If the 2006 Chevrolet HHR is any indication, General Motors is making good on its promise of improved build quality, albeit with baby steps. Visible inside are fairly large gaps around the dash and door panels, though they’re consistently wide if that’s any consolation. The generous swaths of plastic are quite flexible, but everything felt bolted down and secure.

Observed on the exterior were slight misalignments along the edges of the hood and tailgate, while the left and right fenders exhibited varying gaps. Also, the optional running boards on our test car failed to sit flush with the body. As a whole, the HHR looks to be pretty well built, though there’s room for improvement.