2006 CHEVROLET HHR NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2006 Chevrolet HHR?
The 2006 Chevrolet HHR is an all-new wagon from Chevrolet, meant to appeal to those consumers interested in a distinctive small car that can haul above-average amounts of cargo. Much of the "distinctive" description is due to the HHR's exterior styling. Its retro-themed fenders and prominent hood hark back to vehicles of post-WWII; Chevy is keen on noting that the HHR's styling was inspired by the 1949 Suburban. The HHR's upright stance provides plenty of headroom and cargo room. It's actually shorter in length than a Chevy Cobalt sedan – a vehicle with which the HHR shares many mechanical parts – but stands about seven inches taller. The HHR's interior, which seats five, can be accessed via four doors and a rear lift-up hatch. The 60/40-split rear seat folds completely flat, as does the front passenger seat, and there are numerous small storage areas. Chevy offers the HHR in three trim levels: LS, 1LT and 2LT. The LS's significant equipment includes air conditioning, remote keyless entry, CD audio and power windows and mirrors. The 1LT adds a power driver's seat and increased access to optional equipment. The 2LT comes standard with flashier interior and exterior trim highlights, bigger wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, antilock brakes, and a Pioneer premium audio system. Major HHR options include head-protecting side-curtain airbags, OnStar telematic, leather seating with heated front seats, a sunroof, satellite radio, and a six-disc in-dash CD changer. For motivation, the HHR LS and 1LT rely on a 2.2-liter, 143-horsepower engine; a high-output 2.4-liter, 172-hp version is standard on the 2LT and optional on the 1LT. For both engines, a five-speed manual is standard equipment and drives the front wheels. A four-speed automatic is optional. With much of the HHR's popular equipment being optional, it will be pretty easy to pick up for a low price; even the top-line 2LT is priced well under $20,000. Just be aware that tacking on lots of options will boost the sticker.

Advantages of the 2006 Chevrolet HHR:

• Interior can be configured to hold plenty of cargo
• Distinctive styling
• Affordable base price
• Plenty of optional equipment available

Objections to the 2006 Chevrolet HHR:

• Some low-quality interior trim

Editor's Advice:
How many Americans know what a 1949 Suburban looks like? Probably not too many. Probably doesn't matter too much, either. The HHR's exterior styling, regardless of what influences it had, is more important than usual as it's mainly what separates the HHR from its obvious nemesis, the Chrysler PT Cruiser. It's a bit of a surprise that, having six years to study the PT, Chevrolet didn't come up with something a bit more innovative. As it is, the HHR mimics the PT in just about every fashion. While the HHR certainly merits consideration, its freshness isn't enough of a reason to completely dismiss the PT. Drive both and see what you prefer. Or, better yet, expand your search to include some other small wagons, such as the Scion xB.