Design Once inside, the HHR again falters when compared with the PT Cruiser. Despite a 7.4-inch advantage in overall length and a 2-inch edge in width, the HHR offers less rear head and legroom than the Chrysler.

GM designers say the 2006 Chevrolet HHR was penned to resemble a 1949 Suburban, but the resemblance to Chrysler’s PT Cruiser is unmistakable, especially from the front end. Bryan Nesbitt made design decisions for the HHR, the same person who, while working at Chrysler, styled the PT Cruiser.

Like those of the Chrysler, the HHR’s wheelwells flare substantially into the front and rear doors. Both feature headlights set into the front fenders, although the HHR’s illuminators rest a bit lower. A bulging hood acts as a kind of snout, expanding as it progresses rearward like a post-WWII model. Around back, the HHR’s taillights reside in the body, while Chrysler places them in the back of the fenders. The PT Cruiser also has a much more noticeable wedge shape, whereas the HHR appears level, upright and planted.

Once inside, the HHR again falters when compared with the PT Cruiser. Despite a 7.4-inch advantage in overall length and a 2-inch edge in width, the HHR offers less rear head and legroom than the Chrysler. With 40.9 inches of rear legroom the PT outguns the HHR by 1.4 inches, and the 39.5 inches of rear headroom in the Chrysler bests the Chevy by 0.5 inches. Front headroom in the Chevy is slightly better – 39.6 compared to 39.2 inches – and front legroom is even at 40.6 inches. Chrysler also trumps Chevy in terms of cargo capacity, as the PT offers 64.2 cubic feet to the HHR’s 63.1, with the front passenger chair and rear seats folded flat.

Comparatively, a Scion xB offers more front headroom, rear headroom, and front seat legroom than the HHR and PT Cruiser, in a much smaller package at 155.3 inches in length. At 169.3 inches long, Honda’s Element provides more front headroom and legroom, but less space in the back seats. Cargo volume in the Element beats both domestic retro-wagons at 74.6 cubic feet.