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2006 Chevy HHR LT Road Test

Is There Room for Anther Retro People Hauler?

I have to admit that I was a bit put off when GM announced it would be coming to market with its retro HHR. Its just that Chryslers PT Cruiser made the new Chevy a bit of a "been there, done that" issue. But now that Ive seen it on the road and spent a week behind the wheel, I think I came to my conclusion too quickly.

It offers a more truck-like stance than the PT, with a bolder, wider front grille, more muscular fenders and a lower, longer profile. Its circular rear lights, two per side, are fully integrated into the bodywork, giving an expensive, custom look.

And why shouldnt there be more than one compact crossover with retrospective leanings? After

After seeing the HHR on the road and spending a week behind the wheel, I think I came to my initial "too little, too late" conclusion too quickly. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

all, there are many GM fans who would never think of purchasing a Chrysler, some of which might have really liked the PT when it debuted. And whats more, the HHR, which stands for "heritage high roof", actually pays tribute to the 1949 Chevy Suburban and other late 1940s high-roof Chevy trucks, unlike the PT Cruiser that looks

I believe the strongest argument for the HHR comes after spending some time in it. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

more like a classic Ford panel van than anything Chrysler, or the now defunct Plymouth brand ever offered.

But I believe the strongest argument for the HHR comes after spending some time in it. GM furnished an almost fully-loaded LT model, which normally would have featured an upgraded engine but had this deleted from the LT list for some reason, but nevertheless featured leather seating surfaces, and the top-line audio system,

Altogether, my well-appointed LT tester arrived with a window sticker of $26,865, from a base price of $18,995. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

which made for a pretty rich ride.
When I say rich, I dont mean expensive. Altogether, my well-appointed LT tester arrived with a window sticker of $21,175 (plus $565 for destination fees), from a base price of $15,425. That base car, by the way, features cloth seats, the drivers including six-way manual adjustment (four-way for the front passenger) while the rear seatbacks and front-passenger seatback fold forward, air conditioning, power

Take-off, with the base 2.2-liter engine and four-speed automatic, is not overly snappy, but it accelerates in a smooth and progressive manner, with fairly precise shift points. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

windows and locks with remote access, plus power mirrors, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, 16-inch steel wheels, the latter connected to an almost fully independent suspension system.

Why do I say almost fully independent? Well, the front setup includes independent struts with an anti-roll bar, but the torsion beam suspension with anti-roll bar in the rear is semi-independent. Its the same setup in the top-line LT, so I can attest to it riding unusually

The HHR incorporates Quiet Steel laminated panels in the plenum, a sophisticated technology that makes it feel solid, and pricier than its fairly low entry price lets on. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

smooth over bumps and irregular pavement, while tracking quite well through the corners. Of course, the optional 17-inch aluminum wheels might help when pushing the HHR more aggressively, but they also should theoretically hinder ride quality.

In the same way Im betting the five-speed manual that comes standard with either LS or LT drivetrain packages allows for more spirited acceleration, but I wasnt put off with the four-speed automatic included with my test HHR, even with its base 2.2-liter engine. Take-off

Rack-and-pinion steering is standard across the HHR line, complete with a speed-sensitive, variable-effort system dubbed Electric Power Steering. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

is not overly snappy, but it accelerates in a smooth and progressive manner, with fairly precise shift points.

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