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2008 Chevrolet HHR

*Est. $16,175 to $17,475
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Pros
  • Throwback, heritage styling
  • Big, versatile cargo space
  • Low price
Cons
  • Back seat cramped for adults
  • Poor rear visibility
  • Sloppy handling
  • Labored acceleration, passing with base engine

In reviews, the 2008 Chevrolet HHR wagon trails the Scion xB (*est. $15,650 to $16,600), the critics' favorite of the boxy wagons. The Chevrolet HHR loses points for sloppy handling, a backseat that's too cramped for three adults, and windowless rear side panels that reviewers say make it difficult to back out of a parking space. Experts have criticized the Chevy HHR's lack of acceleration, which can feel labored on hills or while passing. Chevrolet responded to these criticisms with a turbocharged SS version, which reviews say is an improvement. Although the HHR's cargo bay is not quite as huge as that the Scion xB, it wins praise for being both vast; at more than 63 cubic feet with the seats down, it's comparable to the Chrysler PT Cruiser and a match for most full-size traditional wagons. The Chevrolet HRR is also said to be versatile, with a cargo cover that turns into a shelf and shallow under-floor storage bins. The Chevrolet HHR wagon does beat the Scion xB and PT Cruiser in cost-of-ownership; it's one of the cheapest wagons you can own, experts say. As for the HRR's retro styling, reviewers fall into two camps: Those who think it's cool, and those who think it's cartoonish.

Reviews most often group the retro-styled 2008 Chevrolet HHR station wagon with its similarly boxy competitors, the Chrysler PT Cruiser (*est. $15,015 to $22,660) and Scion xB (*est. $15,650 to $16,600). Business Week evaluates the trio to find out which costs the least to own. ConsumerGuide.com and Consumer Reports base their picks among the three on thorough road-testing. Car and Driver compares the Chevrolet HHR with the Chrysler PT Cruiser in its review, and Automobile Magazine tests the HHR's new turbocharged SS version.

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Our Sources

1. Business Week

BusinessWeek picks one top wagon for each of ten categories. The Chevrolet HHR wagon wins for Lowest Total Cost of Ownership. The brief description includes price and fuel economy data, as well as an explanation of why the Chevrolet HHR is so cheap to own when compared with competitors including the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Scion xB.

Review: Best Wagons, Editors of BusinessWeek, Jun-07

2. ConsumerGuide.com

Testers at ConsumerGuide.com don't like the Chevrolet HHR wagon as well as they like its competitor, the Scion xB. This review critiques the HHR's backseat room, rear visibility and acceleration, and it explains the Chevrolet HHR wagon's versatile cargo-space features.

Review: 2008 Chevrolet HHR Full Review, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Dec. 13, 2007

3. Car and Driver

Car and Driver compares the Chevrolet HHR wagon with the Chrysler PT Cruiser – and the PT Cruiser wins. Car and Driver's main problem with the Chevrolet HHR wagon is its sloppy handling. Reviewers here like the Chevrolet HHR's smooth ride, spacious, "sofa-like" rear seat and retro styling.

Review: 2008 Chevrolet HHR, Editors of Car and Driver

4. ConsumerReports.org

Although Consumer Reports' road test of the Chevrolet HHR wagon is based on the 2006 model, it has updated its review to reflect changes for the 2008 model. Consumer Reports also provides detailed specifications and measurements for the Chevrolet HHR. This review includes a predicted reliability score for the Chevrolet HHR, but you must be a subscriber to read the report.

Review: 2008 Chevrolet HHR Overview, Editors of Consumer Reports

5. Automobile Magazine

Automobile Magazine tests the turbocharged SS version of the Chevrolet HHR wagon. The review concentrates on driving-enthusiast details such as engine size and shifting feel, rather than practical wagon matters such as cargo space and rear-seat room.

Review: 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS Review, Joe Lorio

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