MSRP: $16,730 - $18,050
Invoice: $15,810 - $17,057
MPG: 21 City / 30 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:7.5
Performance:6.5
Exterior:7.2
Interior:7.4
Safety:9.8
Reliability:6.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • High fuel economy relative to competition
  • Versatile cargo and seating space
  • Vintage exterior styling
  • Smooth ride
  • Weak engine choices for such a hefty vehicle
  • Annoying interior design quirks
  • Sub-par steering and braking performance

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Chevrolet HHR - What the Auto Press Says

The HHR offers a smooth ride, distinctive retro look and practical cargo and passenger capacities, but it trails its competitors in acceleration and sporty handling.

With an old-school look, smooth ride and versatile cabin, the 2008 Chevy HHR is a fresh take on the retro trend started by the Chrysler PT Cruiser. But according to our analysis, the HHR's positive attributes do not compensate for its shoddy performance. Car and Driver says it drives just as retro as it looks. "The shifter catches as it moves through the pattern. The steering is rubbery and very sensitive to road camber; it wants to fall off the road crown." It's chiefly the HHR's substandard performance that anchors its overall ranking.

The four-door HHR comes in several trims -- LS, 1LT, 2LT and Special Edition -- with a choice of two four-cylinder engines. A two-seat Panel version with rear cargo doors is targeted mostly at delivery companies. For 2008, the HHR's only notable change is an increase in horsepower for its two engines. OnStar is now standard across the lineup and stability control has been added as an option. Chevy also introduced HHR SS with a 260-horsepower turbocharged engine. If you're shopping for an affordable compact wagon, consider the Scion xB.

  • "Overall, the HHR is a pretty neat piece, less cute than a Chrysler PT Cruiser and way more refined than a Scion xB. The retro look is cool, but the retro values of practicality and utility are even cooler." -- Automobile Magazine
  • "The external flair and internal practicality make this a car likely to appeal to young dudes cruising for thrills, families bored with bland, conventional wagons, and even boomers who need a set of wheels for the beach house." -- U.S. News
  • "Around town the test vehicle seemed a good friend, able to hold people and cargo gracefully, able to slide into tight parking spots easily because of its trim size and tight turning circle, and good at generating smiles and approving looks from other motorists." -- USA Today
  • "A smooth-riding wagonette, the HHR (for Heritage High Roof) is an example of retro design that both looks good and works well in utilitarian terms: the boxy shape makes it roomy inside." -- Car and Driver
  • "It is a nostalgic hauler for people who want something different, and who appreciate the classic looks of the 1949 Chevy Suburban." -- New Car Test Drive

HHR Performance - 6.5 (Mediocre)

The 2008 HHR gets mixed reviews on the road. Many compliment its smooth ride, but some feeling it lags behind its competition in power. As a result, the 2008 HHR doesn't have the best performance score. Read More

HHR Exterior - 7.2 (Good)

This Chevy's retro styling and unique look isn't very distinctive in its class. U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman says, "The modern take looks sorta cute, sorta homely, with a bit of gangster chic thrown in." Read More

HHR Interior - 7.4 (Good)

The Chevy HHR gets kudos for its versatility and roominess. According to Automobile Magazine, the cabin is "a puzzle box of reconfigurable space." Read More

HHR Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)

This year Chevy has recalled 181,516 HHRs from model years 2006 through 2008 that were not equipped with the optional roof rail-mounted air bags, because they did not meet federal crash test standards. But even beforehand reviewers found the 2008 HHR lacking in safety equipment. The Car Connection 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." Read More

HHR Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2008 Chevrolet HHR reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Chevrolet offers a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty on the HHR. Read More

Review Last Updated: 2/18/09