17th Jul 2008, 12:55

If commenter 12:59 is referring to the HHR as a "higher powered" front drive vehicle, one must assume that "high powered" means in comparison to the $2000 Indian-built Tata, which has a 2-cylinder engine and resembles a watermelon on little wheels.

The HHR is NOT a very powerful car, though it is, in my opinion, adequate and very smooth on the freeway.

My biggest concern with the HHR is that mentioned by commenter 11:16. The interior feels dark and closed-in due to the small windows. I loved the retro exterior styling, but after driving one, I felt it was too hard to see out of, and too dark inside.

With regard to the torque steer mentioned, I never noticed any noticeable torque steer when driving the HHR.

22nd Nov 2008, 22:07

I have a 06 HHR LS. With only 50,000 miles, the ignition module when out. Took it in for repair and two days later the same problem started again, so I took it back to dealer and was told that now my electronic module on the steering column needs to be replaced. Also between visits to the dealer, the board that locks and unlocks the back hatch went out.

Talk about a lemon!!

Will not buy Chevy again.

16th Feb 2009, 15:12

Purchased 2006 HHR in August 2005 and it has performed great with no problems.

This was my first GM vehicle and I was pleased with the road performance and gas mileage. I just reached 50K and had a "check engine" light. Took vehicle to dealer who cited a malfunction of the engine in the 2nd cylinder.

I am dealing with GM/Chevrolet because they state the malfunction is not the "defect" as noted by the dealer.

I am no longer happy with my HHR and am about to take on Chevrolet.

I have had Toyota and Isuzu SUV prior to the HHR, and neither had engine problems before 10 yrs of ownership and well over 100K miles.

7th Sep 2009, 20:35

I have been driving a 2006 HHR LT with a 2.4L motor since July 2006. Aside from 2 recalls, side air bags and upper glove compartment lock fix, this is without doubt one of the best autos that I have ever owned. At 64 years of age I absolutely love the retro look and the looks I get driving it. I have been to Florida twice (1200 KM) and have had no problems whatsoever. If I wasn't a retiree, I would definitely be looking at the turbo version.

19th Sep 2009, 02:39

I have a 2007 HHR with a 2.4 175 hp engine, LT2.

The check engine light came on at 22000 miles and the dealer service dept. said a service bulletin indicated the head had to be replaced. The head was shipped to the dealer with no internal parts in it, so the parts were removed from the old head and installed in the new head by a machine shop. Finally got the car back 12 days later. Dealer could not show me the bulletin authorizing the change.

19th Sep 2009, 20:30

I rented one of these while my Ford was in the repair shop (again.) It was awful. The interior was terrible and none of the pieces seem to fit correctly, there were many rattles in it as well.

The windshield was probably the worst part about it, it was tiny and had HUGE blind spots, making it extremely difficult for me to see out of it.

The interior noise was pretty much unacceptable though. The engine was constantly roaring, sometimes I even thought that I might be in to low of a gear (it was an automatic) but I looked down and the transmission was in drive, but it was still really loud. Plus the road noise was the worst of any car that I've ever driven.

Was unhappy that I got a Chevy as a rental in the first place, since my first and last Chevy blew its engine at 61,000 miles (it was a '95 Lumina) and now I can see that they still haven't improved.

I have since traded in my Ford for a Honda Civic, one of the best decisions I've ever made.

15th Sep 2014, 04:55

You must have been driving a rental HHR. Fleet vehicles are built much cheaper than standard vehicles. The HHR included remote engine start with all automatic HHRs, yet you find rentals that are not equipped. I suspect the fleet HHRs had a lot of features removed for cost savings.

People still comment on how quiet my 2006 HHR with 172,000 miles rides. It's on its original battery for goodness sake. They are great cars. Blows away any Honda crap.

Interior is still rattle free. Love, love, love my HHR and plan on running it to 300k before retiring it to my nephew... And I bet it'll get him through high school.

29th Dec 2014, 19:47

I have a 2006 HHR - bought it when it had 26,000 miles - we now have 250,000! Been a great car! I am looking to replace the engine - it tings for the first minute or so when you start it - guess it should be expected with the high mileage. If anyone knows of good engine shop near Tampa, Fl - let me know. Thanks!

11th Dec 2015, 01:53

I have the same problem. I have replaced the plugs, and now the ignition coil and the check engine light reappears after a few miles down the road... How did you cure this problem? I need to get an inspection sticker as it now has a rejection sticker on it. This car many more years to go.