2008 Chevrolet HHR Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The 2008 Chevrolet HHR makes news by offering a high-performance SS model along with additional safety equipment. This wagon is named for its "Heritage High Roof" styling inspired by early 1950s Chevrolet Suburbans. HHR has front-wheel drive and has a basic platform based on Chevy's Cobalt. Most HHR versions seat five, but Chevy also offers a two-seat "panel" version that targets delivery companies. LS, 1LT, and 2LT trims are available on both versions. A 149-hp 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine is standard. A 172-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder is an LT option. HHR SS models have a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 4-speed automatic is optional on all models. Note that SS models with the manual transmission have 260 hp, and ones with the automatic have 235. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system (new for '08), and curtain side airbags. The 2LT models have a sport suspension. The HHR SS has even firmer suspension tuning, 18-inch tires, and specific trim.

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 99.4 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.

News

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

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2008 Chevrolet HHR Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (SS)	Acceleration (2.2-, 2.4-liter)

Passenger and cargo room	Visibility

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2LT, manual	2LT, automatic	2LT Panel, automatic	SS, manual	Class Average
5	5	5	7	4.9

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	6.5

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

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	4.4

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	5

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

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	58.4

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		50
Average Score		58
High Score		71

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2008 Chevrolet HHR Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/04/2008

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

LS 4-door wagon, 5-passenger	$16,730	$15,810	$640

Panel LS 4-door wagon, 2-passenger	$17,035	$16,098	$640

LT 4-door wagon, 5-passenger	$17,765	$16,788	$640

Panel LT 4-door wagon, 2-passenger	$18,050	$17,057	$640

SS 4-door wagon, 5-passenger	$22,925	$21,664	$640

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, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, center console, split folding rear seat (5-passenger), power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media connection, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, 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.

SS adds to LT:

Powertrain

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, traction control.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler, performance suspension, 225/45R18 tires, polished alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
2LT Preferred Equipment Pkg.
LT	$2,395	$2,108
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, traction control, antilock brakes, antiskid system, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, Pioneer sound system, chrome grille, chrome door handles, chrome roof rails, fog lights, running boards, sport suspension, 215/50R17 tires.

Enhanced Safety Pkg.
LS, LT	$795	$700
Curtain side airbags, antilock brakes. NA w/2LT Preferred Equipment Pkg.

Enhanced Sound Pkg.
LS, LT	$495	$436
Pioneer sound system, satellite radio. LS requires AM/FM/CD/MP3 player. NA w/2LT Preferred Equipment Pkg.

Shadow Edition Pkg.
LT	$995	$876
Bright Chrome Appearance Pkg. plus 215/50R17 tires. NA w/2LT Preferred Equipment Pkg., Enhanced Safety Pkg., 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine.

Bright Chrome Appearance Pkg.
LT	$925	$814
Chrome roof rails, grille, and door handles, chrome alloy wheels. NA w/2LT Preferred Equipment Pkg.

Appearance Pkg.
LS, LT	$699	$615
LT w/2.4-liter engine	$674	$593
Rear spoiler, mud guards, bumper pad, chrome exhaust tip.

Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine
LT	$650	$572
Requires 4-speed automatic transmission.

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

Limited-slip differential
SS	$495	$436
NA w/4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety
Curtain side airbags
LT, SS	$395	$348
LT requires 2LT Preferred Equipment Pkg.

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

Special bucket seats
SS	$95	$84


Power sunroof
LT, SS	$750	$660


AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
LS	$195	$172


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


Satellite radio
LT, SS	$200	$176
LT requires 2LT Preferred Equipment Pkg.

Smoker Pkg.
LS, LT, SS	$40	$35
Lighter, ash tray.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
LT	$115	$101


Rear-quarter panel
LS, LT	$195	$172
NA Panel LS/LT.

Special paint
LS, LT, SS	$295	$260


Accent stripes
LS, LT, SS	$95	$84


Engine-block heater
LS, LT	$75	$66


Running boards
LS, LT	$445	$392


Roof rails
LS, LT, SS	$150	$132


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Polished alloy wheels
LT	$395	$348
Requires 2LT Preferred Equipment Pkg.

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2008 Chevrolet HHR Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Chevrolet HHR 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	103.6

Overall Length, in.	176.2

Overall Width, in.	69.1

Overall Height, in.	62.5

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.	39.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	40.6

Rear Head Room, in.	39.0

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	39.5

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

Engines

	dohc I4	dohc I4	Turbocharged dohc I4

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.2 /134	2.4 /145	2.0 /122

Horsepower @ rpm.	149 @ 5600	172 @ 5800	260 @ 5300

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	152 @ 4200	167 @ 4500	260 @ 2500

Availability	Standard	Optional	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	21/30	20/28	21/29

4-speed automatic	22/30	22/28	19/28

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

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Also in the 2008 Chevrolet HHR Review:

Chevrolet HHR

Chevrolet HHR Road Test

Chevrolet HHR Prices & Equipment

Chevrolet HHR Specs & Safety

Chevrolet HHR Photos