When we first test drove the then new Chevy HHR, one of the first things we did was drive the retro-wagon to Wes-Man’s for a burger and a photo next to Wes’ painted panel truck in the parking lot.
The HHR, which stands for Heritage High Roof, was inspired by the 1949 Chevy Suburban and the retro styling.
We didn’t make it to Wes-Man’s this time around, but did take the new SS version on an excursion to Ellijay. The SS is turbocharged, which gives it considerably more kick than the standard four-cylinder models offered. The 2.0-liter engine is rated at 260 horsepower, which is nearly 90 more than in the 2.4-liter, normally aspirated four cylinder.
The HHR is a small wagon with plenty of head room but not much shoulder space, especially for the rear seat passengers. The wagon is built on the same chassis as the Chevy Cobalt and shares the same front-wheel drive underpinnings. However, the SS model has a sports suspension, 18-inch wheels and some extras on the inside. The Chevy engineers did a good job of neutralizing most of the front-wheel drive torque, which makes the SS a blast to drive.
Although an automatic is available, the five-speed is a lot more fun to drive. Fuel mileage doesn’t vary much across the board in any of the HHRs with either transmission. The SS is rated at 21 in the city and 29 on the open highway.
Introduced in 2006, the HHR offers a unique retro look with a high roofline, bulging fenders and even a small spoiler on the SS model to set it apart from his brethren.
The interior offers a supportive driver’s seat and fold-flat passenger seat with suede inserts. The rear bench is split and can be folded for extra cargo space. The cargo area is flat and offers netting and grocery hooks on the sides.
The dash is crowded with four gauges, pushing the turbo gauge to the A pillar. The center console offers two cupholders for the front passengers and a single cupholder at the end of the console for the rear passengers to share.
The SS package offers a limited slip differential, side airbags front and rear, an upgraded Pioneer audio system with seven speakers and XM radio for the first three months. The bottom line was $24,380.
Much like the Chrysler-built PT Cruiser, the HHR appeals to a niche market of buyers. But for something different, fun to drive and versatility with cargo loads, the HHR, especially the SS version is worth considering.

Ryan’s Ride –
Any time we get a vehicle that is turbocharged, I expect something with a little more get up and go. The HHR SS didn’t disappoint.
When we first tested the HHR two years ago, I was let down by the lack of power. However, the SS with the five-speed transmission solves that. The handling isn’t sporty but is adequate for most situations.
Surprisingly, there was very little wiggle from the front end under heavy cornering and the ride was mostly smooth and quiet, other than a little turbo whine.
Maybe it was the 18-inch wheels, but I was able to get into the rear cargo area without bumping my head, something that bugged me about the 2006 model we tested.
Surprisingly, the safety features are limited and the side airbags are extra. Also, there’s no stability control. Both of those items are standard on many competitors.
Despite a few shortcomings, the HHR is a fun little vehicle. The retro styling is unique and the SS badging lets everyone know that this is something special.

Marilyn’s Moment –
When we first tested the HHR, I was stopped several times and asked about the retro-wagon. However, this time around, it barely got noticed. Maybe retro has become passé.
The HHR is a lot more fun to drive with the turbo. It may be a little noisier but there’s a decided difference in power. You won’t beat many people away from a red light, but once you get the turbo wound up, the SS can fly.
And, even with the turbo, the fuel mileage isn’t that bad.
I was surprised that the side airbags were extra. You would think they would be standard, especially on a small wagon like the HHR.
The cargo net in the back is very handy for hauling groceries because they don’t slid around, which is likely if you drive like Ryan.
He, obviously, had a lot more fun behind the wheel than I did. But I liked driving the HHR. The seats are comfortable, visibility is good and the controls are typical GM issue and easy to operate.
Maybe, if our test model had been bright red, rather than silver, I would have been more noticeable in the HHR.