2006 Chevrolet HHR Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The popular little HHR has acquired many admirers across a wide range of age and social circles. Its small but relatively powerful engines...
The popular little HHR has acquired many admirers across a wide range of age and social circles. Its small but relatively powerful engines (2.2-liter Ecotec I4 rated at 143 horsepower, or a 2.4-liter Ecotec I4 rated at 178 horsepower) provide pep in a car with ample headroom and cargo space. The name actually stands for "Heritage High Roof," so it seems as though Chevy is not only aware but proud of the comfort it provides.
The 2006 edition was the first release of this model, yet it drew many of its features from the Cobalt, making for few first-year woes. The car's pricing starts at $15,990, but can quickly edge toward $20,000 with a stronger engine, integrated MP3 player, and a Pioneer sound system.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers find the 2006 Chevrolet HHR to be a reliable and comfortable option, especially for those needing cargo space. Many appreciate its unique retro styling and easy handling, making it great for urban driving and longer trips. However, some drivers report issues with quality, like minor repairs needed and performance concerns, particularly with the engine's acceleration and braking. Gas mileage is largely praised, though some have expressed it could be better."
Fun to drive, Looks very nice inside and out. Drives well, decent acceleration for a four cylinder. Gas mileage is good, about 38 to 40 on the highway. The only thing I can complain about is the brakes, at times they seem seem to pull or struggle when stopping under normal conditions.
July 21, 2009Have Driven it from NC to NH a few times, very comfortable for long rides. Great gas mileage 26 mpg city.
June 5, 2008A few little design things I would have done differently but mechanically this is a great car - my wife drove it for seven years and we did ZERO repairs other than routine maintenance and a fuse that blew out whenever we jumped somebody else that had a dead battery - power steering fuse blew every time cables got hooked up...weirdest thing!
May 3, 2015What owners say
Fun to drive, Looks very nice inside and out. Drives well, decent acceleration for a four cylinder. Gas mileage is good, about 38 to 40 on the highway. The only thing I can complain about is the brakes, at times they seem seem to pull or struggle when stopping under normal conditions.
July 21, 2009Have Driven it from NC to NH a few times, very comfortable for long rides. Great gas mileage 26 mpg city.
June 5, 2008A few little design things I would have done differently but mechanically this is a great car - my wife drove it for seven years and we did ZERO repairs other than routine maintenance and a fuse that blew out whenever we jumped somebody else that had a dead battery - power steering fuse blew every time cables got hooked up...weirdest thing!
May 3, 2015Handles good. Replaced brakes (routers and all) at only 63000km. Gas mileage is good. Quality is not the best...little things have broken like the Chevy symbol on the back of the car. It is a fun car to drive. Its kinda like a roadster.
May 25, 2009My HHR was bought as a family car and it is one of the best investments I've ever made. This thing has ample room and alot of get up an go to boot. AND the gas mileage is amazing in the 2.2 models.
April 1, 2008I like that it is roomier than expected, it will fit 4 adults comfortably which was surprising. It also has a lot of room in the back. 5 women took it on a long weekend and had it filled to the brim with room left over.
January 12, 2014Sometimes I miss this car. I liked it's unique looks, but I eventually moved on for something better-equipped. This was a pretty reliable car over-all. The only quality issue I had was a misaligned driver's door from the factory. This just made wind noise a little more apparent. Handling was average for this type of vehicle. Braking was not great. Acceleration was acceptable. MPG's were a little disappointing, about 21 MPG in about 50/50 city/hwy driving.
March 13, 2008I like the old school look, The cargo capacity is amazing and flat. Fuel economy was great, Pioneer stereo system was better than in any car I owned stock. Very comfortable to get in and out. Car did have tooooo much hard plastic interior. Leather was nice and soft. Performance was so so but good enough for flat travel. Very fun car to drive. HOWEVER it was plagued by little issues. Front rotors warped, Front suspension was quirky as well as the electronic steering. Chevy had to replace Steering column on quit a few and ignition keys would lock in the ignition with car running. Recall on that. Some water leakage from moon roof drains and firewall leaks. All that said I would own another 2LT package only as a hobby car. It grew on my like a fungus, Would have kept it but it was hit and the sheet metal is like tissue.
August 14, 2013Call it a station wagon, call it a light truck, call it a cross-over SUV, but the HHR is a nice car. The build quality is good, only needing warranty repair once to replace a blown blower motor for the vent/AC. It has great retro styling and gets 30 mpg on the highway. The only downsides are sometimes the 2.2L 4-cylinder engine doesn't have the "get up and go" needed for some driving situations, replacement body parts are hard to come by, and even simple DIY jobs like replacing a bulb are complicated. Never the less, I would recommend it to a friend that needs a vehicle with storage space.
July 20, 2008We bought the HHR new and it now as almost 90 thousand miles on it. It has performed exceptionally well. I do all my own maintenance. I have replace front pads and rotors and new spark plugs. It is my wife's daily driver.
July 9, 2012Trims & specs
Base MSRP $17,175 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.2L 149 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 25.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $18,720 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.2L 155 hp I4 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Cargo Capacity 25.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
