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2006 Chevrolet HHR First Drive

Specifications


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TO THE POINT Selling Points: Fun to drive, decent value, optional side-curtain airbags
Deal Breakers: Less power, less space, less quality than Chrysler PT Cruiser; been-there-done-that styling; no AWD or stability control
Our Advice: This clone of the Chrysler PT Cruiser comes about five years too late, but as a fun and funky small wagon, the HHR works.

MEET THE COMPETITION Chrysler PT Cruiser
Toyota Matrix
HHR vs. PT Cruiser

Specifications The 2006 Chevrolet HHR’s competitors include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford Focus ZX5, Honda Element, Hyundai Elantra GT, Kia Spectra 5, Mazda 3s 5-door, Pontiac Vibe, Scion xB, Subaru Outback Sport, Suzuki Reno, and Toyota Matrix.

Test Vehicle: 2006 Chevrolet HHR
Base Price: $15,990 (LS); $16,990 (1LT); $18,790 (2LT) (includes destination charge of $565)
Engine Size and Type: 2.2-liter inline-four (LS, 1LT); 2.4-liter inline-four (optional 1LT, standard 2LT)
Engine Horsepower: 143 at 6,000 rpm (2.2-liter); 172 at 6,200 rpm (2.4-liter)
Engine Torque: 150 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm (2.2-liter); 162 lb.-ft. at 5,000 rpm (2.4-liter)
Transmission: five-speed manual (standard); four-speed automatic (optional)
Curb weight, lbs.: 3,155 (2.2-liter); 3,208 (2.4-liter)
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 22/27 mpg (2.2-liter manual); 22/26 mpg (2.2-liter automatic); 22/26 mpg (2.4-liter manual); 20/25 mpg (2.4-liter automatic)
Length: 176.2 inches
Width: 69.1 inches
Wheelbase: 103.5 inches
Height: 63.1 inches
Head room (front/rear): 39.6/39 inches
Leg room (front/rear): 40.6/39.5 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: Five
Max. Cargo Volume: 23.8 cubic feet (rear seat up); 63.1 cubic feet (rear seat down)
Max. Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs.
Competitors: Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford Focus ZX5, Honda Element, Hyundai Elantra GT, Kia Spectra 5, Mazda 3s 5-door, Pontiac Vibe, Scion xB, Subaru Outback Sport, Suzuki Reno, and Toyota Matrix.

Photos courtesy of General Motors

About Sue Mead
Sue Mead works as a photojournalist and features writer for more than two dozen publications. She has written for Parade, Popular Science, Open Road, the Road & Track Buyers Guide, Men's Journal, Popular Mechanics and Diversion and she has worked as an auto editor for CNN/fn. Sue has co-driven in two of the world's toughest off-road races, the Baja 1000 and the Paris-Dakar Raid. She attended four Camel Trophy adventures for Land Rover North America and has participated in several long-distance adventure drives. She recently completed her first book, "Monster Trucks and Tractors" published by Chelsea House. Sue lives in New England.