2008 Chevrolet HHR Exterior Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 47 HHR reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Chevrolet HHR has retro styling and a unique look, but it still doesn't break into the top-five affordable compact wagons. U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman concludes, "The modern take looks sorta cute, sorta homely, with a bit of gangster chic thrown in."
The HHR's name refers to its 62.5-inch "Heritage High Roof," which is inspired by the 1949 Chevy Suburban.
According to MarketWatch, "Sometimes cars and trucks can be fun to drive not for their spine-changing acceleration, crisp handling or brakes that test the strength of the seat belts. In the case of the HHR, it's the styling." To New Car Test Drive, "If there's ever been a case of a picture of a so-called SUV being worth a thousand words, the HHR should be it. It looks like a 1949 panel delivery truck, with the edges smoothed over." Lastly, the Boston Herald says "exaggerated, vintage features like flared fenders, hefty doors, oversized mirrors and side running boards give the model the look of a pre-World War II delivery van on acid."
Despite its distinctive exterior, the HHR is often compared to the PT Cruiser. USA Today notes: "Some folks think it looks too much like the Chrysler PT Cruiser and marks Chevy as a late-comer to that market segment. But there's enough difference, especially if you see them together, to mute that argument and show that HHR has its own aesthetic credibility." Car and Driver says: "Chevy's Me-Too Cruiser isn't quite as cute as Chrysler's original. The molded Jell-O shape is too soft to make a compelling statement. Still, we're charmed." However, The Car Connection states, "The HHR is more truck-like (inspired by Chevy's SSR and '49 Suburban), the PT Cruiser more car-like in appearance." In addition, the HHR is about 7 inches longer, 2 inches wider and 2 inches taller than the PT Cruiser.
Exterior Trims
Special Edition
The Special Edition trim adds on several sporty exterior features, including 17-inch black-chrome wheels, a black chrome exterior package, fog lamps and headlamps with smoked lenses, an exterior accent stripe and an aero-wing rear spoiler.
