2008 Chevrolet HHR Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Chevrolet HHR is a relatively new option in the growing compact wagon segment, joining models like Chrysler PT Cruiser, Mazda 3, Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe. With the HHR, Chevy has attempted to recapture the bold look of early American trucks - a design which offers above average cargo capacity, passenger room, and visibility. There are no significant changes for 2008, but it is rumored that Chevy may add an SS trim later in the year.
For now, there are five HHRs to choose from, configured through two trim levels and two body styles. The base trim is the LS, which includes full power accessories, 16-inch wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, a six-speaker CD audio system, an MP3 auxiliary jack, and a flat-folding front passenger seat. The upper level LT trim is further divided into two subgroups. The 1LT package adds an eight-way power driver seat, an upgraded MP3-compatible sound system and alloy wheels. The 2LT Enhanced Package includes those items, plus 17-inch wheels, a seven-speaker Pioneer sound system, fog lamps and additional chrome exterior trim. The upper level 2LT also rides upon a firmer suspension system.
The HHR is available as a four-door wagon or a panel van. The Panel van is available in both the LS and LT trims, and includes uniques features like chrome exterior accents, windowless side panels, remote-operated dual rear cargo doors, load floor storage compartments, and a rear 40-amp power outlet. Optional equipment includes leather upholstery, heated seats, an in-dash CD changer, satellite radio, a sunroof, and OnStar.
There are two engine options for the HHR. The base level LS houses a 2.2 liter four cylinder engine, which provides 149 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque. The 2LT comes with a 2.4 liter version of the four-cylinder, which generates 175 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. This larger engine is optional on the 1LT trim. Buyers may choose between a five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic transmission.
Owners and reviewers have cited ride quality as the HHR's top feature. The suspension system adequately cushions the interior from road intrusions, and a well-insulated cabin is shielded from most wind and engine noise. Unfortunately, the compact wagon falls short in most of the other performance categories. The HHR's steering is unresponsive, and the soft suspension limits aggressive driving considerably. Test drivers have reported that even the larger four-cylinder engine lacks low-end power, but acceleration is tolerable through the higher gears.
Inside, the HHR offers comfortable seating in both the front and rear quarters, 25 cubic feet of luggage space to boot. Overall cargo capacity is an impressive 63 cubic feet. Visibility is outstanding in all directions, but the interior is hurt by the inclusion of some lower quality plastics. Fuel economy is also a strong selling point: the 2.2 liter engine has an EPA estimate of 23/30 mpg with the automatic transmission.
User reviews for 2008 Chevrolet HHR
Write a review2008 Chevrolet HHR Pricing
Trims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front and rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · 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 Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · 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
License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: body color
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: black
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
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
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front and rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · 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
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 · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: in-floor
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.17
Exterior Features
License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: body color
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Roof rails: black
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
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
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front and rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Pioneer premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 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 Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · 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 · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: body color
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: silver · Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
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 · Front and Rear: Sport-tuned · 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
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front and 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 · XM satellite radio · 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 Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · 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 · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Running boards: body color
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Roof rails: black · Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
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 · Front and Rear: Sport-tuned · 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
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front and 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 · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 260 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.02 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.8 · Rear brake width: 0.55 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat 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 · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo net
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.05
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: black · Sunroof: one-touch
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · 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
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive
