2008 Chevrolet HHR

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.

The 2.2-liter engine is the economic leader topping 30 miles per gallon on the highway. With either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, fuel economy averages 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The 2.4-liter engine averages 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with either transmission. The SS version with the 2.0-liter turbo engine averages 19 mpg city and 28 highway. The fuel tank holds 16.2 gallons of fuel.

Pricing of our test HHR SS started at an attainable $22,375. With options including the four-speed automatic transmission ($1,000) the bottom line ended at $25,180 including a $620 destination charge and a few other items. The lowest-priced HHR, a naturally-aspirated HHR LS with five-speed manual transmission and 2.2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine starts at $16,595. An LT trim with 2.4-liter engine checks in at $17,595. By comparison, a Scion xB four-door hatchback starts at $15,650 with a five-speed manual transmission and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.

The square design of the back end provides drivers with excellent road vision. Turning radius is more truck-like, not sports-car-ish so give yourself room for those maneuvers. Although I've only driven about 20 minutes behind the wheel of a manual transmission version of the HHR SS at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Road Rally this past spring in Elkhart Lake Wisconsin, it provides more of the experience SS was designed to deliver, including more-than-enough passing power. Opt for the more potent five-speed manual transmission to fully appreciate the HHR SS.

The tall front cloth sport bucket seats offer great support and comfort. After three hours of driving, back fatigue was non existent. Our SS version included special SS logos stitched into front seat backs. Those seeking exceptional headroom will find plenty in the HHR no matter where sitting. Between the front bucket seats are dual armrests which fold up and out of the way when not needed. The small, flat instrument panel is easy to view at a glance. In addition to a small open storage area between the seats, a deep covered compartment is found on the dashboard. The SS edition of the HHR adds a vacuum gauge built into the left-side "A" pillar to monitor the engine's turbo boost.

Circular are vents don the dashboard, while all four interior door handles also incorporate the circular design with the vertical chrome handle running down from the top to the bottom of the circle. Front wipers operate from a right-hand-side stalk while the standard rear wiper is controlled from buttons on the lower dashboard. Power window, outside mirror and lock controls are all on the driver's door arm rest. Three easy-to-grab dials control ventilation functions.

In the turbo SS model, as well as the LS and LT passenger models, the rear hatchback, hinged at the top, opens up from the bottom as one unit. The HHR measures 62.5 inches in height, so taller folks have to duck down a bit when negotiating the hatch area. By comparison, a conventional Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV stands 74.5 inches tall. HHR SS editions include strap-like door handles that share body colors. Two circular, vertically arranged taillights flank the hatch.

Currently, the front-wheel-drive HHR does not offer a flex fuel variant (capable of running on E85 Ethanol or any combination of E85 fuel and regular unleaded gasoline) or a gas-electric hybrid version. Currently, General Motors has 11 vehicles capable of running on E85 fuel.

Stability control and anti-lock brakes come standard. Keep in mind side curtain air bags covering both rows are optional ($395). All HHR models include air conditioning; rear window defroster; cruise control; compact disc player and power windows, mirrors and remote keyless entry. The turbo SS versions include OnStar, GM's in-vehicle audio communication system linking occupants to a center where real people, not a recorded tutorial, can assist with directions or emergencies 24 hours a day. All HHR models are also covered by GM's recently updated five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.