2009 Chevrolet HHR: Road Test
2009 Chevrolet HHR ▼
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- MSRP: $18,720 - $25,135
- Invoice: $17,878 - $24,004
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Our road test for the 2009 Chevrolet HHR includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Chevrolet HHR from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Chevrolet HHR, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Chevrolet HHR help you decide if a 2009 Chevrolet HHR is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LT 2.4 | LT Panel 2.4 | SS, manual | SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 4.9 |
Models with the 2.4-liter engine have decent around-town go, but highway passing and hill climbs can feel labored. An LT did 8.4 seconds 0-60 mph in our test. The automatic transmission is responsive and quick to downshift. Chevy pegs the turbocharged SS with manual transmission at 6.3 seconds 0-60 mph, and it feels about that fast. The SS has smooth shift and clutch action. With the automatic, SS models don't bolt off the line, but acceleration is surprisingly linear. Around-town passing punch is good, and the transmission kicks down quickly for more power. No 2.2-liter HHRs have been made available for testing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LT 2.4 | LT Panel 2.4 | SS, manual | SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7.1 |
In Consumer Guide testing, automatic transmission 2.4-liter LTs (including Panel) averaged 21.8-23.9 mpg in city and highway driving. Another test automatic 2.4 LT averaged a frugal 32.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. An SS with automatic transmission averaged 23.2 mpg in mostly city driving. Chevrolet recommends premium-grade gas for SS and 2.4-liter models, regular otherwise. The 2.2- and 2.4-liter engines can also run on E85 ethanol.
RIDE QUALITY
| LT 2.4 | LT Panel 2.4 | SS, manual | SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 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. The sport suspension and 17-inch wheels that are part of the 2LT option package have little effect on ride quality. For a performance-oriented model, the SS has a surprisingly compliant ride.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LT 2.4 | LT Panel 2.4 | SS, manual | SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 5.8 |
Capable and fairly sporty, especially in the SS. Good around-town maneuverability. All tend to noseplow in faster corners, even the SS, though body lean is well controlled. The brakes provide good stopping control, but non-SS models have spongy pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| LT 2.4 | LT Panel 2.4 | SS, manual | SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
Wind rush is well controlled, but engine buzz intrudes during acceleration. The turbo 4-cylinder whines, even under light throttle, and bump noise is intrusive. All models suffer from noticeable coarse-surface tire thrum.
CONTROLS
| LT 2.4 | LT Panel 2.4 | SS, manual | SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
While HHR's exterior design recalls the 1950s, the cabin design is modern. The gauges are unobstructed, but the instrument markings are a bit small and hard to decipher at a glance. The climate and radio controls are easy to reach. Kudos to Chevy for moving the power window switches to the door armrest from their previous, inconvenient location on the center console.
DETAILS
| LT 2.4 | LT Panel 2.4 | SS, manual | SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Unpadded plastic dominates HHR's dashboard and door panels. Most surfaces are textured enough to where they don't look cheap. SS models have slightly sportier trim that neither enhances nor detracts from the overall ambiance.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LT 2.4 | LT Panel 2.4 | SS, manual | SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Headroom and legroom are adequate for all but the largest occupants. Comfortable, chair-height seats, are appreciated, though most of our testers want more tilt steering wheel travel. Thick pillars impede the view fore and aft, though generously sized mirrors help. Aft visibility is poor in all models, especially the side windowless Panels. HHR's roof design can also impede the forward view. Low step-in and tall door openings make entry and exit a breeze.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LT 2.4 | LT Panel 2.4 | SS, manual | SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
Headroom diminishes beneath the sunroof housing, but is good otherwise. OK knee space and foot space, but legroom is cramped if the front seats are set far back. The 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
| LT 2.4 | LT Panel 2.4 | SS, manual | SS, automatic | 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 the front seatbacks must be far forward for the headrests to clear. Handy touch: The 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 dash-top compartment and slim map pockets in the doors. 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
| LT 2.4 | LT Panel 2.4 | SS, manual | SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
This Recommended retro-flavored wagon offers a compelling blend of compact SUV utility, small-car fuel efficiency, and cheeky styling. Pricing and features availability are competitive, too. The utilitarian Panel will appeal mostly to commercial customers and folks looking for a rolling commercial. The SS is an affordable, practical hot-rod wagon.
Total Score
| LT 2.4 | LT Panel 2.4 | SS, manual | SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66 | 59 | 66 | 66 | 59.9 |
Total Score: 64
Scores for all Compact Cars
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