Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Chevrolet HHR 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	103.5

Overall Length, in.	176.2

Overall Width, in.	69.2

Overall Height, in.	65.2

Curb Weight, lbs.	3155

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	63.1

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.2

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.5

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	40.6

Rear Head Room, in.	39.6

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	39.5

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	dohc I4

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.2 /134	2.4 /145

Horsepower @ rpm.	149 @ 5600	175 @ 6200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	152 @ 4000	165 @ 5000

Availability	Standard	Optional

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	22/30	22/30

4-speed automatic	23/30	23/30

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Chevrolet HHR 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/100,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	5/100,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Mexico

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2007 Chevrolet HHR Photos

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

Also in the 2007 Chevrolet HHR Review:

Chevrolet HHR

Chevrolet HHR Road Test

Chevrolet HHR Prices & Equipment

Chevrolet HHR Specs & Safety

Chevrolet HHR Photos

Chevrolet HHR Full Review