June 7th marks the start of the final year for the HHR – the retro-rod that came too late. It was an ignoble start for the HHR, the car that rose up as a direct challenger to the PT Cruiser. After the Cruiser’s debut in 2000, lead designer Bryan Nesbitt left Chrysler to join GM in April 2001, and in 2005 he tried the same trick again at Chevrolet with the HHR. Now just six years later, 2011 will see the last of the HHRs leave the factory floor, with production officially stopping in May 2012.
Predictably, there’s little new to offer for the HHR in 2011. Some color code reshuffling and an upgraded introductory OnStar package that now includes six months of the Directions and Connections plan with Turn-by-Turn Navigation in addition to the full year of Safe and Sound are the sole changes. That means the same LS/LT trim lineup continues in five-seat regular and two-seat panel configurations, the latter offering a delivery arrangement that deletes rear seats and windows in favor of storage space.
The LS and 1LT trims are powered by a 2.2-liter, inline four-cylinder (I4) engine good for 155 horses, while a 2.4-liter four produces 172 hp and is available as an option in the 1LT trim and comes standard in the 2LT. Both engines are underpowered, but the 2.2-liter is especially so, with its peak torque of 150 not arriving until 4,800 rpm and peak hp showing up 1,300 rpm later. Both engines are capable of running on E85 fuel, however. On regular fuel with the five-speed manual transmission, the 2.2-liter engine produces 22/32 mpg, dropping 2 mpg on the highway with the four-speed automatic. The 2.4 puts up similar numbers – identical to the 2.2 with the five-speed and 22/29 with the automatic.
The real performer is a 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline four that powers the SS trim and produces 250 or 260 hp, depending on whether you opt for the five-speed manual or four-speed auto. The manual feels quicker and gets 21/29 versus the automatic’s 19/29, although the 2.0 isn’t E85-compatible. The SS also gets larger 18-inch alloys, a sport suspension, and special styling to identify it. All trims come with traction control, antilock brakes, and an anti-skid system, as well as daytime running lights, power throughout, and a satellite-ready stereo with digital media connection.
If you’ve always wanted an HHR, this is very literally your last chance. The SS is the way to go, as it’s the only trim that isn’t painfully underpowered. The manual offers a large advantage over the automatic, whether in feel, fun, or fuel economy, but the automatic is still a competent choice. Besides, with the running boards, unique 18-inch wheels, and mesh grille, the SS is by far the most attractive of the bunch.
I have a 2011 CHEVY HHR . MY ESC light comes on and my driver side front brakes activate. The front pads were worn replaced them . Thought this might fix the problem but it did not . Not sure what to do next .
How can I tell if motor is siezed
I'm thinking about purchasing a 2011 chevy hhr It's a LS with the 2.2. It has a 103 thousand miles on it. Are these reliable cars? Any common issues or problems?
I want to install an aftermarket stereo in my 2011 Chevy HHR LT. My car has no steering wheel controls for the factory radio, only controls for cruise control, oil life, tire pressure etc. Do I still need to install an aftermarket interface for the stereo or will I lose my chimes and warnings if I don't? Thanks
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Pioneer premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.02 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.8 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Mats: front and rear · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: seatback
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.17
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: black · Paint: metallic · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: body color
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Mirrors
Exterior Mirrors: spotter mirror · Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rails: black
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit · Size: full-size
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
OnStar: 1 Year of Directions and Connections Plan · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Pioneer premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.02 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.8 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: seatback
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.17
Exterior Features
Exhaust tip color: alloy · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: black · Paint: metallic · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: body color
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Roof rack: with crossbars
Safety
Camera system: rearview
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant · Size: full-size
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
OnStar: 1 Year of Directions and Connections Plan · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Pioneer premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.02 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.8 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: seatback
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.17
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: body color
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior Mirrors: spotter mirror · Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rails: black · Sunroof: one-touch
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit · Size: full-size
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
OnStar: 1 Year of Directions and Connections Plan · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Pioneer · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.02 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.8 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: seatback
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.17
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: chrome · Paint: metallic · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: body color
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Mirrors
Exterior Mirrors: spotter mirror · Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack: with crossbars · Sunroof: one-touch
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant · Size: full-size
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed