DailyTech Reviewer Spends Week With 2010 Toyota...
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2009 Chevrolet HHR Quality Review

February 22, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

The boxy shape makes it roomy inside.
Car and Driver

only the driver gets the more supportive, sport bucket seat
Automobile Magazine

The standard cloth buckets are not as comfortable as we'd like
Edmunds

Passenger comforts—and overall refinement—are a little lacking in the 2009 Chevrolet HHR, but it makes up for this deficit with cargo and storage space that’s leagues ahead of many other vehicles its size.

Reviewers almost unanimously criticize the passenger comfort afforded in the Chevrolet HHR. Edmunds says that Chevrolet HHR "standard cloth buckets are not as comfortable as we'd like, but the optional leather seats are better cushioned and more supportive," while Cars.com's editors "wish [that] the HHR had a telescoping steering column so [one] could pull the wheel closer," adding "backseat comfort is only marginal...bench seat's bottom and backrest cushions are hard and the space is legroom-challenged." Car and Driver, conversely, praises the HHR’s “sofa-like rear seat.” Automobile Magazine gripes that the HHR, obviously on a tight budget, comes with non-matching seats: "only the driver gets the more supportive, sport bucket seat (the non-matching, standard-style passenger seat preserves the fold-flat function)."

Storage and cargo capacity are where the 2009 Chevrolet HHR really shines, though. Edmunds comments that "maximum cargo capacity is among the class leaders at 63 cubic feet," and Cars.com says, "Considering its small exterior size, the HHR SS can swallow quite a bit of cargo." ConsumerGuide reports "versatile storage space," remarking "it's easy to fold the 60/40 split rear seatbacks to create a flat load floor, but front seatbacks must be far forward for headrests to clear”—a packaging blunder that can leave little legroom in front for tall drivers.

The Chevrolet HHR fares better inside than some compact cars but certainly won’t be lauded for its interior quality. "Most surfaces are textured enough to where they don't look especially cheap. SS models have slightly sportier trim that neither enhances nor detracts from the overall ambiance," according to Cars.com. On the other hand, Edmunds notes that "window buttons are awkwardly mounted behind the shifter, and some of the interior plastics are of mediocre quality." Edmunds is the most positive, saying, “Interior quality is among the best we've seen from General Motors, although it remains short of the caliber found in competing import vehicles.”

On-the-road refinement isn’t anything to praise either in the 2009 Chevrolet HHR. According to ConsumerGuide: "wind rush is well controlled, but engine buzz intrudes during acceleration. The turbo 4-cylinder whines, even under light throttle conditions. All [Chevrolet HHR] models suffer from noticeable coarse-surface tire thrum."

Conclusion

Don’t look for luxury here; the HHR lacks refinement and seating is somewhat compromised.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:The boxy shape makes it roomy inside.Car and Driveronly the driver gets the more supportive, sport bucket seatAutomobile MagazineThe standard cloth buckets are not as comfortable as we'd likeEdmunds Passenger comforts—and overall refinement—are a little lacking in the 2009 Chevrolet HHR, but it makes up for this deficit with cargo and storage space that’s leagues ahead of many other vehicles its size. Reviewers almost unanimously criticize the passenger comfort afforded in the Chevrolet HHR. Edmunds says that Chevrolet HHR "standard cloth buckets are not as comfortable as we'd like, but the optional leather seats are better cushioned and more supportive," while Cars.com's editors "wish [that] the HHR had a telescoping steering column so [one] could pull the wheel closer," adding "backseat comfort is only marginal...bench seat's bottom and backrest cushions are hard and the space is legroom-challenged." Car and Driver, conversely, praises the HHR’s “sofa-like rear seat.” Automobile Magazine gripes that the HHR, obviously on a tight budget, comes with non-matching seats: "only the driver gets the more supportive, sport bucket seat (the non-matching, standard-style passenger seat preserves the fold-flat function)." Storage and cargo capacity are where the 2009 Chevrolet HHR really shines, though. Edmunds comments that "maximum cargo capacity is among the class leaders at 63 cubic feet," and Cars.com says, "Considering its small exterior size, the HHR SS can swallow quite a bit of cargo." ConsumerGuide reports "versatile storage space," remarking "it's easy to fold the 60/40 split rear seatbacks to create a flat load floor, but front seatbacks must be far forward for headrests to clear”—a packaging blunder that can leave little legroom in front for tall drivers. The Chevrolet HHR fares better inside than some compact cars but certainly won’t be lauded for its interior quality. "Most surfaces are textured enough to where they don't look especially cheap. SS models have slightly sportier trim that neither enhances nor detracts from the overall ambiance," according to Cars.com. On the other hand, Edmunds notes that "window buttons are awkwardly mounted behind the shifter, and some of the interior plastics are of mediocre quality." Edmunds is the most positive, saying, “Interior quality is among the best we've seen from General Motors, although it remains short of the caliber found in competing import vehicles.” On-the-road refinement isn’t anything to praise either in the 2009 Chevrolet HHR. According to ConsumerGuide: "wind rush is well controlled, but engine buzz intrudes during acceleration. The turbo 4-cylinder whines, even under light throttle conditions. All [Chevrolet HHR] models suffer from noticeable coarse-surface tire thrum." ConclusionDon’t look for luxury here; the HHR lacks refinement and seating is somewhat compromised.  2009 CHEVROLET HHR STYLING | [8 out of 10] Autoblog: “instantly recognizable” Edmunds: "Attractive and functional... handsome bright-ringed gauges" Kelley Blue Book: "retro style backed with substance" The 2009 Chevrolet HHR pairs fashionably retro styling with a shape that helps ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Chevrolet HHR

Check Financing Rates

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 (9 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.

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy