2007 Chevrolet HHR
Debuting in 2005 as a 2006 model, the Chevrolet HHR could be viewed as a blatant attempt to counter the popularity of Chrysler's PT Cruiser. It certainly had the requisite retro factor, and was similar in size, purpose, and performance. Not to mentioned being designed by the same guy that penned the PT Cruiser: Brian Nesbitt.
Built on GM's Delta platform, which was also utilized in the Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion and various other models, the HHR (for Heritage High Roof) was powered by GM's redoubtable Ecotec four-cylinder engine and sat five adults. In 2007, you could choose from either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission and two engine sizes were available: 2.2- and 2.4-litre. A 260-horsepower turbo version came out in 2008.
Two trim levels were offered: LS and LT, and the latter came with upgraded stereo, power outside mirrors, larger 17-inch wheels and tires, and the bigger engine, among other things. This last item was essentially a punched-out version of the Ecotec and developed an additional 26 horsepower. If you were looking at the HHR with a view to actually carrying people and stuff around, the larger of the two engines was the only choice. A powerhouse, the 2.2-litre wasn't. Fuel economy was about the same for both powerplants. If you were looking for a tradesman's type van, you could also get the HHR as a no-frills, no-back-windows sedan delivery. GM called it the Panel.
Carrying capacity was 1,614 litres, with another 170 litres of hidden storage area under the floor. Fold down the 60/40-split back seats and you got a completely flat rear cargo area, which, in the case of the Panel, was covered in a durable non-skid plastic. Access the back was via the swing-up rear door or via the side doors. One idiosyncrasy with the Panel: there was no way to open the side doors from outside the vehicle.
Standard equipment level varied depending on the model. You could get all the usual modcons: air conditioning, power windows, upgraded stereo and so on, or order the HHR as a stripper, with just the basics. One thing to mention: because of its styling, peripheral visibility with the HHR was among the worst in the industry, and without a/c, the car could get uncomfortably hot in the summer.
Three safety recalls to report from Transport Canada. The first concerns a possible loss of power steering, which means the vehicle will revert back to a manual steering mode. An audible chime and a message in the driver information centre will apparently alert the driver to this situation, and if it happens, GM has extended its warranty coverage and will replace the power steering motor. This recall affects all HHR models, from 2006 to 2010, as well as various other GM products, including the Saturn Ion. The second and third recalls are minor in nature; one applies to an improperly attached storage bin lid on the dashboard and the second has to do with inaccurate gross vehicle rating nomenclature.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has also issued a recall for 2007/2008 HHRs not equipped with roof rail airbags. Dealers installed energy-absorbing material in their place.
There are 31 technical service bulletins to report from NHTSA. They range from a rattling steering column to shifting problems in third and fourth gear with the manual gearbox, to irregular starting, to the engine "chuggling" prior to a full stop. Problems with the steering crop up on a regular basis.
Consumer Reports gives the 2007 HHR an "average" rating, mainly because of problems with the suspension and brakes. High marks for the drivetrain, however. Some comments from owners: "cramped front seats, difficult to get into, restricted visibility," "buyers remorse, big time!," and "computer problems." The poor peripheral visibility is a common gripe, but unexpectedly high fuel economy is also an oft-heard praise.
An "average" used-car dependability rating from market research firm J.D. Power. Interestingly, powertrain design gets full marks, while powertrain dependability gets a failing grade. So does interior quality design and interior mechanical quality. On the other hand, the HHR is a "solid" performer in terms of safety, according to J.D. Power, and it garners a full five-star rating for front-seat occupants in a front-end collision and back-seat passengers in a side impact.
Price-wise, the HHR has dropped by about half since 2007. Models with the larger engine seem to be fetching $800-$1,000 more and the Panel is worth up to $2,000 more than the regular version.
globedrive@globeandmail.com
Tech specs
2007 Chevrolet HHR
Original Base Price: $19,220; Black Book: $9,100-$11,000; Red Book: $8,975-$11,000
Engine: 2.2- and 2.4-litre four- cylinder
Horsepower/Torque: 149 hp/152 lb-ft for 2.2; 175 hp/165 ft-lb for 2.4
Transmission: Four-speed automatic/five-speed manual
Fuel Economy (litres/100 km): 9.5 city/6.6 highway (2.2 litre with automatic transmission)
Drive: Front-wheel
Alternatives: Chrysler PT Cruiser, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix, Dodge Caliber, Saturn Vue, Kia Rondo, Nissan Versa