The
2007 Chevy HHR is a wagon whose heritage dates to the 1949 GMC Suburban panel
delivery truck. HHR stands for Heritage High Roof, and the roof of the HHR is
truly high. The HHR is fun to drive, but a far cry from a sports car; it
also gets good fuel economy. The HHR is meant to compete against the
Chrysler PT Cruiser, as well as the Honda Element. It also serves as an
alternative to a Jeep Liberty or Ford Escape. The Chevrolet HHR was launched as
a new model in 2006, and it remains relatively unchanged for 2007 with the
exception of slightly more powerful engines and a few additional new color
choices. New exterior color options for 2007 include Imperial Blue Metallic and
Golden Teal Metallic; a new interior color option is Ebony. The HHR
is built on the platform of the Chevy Cobalt compact and incorporates its best
features: engine, transmission and suspension. The Panel Van LT features
smooth, windowless side panels and rear cargo doors with no handles. The rear
cargo doors open via an instrument panel button. Trim levels include the base
LS, midlevel 1LT and top-of-the-line 2LT.
Trims for 2007
The 2007 Chevrolet HHR LS includes cloth upholstery, air conditioning, power
windows and locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, front intermittent
wipers, rear-window wiper, power driver's seat with lumbar support, and 16-inch
aluminum wheels.
The 1LT adds an MP3 player with a jack for an iPod, eight ways to adjust the
driver's seat, and satin chrome trim. The 2LT adds the 2.4-liter Ecotec
engine, anti-lock brakes, traction control, fog lamps, a 260-watt Pioneer sound
system with seven speakers, 17-inch aluminum wheels, sport-tuned suspension and
bright chrome trim.
Powertrain
LS comes standard with GM's 2.2-liter, double-overhead-cam four-cylinder
Ecotec engine, making 149 horsepower; the 1LT offers an optional 2.4-liter
version of that same engine rated at 175 horsepower; and the 2LT makes that
powerplant standard. All three models come standard with a five-speed manual
transmission; a four-speed automatic is optional and comes packaged with remote
starting. The Chevy HHR's 2.4-liter Ecotec is a great engine, and it has a
slight boost in horsepower and torque numbers for 2007. It's an aluminum
four-cylinder, with 16 valves, electronic fuel injection and variable valve
timing. The pulling power of the HHR 2LT is excellent.
Driving the 2007 HHR
The HHR is a unique vehicle with commanding looks. Furthermore,
performance, comfort, and a solid build make this an appealing vehicle.
The 2LT has a sport-tuned suspension with 17-inch aluminum wheels, as well as
anti-lock brakes. The ride around town or over freeway bumps is always smooth.
Acceleration is also impressive. The 2.4-liter engine is quiet, thanks partly to
special laminated steel in the firewall. The HHR handles easily, maneuvers
crisply and steers with a light touch. Body lean through curves isn't bad.
Chevrolet's automatic transmission operates gently, and except for a whirring
sound while accelerating, the HHR is impressively quiet.
HHR Interior
The 2007 HHR can hold five occupants; has a high roof that promises
appealing headroom and a spacious environment. The instrument cluster is retro
and interior color combinations feature darker colors on upper trim sections.
The rearview mirror does block a significant chunk of forward visibility out the
smallish windshield. Also, the 'chopped' windshield limits the driver's view of
tall objects, such as overhead traffic signals. Rear visibility also could be
better. Chair-style seats are reasonably comfortable, with moderate back support
and adequate thigh support. In the rear, there's one
cupholder and small door pockets. The gauges and controls are standard
GM issue. There are superfluous chrome rings and trim, and instruments designed to look
cool, rather than to be easily readable. Maximum cargo volume is 63.1 cubic
feet. The rear split 60/40 seat folds flat very easily, as does the front
passenger seat. The rear cargo floor flips up to reveal a five-inch-deep
tray useful for storage. When raised, the primary load floor can act as a shelf.
The rear liftgate is one piece and raises easily. Options include a power
sunroof, GM's OnStar communication system, XM Satellite Radio and a Pioneer
audio system with a subwoofer. Remote starting is installed on models equipped
with the automatic transmission.
Design for the Chevy HHR
The Chevy HHR's front grille features a prominent Chevrolet bow tie logo.
Built on a 103.1-inch wheelbase, the HHR is 176.2 inches long overall, 68.1
inches wide and 61.5 inches tall. Glass runs neatly uninterrupted all around the
vehicle, with five rectangular windows from B-pillar around the rear to
B-pillar. There's something about the simple shape of these windows that gives
the HHR a low-rider look, Though the roof itself is relatively high, as the
name declares. The HHR has a touch-pad rear liftgate and flared taillamps.
The HHR flaunts deep-draw flared fenders that tuck in at the rocker panels. A
one-piece hood is reminiscent of the 1949 Suburban. Single-cavity
headlamps incorporate jeweled lighting effects. The back window is flush with
the body sides. In addition to bright chrome exterior trim, the 2LT model
includes fog lamps and a bright exhaust tip.
Safety
Antilock brakes are standard on 2LT models, though they're disc/drum instead
of the more surefooted all-disc type. Traction control is available only with
the automatic transmission. Side curtain airbags are optional, but side-impact
airbags for the front seats are not available. Safety features include optional
front and rear side-curtain airbags. ABS comes standard on the 2LT and is
optional for the LS and 1LT.
The 2007 Chevrolet HHR comes in a simple LS, 1LT and 2LT models. All three
models come standard with a five-speed manual transmission; a four-speed
automatic is optional and comes packaged with remote starting. The HHR is only two-wheel
drive, with a limited amount of organizational cabin space, but its unique
design allows it to appeal to a specific buyer segment. The Chevy HHR is an SUV
that is a throwback to the 1949 Chevy panel delivery truck. Though it may not
have the most power, cargo space, or amenities, this vehicle is really all about
style. The 2007 HHR gets an estimated 30 mpg Hwy, and 22 mpg City.