- hatchback 130,312
- 1,781 below average
- 3,995 great
- Chicago, IL
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- autoshopper.com
- 1,781 below average hatchback 130,312 black manual
2008 chevrolet hhr review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Retrowagen gets more performance. introductionthe chevrolet hhr is a car-based retro-wagon that celebrates its chevy heritage with styling inspired by the iconic 1949 suburban. Hhr stands for heritage high roof, a reference to the early high-roofed suburbans and panel trucks that inspired the design of the hhr. based on the same platform as the chevrolet cobalt, the hhr was first launched as a 2006 model. The hhr competes most closely with the chrysler pt cruiser, but also with honda element, ford escape, and jeep liberty. for 2008, the hhr lineup gets a new high-performance ss model. we found the chevy hhr fun to drive. It isn't a sports car, but it's nimble and we were pleased with its acceleration. The hhr feels more responsive than its horsepower, torque, and transmission ratio numbers suggest. Plus, it gets decent fuel economy. the hhr panel van features smooth, windowless side panels and rear cargo doors with no handles. The rear cargo doors open via an instrument panel button. While it’s more spartan inside and provides seating for only two, the panel best exemplifies the early suburban heritage. the hhr ss is the most fun to drive, launching quickly off the line and offering sharp handling. On an autocross circuit, we found it handled like a sports car. the hhr interior isn't as functional as we'd like, however. And the base cloth fabric left us wishing we'd ordered the optional leather. the chevrolet hhr remains relatively unchanged for 2007 with the exception of slightly more powerful engines and a few additional new color choices. New exterior color options for 2007 include imperial blue metallic and golden teal metallic; a new interior color option is ebony. lineupthe 2008 chevy hhr comes in three distinctively different configurations: hhr, hhr panel, and the new hhr ss. It comes in several trim levels, including the base ls and two lt grades. The ss comes with a high-performance 2. 0-liter turbocharged engine. the ls 16,515) comes with cloth upholstery, air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a substantial level of standard features and equipment. The lt 17,175) adds an mp3 player with a jack for an ipod, eight ways to adjust the driver's seat, and satin chrome trim. the 2lt package 2,395) adds the 2. 4-liter ecotec engine, anti-lock brakes, traction control, fog lights, a 260-watt pioneer sound system with seven speakers, 17-inch aluminum wheels, sport-tuned suspension and bright chrome trim. the hhr panel 2lt 20,850) comes with the satin chrome exterior package, sports suspension, 17-inch painted aluminum wheels. The pioneer sound system is optional. The base hhr panel ls 16,820) is equipped similarly to the five-passenger ls. safety features include optional front and rear side-curtain airbags 395). Abs comes standard on the 2lt, and is optional for the ls and 1lt 400). Stabilitrak electronic stability control is now standard across the entire hhr model range. walkaroundwe like the retrospective styling treatment served up by the hhr across the model range. The closest comparison to the chevy hhr is the chrysler pt cruiser. Both fill a respective need in their individual camps. the rounded nose of the hhr is not unlike chevy's ssr, which also reflects the brand's truck heritage. The hhr's fenders are well defined with flat side wheel well openings contrasting favorably with the vehicle's many curved, contemporary sculpted surfaces. Front and rear bumpers and fog lamps are integrated into seamless fascia, with integrated running boards offering another nostalgic touch. The flush glass all around, including the windshield is a nice touch, as are the headlights surrounded by body panels in old school fashion. The tail light treatment consists of two round vertically stacked lenses on each side. The large, prominent grille is chrome, (except on the ss model), and appears much like that of the 1949 suburban. front and rear bumpers are molded from composite material, integrated as part of their respective fascia. It provides lots of room and functionality without being boxy. When viewed from a distance, the hhr looks larger than it really is. Examined closely, it's compact. The cargo doors open wide enabling cargo access from both sides of the vehicle, as well as from the rear lift gate. The cargo doors are smooth and don’t have external handles; they are opened via a dashboard release button or the remote keyless entry fob. The large, continuous area created by the windowless cargo doors and rear panels is ideal for business logos, advertising or personalization. Side visibility is obviously limited due to the solid sides without windows; one must rely primarily on mirrors for backing maneuvers. The smooth, windowless sides on the panel give it a cleaner, retro, more hot rod look than the standard models. The lack of windows adds security for contents inside. the hhr ss sits 6 mm lower than it stable mates, but sports extended front and rear fascias that give it the appearance of riding much lower. The new front fascia features an air-dam design with integrated fog lights, and the chrome surround grille comes with mesh-style upper and lower grille inserts. The new rear fascia provides a cutout for single bright exhaust tip. New rocker moldings resemble accentuated running boards. Out back, a rear spoiler is mounted above rear glass. Body-color door handles, mirror caps and rear license plate surround, along with ss badging on the front doors and rear lift gate further differentiate the ss from its stable mates. interiorinside, the chevy hhr provides for the most part, comfortable and functional surroundings. Speaking of headroom, there isn't a lot of it, in spite of the high roof. Also, the door lock button is positioned so that it interferes in driving and resting one's left arm on the window sill, a traditional and nostalgic pose. cubby storage is limited. There's a handy flip-up compartment on top of the dash and a small glovebox. The rear provides one cupholder and small door pockets. The rear cargo floor flips up to reveal a five-inch-deep tray useful for storage. The rear lift gate is one piece, and raises easily. solid rear quarter panels are available in place of the windows on all five-passenger models (via a window delete option). the hhr panel provides seating for two and a large, flat cargo floor, with tie-down points located strategically on the floor with available, floor mats that allow for easier movement of cargo. The hhr panel features a flat load floor featuring a rubberized floor that provides utility and functionality for commercial or lifestyle activities. the hhr panel cargo area features a standard auxiliary power outlet, as well as a 40-amp auxiliary power connector to provide service for a variety of specialty equipment needs. Two large, storage compartments, with a lockable option, are located forward under the cargo floor (in place of the rear seats in the passenger models). The compartments offer security for things such as computer equipment, flashlights, service manuals and other valuables. the hhr ss features a special interior with ss-embroidered sport seats with inserts, a specific gauge cluster, an a-pillar-mounted turbo boost gauge and a new shifter arrangement. Three interior color combinations are available: ebony, light gray and victory red. A special gm performance driver’s seat, providing added lateral support and spirited driving comfort is optional and we think it's a must. driving impressionthe 2. 4-liter ecotec (an upgrade that comes as part of the 2lt package) is an impressive and versatile engine. The torque peak figure at such high rpm suggests that the low-rpm pulling power might be weak, but quite to the contrary, it's not. We drive up a steep, slow hill every day, and the hhr plugged up the hill like a tractor, with no shifting-down or searching by the automatic transmission. This high-load, low-rpm driving is what many drivers demand. transmission ratios have a lot to do with the efficient del. Anti-lock Brakes✔ Power Windows✔ MP3 Player✔ Air Conditioning✔ Aluminum Wheels
3,995 Chicago, ILChicago, IL at autoshopper.com