In the second half of the 2005 calendar year, General Motors' Chevrolet Division took a gamble by introducing the quirky, front-wheel-drive 2006 model year HHR. Many thought the retro-looking vehicle was out of touch before it arrived in showrooms. It featured the front end visual characteristics of a full-sized 1949 Chevrolet Suburban, but derived its power from four-cylinder engines. Was this a truck wanna-be or an economical hatchback? Others were quick to note the five-door HHR possessed a resemblance to the Chrysler PT Cruiser, which had seen sales flame out after an initial burst onto the market in the 2001 model year. And Chevrolet already had a five-door car-based hatchback in the fold. In the 2004 calendar year, Chevrolet debuted the Equinox, a mid-size car-based five-door hatchback seemingly targeted at the same audience as the HHR.
After the dust settles, however, Chevrolet may have the last laugh.
During its first full year of sales in 2006, HHR units sold hit the 101,000 mark. In the 2007 calendar year, sales jumped to 105,175. Through May of 2008, year-to-date HHR sales are outpacing January-May 2007 sales. These strong numbers caught media watchers and even some at GM by surprise. The reality is... with gas prices above $4 a gallon, suddenly a versatile, four-cylinder vehicle looks more attractive than ever. Chevrolet markets the Equinox to a slightly different audience; those seeking V-6 powertrains. The uni-body (car-based platform) HHR offers a trio of four cylinder engines in 2008.
What do the letters HHR connotate? It depends who one talks to at Chevrolet. Some claim it's "High Head Room." Others indicate "Heritage High Roof." Either way, this uniquely-designed vehicle stands out in a crowd. Chevrolet builds HHR in Mexico.
The attraction of HHR is the versatility. With the second-row seatbacks folded flat, cargo area opens to 57.7 cubic feet. That's impressive when taking into account Chevrolet markets this as a compact vehicle. The front passenger bucket seat back also folds flat for transporting ladders or other long, slender items. With the seat backs up, two adults travel in maximum comfort. Three would be a definite crowd even though Chevrolet promotes this as a five seater. Egress and ingress is seamless. Seating positions are well below hip level, so it's a dip down, not hop up motion to get in and out.
The big news in 2008 for the HHR is the debut of a "super sport" (SS) passenger model, adding a new dimension to the easy-to-recognize HHR. Other 2008 Chevrolet models with SS badgering include the Impala sedan and Trailblazer sport utility. The compact Chevrolet Cobalt returns with a SS version in the 2009 model year. All SS models add more power, enhanced braking and suspension characteristics. Although HHR SS does not resemble a sports car, it's more fun-to-drive than it looks. As with the naturally aspirated models, HHR SS is available in two trim levels: LS and LT.
For those doing business in the commercial sector, a two-seat HHR 'panel' edition is also available in both LS and LT trim. Instead of rear side windows, side panels cover the region and a windowless bi-fold rear cargo doors take the place of the liftgate design. In the 2009 model year, panel editions add an SS version. In 2008, only HHR passenger versions offer SS.
Exterior cues unique to the HHR passenger SS include a mesh-style front grille, a rear spoiler mounted above the large hatchback glass, and SS badging on the front door and liftgate. Larger, 18-inch five-spoke aluminum wheel with Michelin performance tires are also standard. It's what's under the hood that sets this model aside from its HHR siblings. A turbocharged, 2.0-liter, Ecotec engine cranks out 260 horsepower with five-speed manual transmission and 235 with four-speed automatic. That compares to 149 horsepower of the base Ecotec 2.2-liter four-cylinder standard in the LS and LT model and 172 horsepower in the 2.4-liter four cylinder Ecotec, optional in the LT. Keep in mind premium unleaded is recommended, but not required for the 2.4-liter Ecotec engine and the 2.0 turbocharged Ecotec. |