2008 Chevrolet HHR consumer reviews

You either really like the look of the HHR or you really don't. It's kinda that simple. It's not a clone mobile; so if you don't like throwback look for something else. If you do like it and are looking for a comfortable, flexible small wagon with space the HHR is a good car. I'm tall (6'2'') and pretty big and have plenty of leg and head room for a small car; it's 3 or 4 inches higher than most. The front seats are big for a small car and the back seats are OK. The back seats fold down for a huge space for a little car. Performance and handling are just OK. If you're really a driver, you'll probably want to look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a reliable versastile HHR is not a little performer like say a Jetta, but if you're looking for a reliable, economical wagon its a good choice. I get an honest 31 mpg on the open road. I also recommend the LS package with the power driver's seat. The adjustments are much better. there are a couple different LS packages with slightly different features. I've owned two, and liked the look of the one with runnng boards much more.

The car has been a mixed bag. On the one hand I like the retro, late 40's inspired styling, the decent fuel economy (low 30's on the open road), good rear storage area and good pickup. On the other hand it's as though GM doesn't want smaller hatchbacks and wagons to compete with SUV sales because they won't engineer enough conveniences into these types of cars. E.g. the door pockets are too shallow and are half-moon shape, permitting only a small amount of stuff to be stored; the cup holders are also too shallow to safely hold beverages, and there is no center console (which there was in the Vibe, my previous car) though there is plenty of space for one. The glove compartment is too small as is the dashboard storage compartment, even though I'm sure there is enough space to make these larger. The interior lighting is poor, the single dome ceiling light was placed in the rear of the cabin, beyond reach of driver leaving only map lights for front cabin illumination. The windows are far too small and resulting visibility is awful. I'm a 6'1" male and I have to crane my neck to see out. Overall, the car has been a disappointment and I would not buy another. I have been trying to find another used Vibe/Matrix, but because GM made so few of them, they are hard to find.

I have brought many cars in the past but this is by far the best money I ever spent on a pre-owned car!!

I bought this car in December .I have enjoyed it since day one. The car is fun to drive (manual transmission),the car styling is different from anything else in the road and the performance is great. You won't find a car with this kind of power that is so good on gas.It is a great car and fuel economy is amazing for the size and the power. Very comfortable interior, beautiful upholstery (I have the SS model)

Front end is just a poor design. New Rotors and brakes (I recommend aftermarket and don't go cheap) Both right and left suspension rods failed and were replaced. Right front wheel bearing failed. All this before 72K miles. Now have 113K miles on it. Hoping to ditch it in the next 18 months or 200K miles. Fuel mileage highway driving 95 percent of the time at 60-75mph and all I get out of it now is about 21-22 mpg. My GMC Denali XL gets 18 on the highway!!!! I have used three sets of tires so far. Point being the tires on the car are expensive low mileage tires. This makes for an expensive work/road vehicle. SNOW!!! this HHR gets stuck looking at snow!!! Overall a poor vehicle for road travel and too work out of. Do not put your sun visor down or you will be blind!!! I use a piece or card board and a paper clips. The window is too small for good visibility in the city. Just stop at a traffic light and you will learn why.

I just purchased an HHR and have fallen in love with it. When I began looking for a new vehicle, I noticed that it seems as though every car out there looks exactly the same. The HHR has a retro style that I like (I think you either love the style of the car, or hate it. There is no in between). The engine isn't the type to set you back in your seat, but that has never been big on my list. I'm also not a big fan of all the plastic in the interior (A rug in the trunk would be a big improvement) I have a 66 mile round trip commute, so I'm digging the 30 miles to the gallon this vehicle gives me. I also have a large family, and this car allows me the opportunity to pick up my kids and still pick up groceries on the way home with no problem. I've also been enjoying the XM radio. I think this is going to have to be added permanently. All in all, I've throgoughly enjoyed this car and I really don't mind the daily commute, which hasn't always been the case. Definitely a thumbs up.

We needed a car small enough to fit in our enclosed garage. (We had a full size pickup that we had to bend the mirrors to get it in and out.) We also wanted a car with some zip and manuverability. We wanted space to fit things when we go shopping and we wanted a vehicle that was good on gas. After all the candidates we found the SS HHR. A 4 cylinder with turbo and a prety good suspension makes it handle well. Although this car does not ride like a Cadillac, it is fun and easy to drive. It is perfect for what we needed and the price was within our budget.

Mechanically, the car is excellent. Highway gas milage is as advertised. On two major trips to DC (4000 miles) and Las Vegas (1800 miles) averaged 33+MPG. Body and interior are lacking. Components seem cheap. Cruise control is a pain to re-engage (take multiple pushes on the button to re-engage). Rubber around driver side door is already cracking (vehicle has less than 20,000 miles and was bought new less than 2 year ago.

comfortable, economical, roomy, good sound system, a pleasure to drive. good exterior fit and finish, supple leather seats, comprehensive trip computer, even shows individual tire pressure, so no guessing when TPMS light might come on.

I purchased the 2008 HHR in Sept 2008 new. I now have 62,000 miles on it. I have had to replace the front brakes and rotors due to warped rotors (very common problem with HHR's) Mileage has been about 23-27 mpg and I drive mostly highway. It is the 2.4l LT loaded with equipment. For a car this size I would expect better mileage per gallon. The window controls are the worst idea in placement. I do get about 12K from each oil change. I just have not found much information about the service times for the transmission fluid. I am told it is lifetime but if you drive the miles like I do who's life are we talking about? This vehicle is horrible in the snow. Worst I have ever driven. Without traction control it is no better. Traction control actually helps except on steep hills at a standing start then for get it. Visibility is terrible in town due to low windshield. Forget about even using the visor in the sun you can not even see the road as it block the whole field of vision. They should have made it a sliding visor that you could slide down just a little bit to block the sun rather than a flip visor. If you are in a hurry in the morning and it is winter time, test your brakes as it takes them a bit to actually start to work. Found out going down hill in a hurry and almost did not make the turn. They need warm up time. I will not be purchasing another HHR, but will drive it until I have 200k or the maintenance gets to expensive.