2007 Chevrolet HHR Safety Review [ 2008 ]
Chevrolet HHR Safety Review
Safety - NA
The 2007 Chevrolet HHR does extremely well in federal government crash tests, earning perfect scores in every category. However, some find it lacking in safety equipment. BusinessWeek says, "Chevrolet hasn't standardized much of the very latest safety gear. Dual front airbags are here, but anti-lock control and traction control are options, as are side-curtain airbags and OnStar telematics."
The 2007 HHR earned a perfect 5 stars for driver protection in front impact crashes, and another 5 stars for front passenger protection. In side impact crashes, the HHR earned 5 stars for front seat occupant protection and 5 stars for backseat occupant protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not yet tested the HHR.
Accident Avoidance
The HHR in 2LT trim comes standard with anti-lock brakes (ABS); they are optional on the other trims. Electronic Traction Control, which helps reduce front-wheel spin when driving on slippery surfaces, is optional only with the automatic transmission as part of the ABS package.
Crash Protection
Standard passive safety equipment includes front dual-stage air bags with a Passenger Sensing System for the right front seat and three-point safety belts for all seats.Head-curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard occupants are optional, as well as OnStar emergency services.
A major issue with several reviewers is rear visibility in the two-door Panel model, which features large metal panels instead of windows behind the front doors (presumably so commercial businesses can paint their names and information in that space). The Chicago Tribune warns, "When asked to run an errand, always bring someone along to serve as your eyes on the passenger side. Think parking your sedan next to a large SUV or pickup presents a problem when it comes time to leave? Try that when you have no side windows and no one in the passenger seat to scream as you slither out in reverse." The reviewer notes that an updated Panel with extra rear windows and rear seats is expected in the fall of 2007.
