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2009 Chevrolet HHR Bottom Line

February 22, 2009

By Rex Roy's avatar Rex Roy, Detroit EditorRex Roy

Gathering across the Web, TheCarConnection.com's editors studied car reviews and have condensed opinions about the 2009 Chevrolet HHR in this comprehensive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com have driven the Chevrolet HHR (including the HHR SS) on several occasions and offer driving impressions and more details, and they've compared the 2009 Chevrolet HHR with other vehicles in its class to give you the best advice—even when other reviews present conflicting opinions.

Likes:

  • Spacious interior
  • Upright seating
  • Strong performance from new HHR Panel SS

Dislikes:

  • Small gauges
  • Four-speed automatic transmissions
  • Lack of headroom
  • Power window switch placement

Buying Tips:


Don't drive the 2009 Chevrolet HHR SS if you want to keep your budget low. It's significantly faster—and the extra power makes it feel like a better-rounded car—but it’s far more expensive than the base versions.

The 2009 Chevrolet HHR (the name stands for "Heritage High Roof") shares its basic architecture with the Chevy Cobalt (available in coupe and sedan body styles). Despite the HHR’s inauspicious foundation, this tall-roofed crossover is a well-orchestrated machine that provides cargo-carrying utility and spirited performance.

Standard-duty versions of the 2009 Chevrolet HHR can be powered by one of two four-cylinder engines: a 2.2-liter or 2.4-liter. Both engines power the front wheels via either a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic; a remote start feature is offered with the 2.4-liter. For 2009, variable valve timing has been added to the base 2.2-liter Ecotec engine, which increases horsepower to 155, up from the ‘08's powerplant rating of 149 horses. Since the new engine is more efficient, fuel economy is improved, yielding a driving range of up to 500 miles between petrol pit stops. With either transmission, though, performance is just adequate, and the HHR’s powertrains feel somewhat less refined than that of rival vehicles.

High-performance-minded drivers that don’t want to sacrifice excellent fuel economy now have another 2009 Chevrolet HHR SS model to satiate their need for efficient speed: the HHR Panel SS model. Unlike some recent Chevys with "SS" decals but no guts, the HHR SS and Panel SS have big muscles. Driver-selectable performance features including the “no-lift shift” help the SS achieve 0-60 mph performance in 6.3 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds at 98.5 mph. Equipped with the manual transmission, the SS has a top speed of more than 150 mph. Powering the SS models—which are the most desirable of the HHR lineup, in the opinion of TheCarConnection.com—is a turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter Ecotec engine, which enables the HHR SS to achieve EPA-rated highway mileage of 29 mpg with the manual transmission and 28 mpg with the automatic.

A sport suspension is included on the Chevy HHR LT model for more responsive handling, though it doesn’t make a tremendous difference. All of the non-SS versions have a quite soft, absorbent ride and handling that’s responsive though not sporty.

Packaging is hit-and-miss in the 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The front seats can be a bit cramped, headroom is especially tight, and the second row isn’t tremendously roomy either. But fold down the second row and the HHR hauls an amazing amount of cargo. A flexible cargo management system includes flat-folding rear and front passenger seatbacks, various storage bins, and a height-adjustable cargo panel. Cargo carrying is after all the HHR's forte, and the LT Panel version, intended for use as a nimble cargo delivery vehicle, maximizes that capability.

The HHR had been a little lacking in the safety-features department, but newly standard on all models for 2009 are StabiliTrak stability control, ABS, tire pressure monitoring, roof rail airbags, and OnStar.

Providing hands-free calling and wireless play for audio devices through the radio, a Bluetooth interface for the phone is now standard on the 2009 Chevrolet HHR. A rear backup camera is available as an option. The 2LT comes equipped with new 17-inch ChromeTech wheels.

Other Choices:

If you're interested in the 2009 Chevrolet HHR, also consider:

Reason Why:

Because of its very affordable price, the HHR competes with a wide range of vehicles—including some small cars. But its most direct competitors are tall-roofed utility cars, such as the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Scion xB. The PT Cruiser is also a versatile people/cargo hauler and has more useful passenger space than the HHR, but the Cruiser in any trim can’t match the HHR’s performance with the SS edition. The Jeep Compass, which is heavily based on the Dodge Caliber, is a tall-roof hatchback car—though a little rounder than the HHR. The Compass isn’t nearly as cargo-friendly as the HHR; however, the Compass offers all-wheel drive and the HHR does not. The Scion xB is also a direct rival to the HHR; like the rest of the Scion line, it targets a more youthful, urban buyer. Like the HHR, the XB isn’t as roomy inside for passengers as one might expect. Later this model year, the 2010 Kia Soul will go on sale; with more of an emphasis on fuel economy and maneuverability, the Soul looks poised to compete for city dwellers.

The Bottom Line:

The 2009 Chevrolet HHR is a great urban runabout for small-business owners with frequent cargo hauls.

Gathering across the Web, TheCarConnection.com's editors studied car reviews and have condensed opinions about the 2009 Chevrolet HHR in this comprehensive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com have driven the Chevrolet HHR (including the HHR SS) on several occasions and offer driving impressions and more details, and they've compared the 2009 Chevrolet HHR with other vehicles in its class to give you the best advice—even when other reviews present conflicting opinions. Likes:Spacious interiorUpright seatingStrong performance from new HHR Panel SSDislikes:Small gaugesFour-speed automatic transmissionsLack of headroomPower window switch placementBuying Tips: Don't drive the 2009 Chevrolet HHR SS if you want to keep your budget low. It's significantly faster—and the extra power makes it feel like a better-rounded car—but it’s far more expensive than the base versions. The 2009 Chevrolet HHR (the name stands for "Heritage High Roof") shares its basic architecture with the Chevy Cobalt (available in coupe and sedan body styles). Despite the HHR’s inauspicious foundation, this tall-roofed crossover is a well-orchestrated machine that provides cargo-carrying utility and spirited performance. Standard-duty versions of the 2009 Chevrolet HHR can be powered by one of two four-cylinder engines: a 2.2-liter or 2.4-liter. Both engines power the front wheels via either a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic; a remote start feature is offered with the 2.4-liter. For 2009, variable valve timing has been added to the base 2.2-liter Ecotec engine, which increases horsepower to 155, up from the ‘08's powerplant rating of 149 horses. Since the new engine is more efficient, fuel economy is improved, yielding a driving range of up to 500 miles between petrol pit stops. With either transmission, though, performance is just adequate, and the HHR’s powertrains feel somewhat less refined than that of rival vehicles. High-performance-minded drivers that don’t want to sacrifice excellent fuel economy now have another 2009 Chevrolet HHR SS model to satiate their need for efficient speed: the HHR Panel SS model. Unlike some recent Chevys with "SS" decals but no guts, the HHR SS and Panel SS have big muscles. Driver-selectable performance features including the “no-lift shift” help the SS achieve 0-60 mph performance in 6.3 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds at 98.5 mph. Equipped with the manual transmission, the SS has a top speed of more than 150 mph. Powering the SS models—which are the most desirable of the HHR lineup, in the opinion of TheCarConnection.com—is a turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter Ecotec engine, which enables the HHR SS to achieve EPA-rated highway mileage of 29 mpg with the manual transmission and 28 mpg with the automatic. A sport suspension is included on the Chevy HHR LT model for more responsive handling, though it doesn’t make a tremendous difference. All of the non-SS versions have a quite soft, absorbent ride and handling that’s responsive though not sporty. Packaging is hit-and-miss in the 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The front seats can be a bit cramped, headroom is especially tight, and the second row isn’t tremendously roomy either. But fold down the second row and the HHR hauls an amazing amount of cargo. A flexible cargo management system includes flat-folding rear and front passenger seatbacks, various storage bins, and a height-adjustable cargo panel. Cargo carrying is after all the HHR's forte, and the LT Panel version, intended for use as a nimble cargo delivery vehicle, maximizes that capability. The HHR had been a little lacking in the safety-features department, but newly standard on all models for 2009 are StabiliTrak stability control, ABS, tire pressure monitoring, roof rail airbags, and OnStar. Providing hands-free calling and wireless play for audio devices through the radio, a Bluetooth interface for the phone is now standard on the 2009 Chevrolet HHR. A rear backup camera is available as an option. The 2LT comes equipped with new 17-inch ChromeTech wheels. Other Choices:If you're interested in the 2009 Chevrolet HHR, also consider:Chrysler PT CruiserJeep CompassKia SoulScion xBReason Why:Because of its very affordable price, the HHR competes with a wide range of vehicles—including some small cars. But its most direct competitors are tall-roofed utility cars, such as the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Scion xB. The PT Cruiser is also a versatile people/cargo hauler and has more useful passenger space than the HHR, but the Cruiser in any trim can’t match the HHR’s performance with the SS edition. The Jeep Compass, which is heavily based on the Dodge Caliber, is a tall-roof hatchback car—though a little rounder than the HHR. The Compass isn’t nearly as cargo-friendly as the HHR; however, the Compass offers all-wheel drive and the HHR does not. The Scion xB is also a direct rival to the HHR; like the rest of the Scion line, it targets a more youthful, urban buyer. Like the HHR, the XB isn’t as roomy inside for passengers as one might expect. Later this model year, the 2010 Kia Soul will go on sale; with more of an emphasis on fuel economy and maneuverability, the Soul looks poised to compete for city dwellers. The Bottom Line:The 2009 Chevrolet HHR is a great urban runabout for small-business owners with frequent cargo hauls. Gathering across the Web, TheCarConnection.com's editors studied car reviews and have condensed opinions about the 2009 Chevrolet HHR in this comprehensive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com have driven the Chevrolet HHR (including the HHR SS) on several occasions and offer driving ...

Other Choices:

Because of its very affordable price, the HHR competes with a wide range of vehicles—including some small cars. But its most direct competitors are tall-roofed utility cars, such as the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Scion xB. The PT Cruiser is also a versatile people/cargo hauler and has more useful passenger space than the HHR, but the Cruiser in any trim can’t match the HHR’s performance with the SS edition. The Jeep Compass, which is heavily based on the Dodge Caliber, is a tall-roof hatchback car—though a little rounder than the HHR. The Compass isn’t nearly as cargo-friendly as the HHR; however, the Compass offers all-wheel drive and the HHR does not. The Scion xB is also a direct rival to the HHR; like the rest of the Scion line, it targets a more youthful, urban buyer. Like the HHR, the XB isn’t as roomy inside for passengers as one might expect. Later this model year, the 2010 Kia Soul will go on sale; with more of an emphasis on fuel economy and maneuverability, the Soul looks poised to compete for city dwellers.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Chevrolet HHR from a dealer near you

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for the 2009 Chevrolet HHR

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Chevrolet HHR near you

See the Chevrolet HHR in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Comments (10 total)

  1. By Mike #1, Posted: 1/28/2009

    Klown Racing

    I was looking into getting a 09' HHR Panel for my new company. I test drove an older HHR and just didn't like how it was. It almost seemed like they built it cheaply and reminded me of being in an older caviler. Would anyone recomed that I go test drive the 09' or not?

  2. By John Egan #2, Posted: 7/22/2009

    I have a '07 HHR LT with the 2.2L 5speed. This car is plenty peppy for me and absolutely hugs tight curves with the 55 series tires. I'd love to have the zip of the turbo but alas I drive this car 25,000 miles a year commuting (city and highway) and the 33 mpg is worth the hp trade-off. I can manage 36mpg on the highway if I stay under 60 (state roads). 520 miles per tank routinely. For the mpg and cargo capacity, you can't find anything close in this price range - and Chevy is dealing on everything. Highly recommended for fun commutes.

  3. fb_1072853504 avatar by Donna Marie #3, Posted: 9/11/2009

    I looked at lots of cars before I bought my HHR, including the Dodge caliber, the Jeep patriot, the XB and the Nissan cube. I needed lots of cargo room for my computer shop, I install long range WiFi links to provide broadband Internet for my customers. This requires that I carry a lot of tools, hardware , wifi Radios , hi gain antennas and a heavy Gorilla ladder, this stuff runs about 500 to 600 Lbs. After looking at and driving every thing except the Cube (it was just to small) I found the HHR more pleasing to ride in, more fun to drive and just a down right better car. Of course I did not get to drive the cars with a load of cargo I would have liked to but the only real competitor for the HHR to me and my needs was the Jeep Patriot. I was almost convinced to buy the Jeep the thing that made the difference was that the Dodge/Jeep dealer wanted to play the old let me go talk to my manger bs and would not come clean on a real price, after 4 days of I can not get the file to attach to your email address and lots of other reasons why they could not send me a price I called the Big Lot Chevy dealer in Springfield Mo. I told them the same thing I told the Jeep dealer (Landers in Bentonville) "I have a clunker to trade in and I want to know what you can sell me a Base Line HHR with a manual trans for?" Big Lot called me back with prices for 3 different HHRs in less than a half hour. I think that the way the dealer treats the customer is a factor in how good a car is and the 3 different Chevy Dealers I visited with all had a "better feel" than any of the other dealers. Now as far as how the HHR is doing 2 months down the road, I am averaging 24.8 MPG hauling my tools and stuff on the small country mountain roads of the Ozarks. I have 2300 miles on the HHR now and I still love it, it gets the job done, rides good, has good power (I do wish I had bought the Automatic because GM will not let you tow anything on the HHR manual. I do not know why they have this restrict and so far I am not sure anyone at Chevy other than the engineer who wrote it knows. That brings me to a detractor in contacting "Customer Service" via the web I did not get the answers I was looking for, when they called me to talk about my questions, I did not speak with anyone who spoke English as a first language. Note the dealer got me the answers to my questions right a way but Chevy needs to staff the customer service office with employees who are knowledgeable about life, cars and how Americans use them. Oh yea and why not hire some of the guys who got laid off and staff a "First Class" customer service office. They have a great car in the HHR and the dealer (Big Lot in Springfield Mo.) was professional, no pressure, no "up sell" tricks at the end I felt good about how I was treated. As a 5'11' hillbilly transsexual with a 44c chest, I do not always get treated well. I felt as if I was valued as a customer this means something to me. I can recommend the HHR with no reservations, it is a great car. I plan on driving it for the next 10 years or so.

  4. By ahodie69 #4, Posted: 9/23/2009

    I don't see what's wrong with the placement of the window controls. They're on the driver's side door like 99% of the cars made today. Previous versions had them located at the bottom of the center stack. Did the reviewer actually review the HHR or did they rehash someone elses review? If they'd actually driven a 2009 model, I doubt that "power window switch placement" would have been in the dislike column.

  5. By  HHR Panel #5, Posted: 10/27/2009

    I bought a 2009 hhr in August of 09. Its the end of october and I have put 24,000 kilometers on this already and still love it. I bought it for my business (small parcel delivery) and its the perfect size and gets great mileage. no complaints thus far!

  6. By Jeanne #6, Posted: 11/1/2009

    I bought a HHR in August 09 cash for clunkers ,good deal until dealer called a month later and said clunker did not qualify ,by then I had given my Jimmy to son and was really enjoying my ride have 4500 miles on it ,Hate the name HHR so it is my ride ,I own a resale shop and haul a lot of furniture and goodies from auction ,HHR is not as roomy as my Jimmy ,can not fit a dresser in it ,but smaller furniture and a few chairs fit , I have no use for back seats so I can haul enough stuff ,We have had a lot of rain and I have driven thru some puddles and noticed my floor is wet ,back seat area ,not a good sign ,Today have windows open to dry it out ,I also use the tail gate door all the time and notice it doesn't close well ,the instrument panel keeps telling me gate ajar ,do I have to slam it ,I drive 45 minutes each day on interstate ,get good gas milage ,nice sound system ,no problems for interstate driving ,my big dog rides to store with me I placed a blanket in cargo area so he would not slide all over on plastic,I do have the blind spots but I have never trusted mirrors so no problem looking for traffic,just started looking at peoples reviews since inside got wet ,will keep up with it though

  7. By Jeanne #7, Posted: 11/1/2009

    Found out why my ride was getting wet inside ,the drivers door is not lined up with frame which is gonna mess up the pin stripes when we take it to dealer it is about a quarter inch higher than frame

  8. By john #8, Posted: 11/1/2009

    I bought a '09 in July and got a great deal from Chevy. I use the GM card and had 3400 points to use for the purchase along with the dealer and GM rebate. Great deal.
    I got the 5 speed which is a must with this funky wagon. This car reminds me of my brother's '57 chevy Nomad wagon from many years ago. This is a future classic. I wish a 6 speed was available.
    Its got great power (155 hp) for the base version. Whemn this is off warranty, I will add a chip and some tweaking that will bump this car to 250 hp.

  9. By Joe #9, Posted: 11/3/2009

    I bought an HHR new in August 2006. Now have 120,000 miles on it. Besides regular oil changes I just replaced the radiator (leaking seal)and brakes. Will buy new turn signal bulb tomorrow. Very happy so far.

  10. By Jeanne #10, Posted: 11/18/2009

    my ride is not leaking no more at door ,got the door lined up and dealer put new weather stripping on door since it wasn't lined up ,we can still see it is not quite right they lightly tapped corner down to even it out and replaced pin stripes .
    NOW another small but important thing is wrong ,me and friend were out shopping and her seatbelt worked when we left house and after shopping it did not work ,took it to dealership and they could not loosen it up so a new one has been ordered
    These are small things but with only 5000 miles ,I hope there will be no more problems ,dealership may hide when they see me coming in future

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