Chevrolet insists that the new HHR (Heritage High Roof) is not a PT Cruiser clone, despite its pontoon fenders, rounded 1940s-style hood, four-cylinder engines, nearly identical seat design, and retro-wagon body shell. Yes, obviously, the 2006 Chevrolet HHR is a new kind of car. But I’d still rather own a Chrysler PT Cruiser.

I drove an HHR in LT1 trim with a 2.4-cylinder engine matched with an automatic transmission – basically, the car that most people will buy. My route was mountainous, all two-lane roads – not the HHR’s natural habitat. So my comments must be taken in context. Note that my HHR averaged 23.1 mpg in this environment.

The HHR’s most powerful engine choice is adequate at best, no match for the PT Cruiser’s optional turbo motor. Riding on all-season, P215/55R16 Firestone Affinity tires, my HHR was not set up for handling. The body rolled significantly in turns, and the HHR’s propensity for understeer is immediately apparent if you attempt to have any kind of fun behind the wheel. The electric steering is set up for low efforts and is easy to twirl for parking, but on sweeping curves you’ve gotta dial in lots of correction because there’s virtually no road feel. The best thing about driving the HHR is the way the brake pedal works, but on my test vehicle the front rotors caused a slight pulsation through the pedal. It’s not like a PT Cruiser is much better at gripping the road, but at least the two turbocharged engines provide a rush of acceleration and the GT model is tuned for rather impressive handling and grip.

Behind the HHR’s steering wheel, the feel is exactly like a PT Cruiser, except the Chrysler provides a decidedly retro interior theme with body-color dash inserts, a trio of white-faced gauges, and a four-spoke steering wheel with a small center airbag cover. In the HHR, there’s lots of gray, a corporate three-spoke steering wheel, and conventional controls. But like the PT, the HHR’s driver’s seat is tall and firm, a little short on thigh support and includes an inboard armrest that sits too low to be of much use. There’s also a hard, deeply-grained plastic door panel devoid of power window switches. Those are placed in the middle of the car near the floor, opposite of where they’re located at the top of the center stack in the PT Cruiser. See, the Chevy is different!

In back, the HHR’s seat cushion is firm and sits high off the floor, and there’s lots of foot space under the front seats. Leg room is snug, but not uncomfortable. You can fit four large adults in this car. Just be careful getting in and out, because the decorative running boards could easily soil your clothes if they’re dirty. Built for utility, the HHR features a useful cargo hold. Fold the rear seats down to expand cargo space, but remember that the headrest must be removed first. And if you’re six-feet-tall, watch your head on the raised tailgate in the back.

Styling is always a subjective matter, but I think the PT Cruiser is better balanced. The HHR has a big snout with lots of front overhang, and it’s more squared off in the rear. By comparison, the PT Cruiser is rakish, almost wedge-shaped front to rear, with better blended fender flares and an angled rear end. But the HHR’s faired-in taillights are a nice touch.

After an hour behind the HHR’s wheel, I was ready to turn in the keys. That’s not my usual response to a Chrysler PT Cruiser – especially the speedy GT model. – Christian J. Wardlaw

Photos by Ron Perry