2008 Chevrolet HHR: Road Test
2008 Chevrolet HHR ▼
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- MSRP: $16,730 -$22,925
- Invoice: $15,810 -$21,664
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Our road test for the 2008 Chevrolet HHR includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Chevrolet HHR from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Chevrolet HHR, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Chevrolet HHR help you decide if a 2008 Chevrolet HHR is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2LT, manual | 2LT, automatic | 2LT Panel, automatic | SS, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 4.8 |
Test 2.4-liter models have decent around-town go, but highway passing and hill climbs can feel labored. An automatic 1LT did 8.4 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. Automatic transmission is responsive, quick to downshift. Chevy pegs the turbocharged SS at 6.3 seconds 0-60 mph with the manual transmission, and it feels about that fast. Its transmission has smooth shift and clutch action, unlike other manual HHRs, which suffer from long throws and crude movement. We've not tested an HHR with the 2.2-liter engine.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2LT, manual | 2LT, automatic | 2LT Panel, automatic | SS, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
With automatic transmission, test 2.4-liter LTs (including Panel) 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 gas for SS and 2.4-liter models, regular otherwise.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2LT, manual | 2LT, automatic | 2LT Panel, automatic | SS, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.2 |
Composed overall, though the ride can get bouncy over sharp bumps. HHR's standard suspension and 16-inch tires absorb most bumps but transmit some vibration over coarse surfaces. 2LT's sport suspension and 17-inch tires have little effect on ride quality. For a high-performance model, the SS has a surprisingly compliant ride.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2LT, manual | 2LT, automatic | 2LT Panel, automatic | SS, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5.9 |
Capable and fairly sporty, especially in the SS. Good around-town maneuverability. There's some noseplow with the base suspension in faster corners, though little undue body lean. The brakes provide good stopping control, but non-SS models tested had a spongy pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| 2LT, manual | 2LT, automatic | 2LT Panel, automatic | SS, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.5 |
Wind rush is well controlled, but engine buzz intrudes during acceleration. The turbo 4-cylinder whines, even under light throttle conditions. All models suffer from noticeable coarse-surface tire thrum.
CONTROLS
| 2LT, manual | 2LT, automatic | 2LT Panel, automatic | SS, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.7 |
While exterior design recalls the 1950s, the cabin design is modern. Gauges are unobstructed, but markings are a bit small and hard to see. Climate and radio controls are easy to reach. The power window switches are located on the central console instead of the door panels, which is unusual and inconvenient.
DETAILS
| 2LT, manual | 2LT, automatic | 2LT Panel, automatic | SS, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Unpadded plastic dominates HHR's dashboard and door panels. 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.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2LT, manual | 2LT, automatic | 2LT Panel, automatic | SS, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5.7 |
Headroom and legroom are adequate for all but the largest occupants. Comfortable, chair-height seats, though taller drivers might wish for extra height adjustment on the seat and more tilt steering wheel travel. Thick pillars impede the view fore and aft, though generously sized mirrors help. Aft visibility is terrible in side-windowless Panels, making backing out of a parking space an adventure. Low step-in and tall door openings make entry and exit a breeze.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2LT, manual | 2LT, automatic | 2LT Panel, automatic | SS, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 4.1 |
Headroom is diminished beneath the sunroof housing but is good otherwise. OK knee and toe clearance, but leg space is cramped if the front seats are set far back. Seatbacks are quite upright. The modestly sized seat cushion lacks thigh support. HHR's narrow cabin precludes three-abreast adult seating. Easy entry and exit. Panels have no rear seating.
CARGO ROOM
| 2LT, manual | 2LT, automatic | 2LT Panel, automatic | SS, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 4.9 |
Versatile storage space. It's easy to fold the 60/40 split rear seatbacks to create a 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 is just so-so and is made up of a small center console, slim map pockets in the doors, and only one cupholder for the rear-seat area. Panels offer a flat floor and convenient side-door access to cargo. Panel's under-floor storage is a nice touch, but shallow bins limit its usefulness.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2LT, manual | 2LT, automatic | 2LT Panel, automatic | SS, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
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. The utilitarian Panel will appeal mostly to folks looking for a rolling commercial. The SS is an affordable, practical hot-rod wagon.
Total Score
| 2LT, manual | 2LT, automatic | 2LT Panel, automatic | SS, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 64 | 58 | 65 | 58.8 |
Total Score: 63
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