2009 Chevrolet HHR Vehicle
Chevrolet introduced the HHR three model years ago in what was a fairly obvious attempt at competing with Chrysler’s successful PT Cruiser. Even though both were small, retro-styled wagons, we felt the HHR had little to offer, as the PT had the upper hand when it came to both engine choice and features. Early HHRs were also hindered by a lack of standard safety features — omissions included side curtain airbags, antilock brakes and stability control. But improvements over previous model years have made the 2009 Chevy HHR a much more competitive and desirable small wagon. The aforementioned safety features now come standard (although the HHR still lacks rear disc brakes on all models except the SS), and this sharp-looking little wagon can haul up to 63 cubic feet of cargo and achieve 30 mpg on the highway.
We like that Chevy offers the HHR in three distinct flavors. The volume leader is the regular four-door wagon, but business owners (or consumers with a sense of humor) will be intrigued by the Panel version, which has windowless rear cargo doors and side panels, along with useful convenience features like a rear 40-amp power point and storage compartments in the loading floor. If you prefer peppy performance to penuriousness at the pump, there’s always the SS version, with its 260-horsepower turbocharged motor and sport-tuned chassis.
Of course, the HHR is far from the only practical small wagon on the market today. In fact, the competition is pretty stiff. The Scion xB offers its own unique appeal, along with nearly 7 extra cubic feet of cargo space and comparable fuel efficiency. The Mazda 3 can’t carry as much stuff, but it offers contemporary styling and superior handling, and the Mazdaspeed 3 version is more than a match performance-wise for the HHR SS. There are also the redesigned Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe twins. But if you like the look of the 2009 Chevrolet HHR, we’d say it’s definitely worth a test drive.
See more detail photos: 2009 Chevrolet HHR Vehicle
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options: The front-wheel-drive 2009 Chevrolet HHR is available as a regular four-door wagon or a two-seat Panel variant with windowless rear doors and side panels. Both the regular wagon and the Panel model come in three trim levels: LS, LT and SS. The LS includes 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning with cabin filtration, cruise control, keyless entry, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, full power accessories and a six-speaker CD stereo with MP3 playback and an auxiliary audio jack. The uplevel LT trim is subdivided into two packages — standard 1LT and upgraded 2LT. The 1LT includes upgraded 16-inch wheels and an eight-way power driver seat. The 2LT adds a firmer suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, exterior chrome accents, color-keyed running boards, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity and a premium audio system with a subwoofer. The high-performance SS variant loses the 2LT’s standard premium stereo but gains a powerful turbocharged engine, unique exterior styling cues, 18-inch alloy wheels, an exclusive sport-tuned suspension, a boost gauge and two-tone sport seats and interior trim.
Options on the base LS are limited to minor enhancements such as running boards. Major options for the LT include remote vehicle starting (included with the automatic transmission), leather seating with heated front seats, Bluetooth connectivity and a sunroof. The SS can be outfitted with the optional Performance Package, which adds a limited-slip front differential and Brembo front brakes, and the 2LT’s premium audio system can also be added. The HHR Panel van comes similarly equipped in the same trim levels but has windowless rear cargo panel doors (they open via remote release), windowless rear quarter panels, cargo floor storage compartments and a rear 40-amp power point for electronic equipment.