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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Chevrolet HHR

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2011 Chevrolet HHR

Overview

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2009 Chevrolet HHR Review

By KBB.com Editors

While some dismiss the 2009 Chevrolet HHR as little more than a PT Cruiser clone, in truth the two vehicles appeal to very different audiences. Where the PT seems to pull in Baby Boomers and Gen X males, the HHR speaks to today's young drivers who like to customize their cars with extreme paint jobs and near-deafening sound systems. By itself, this slick piece of work serves as a practical wagon version of the Cobalt sedan disguised as a retro mini Suburban. There's even a cool Panel version with windowless side panels and side cargo doors. Though smaller than it appears in pictures, the HHR is nevertheless a versatile and fun-to-drive vehicle as equally suited to small families as it is to hip singles.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you like your retro style backed with substance, the functional, comfortable and eager 2009 Chevrolet HHR will satisfy you beyond its intriguing looks.

You May Not Like This Car If...

While the HHR is indeed versatile, it's still based on a small-car platform. So, if you've got big stuff to haul – or just a lot of stuff – you might need a larger vehicle.

What's New for 2009

A new turbocharged SS model is added to the lineup and is available in both regular and panel van versions. The 2.2-liter engine receives variable valve timing and bump up in horsepower, while both the 2.2-liter and 2.4-liter engines are made E85 Flex-Fuel compatible. New available features include a rear backup camera and Bluetooth cell phone connectivity.

Driving the HHR

Driving Impressions One of the best things you can say about a vehicle is that it handles like a smaller car and rides like a bigger one. Such is the case with...

the HHR. With its raised seating position and truck-like attitude, you might not expect the HHR to handle like the small car it really is. It's just as surprising out on the highway, where it's smooth for its size and notably quiet. Even when outfitted with the base engine and four-speed automatic transmission, the HHR still feels adequately motivated, although throttle response is a bit slow and the electrically-assisted power steering feels vague and somewhat disconnected. Performance fans will love the 260-horsepower SS trim, which offers a much stiffer suspension, a short throw five-speed manual shifter, larger wheels and improved steering response.

Favorite Features

Remote Start
HHRs equipped with automatic transmissions include a remote start feature that lets you start heating or cooling the cabin before you even set foot outside your home.

Audio Input Jack
A front-mounted auxiliary input jack makes it easy to connect any MP3 player or other audio source to the HHR's sound system.

2009 Chevrolet HHR Details

Interior

Unlike the retro-on-retro PT Cruiser, the 2009 Chevrolet HHR features thoroughly modern interior styling. Tasteful chrome rings and accents combine with pleasing buttons and knobs in a contemporary interior that looks and feels like nothing from the automaker's past. While there's at least as much plastic as you'd expect, its artfully crafted style is much less objectionable than in many of the cars in its price range. The HHR also treats its occupants to notably comfortable seats. Versatility is definitely one of the car's strong suits, with features like a front passenger seat that folds down to accommodate longer items and a cargo floor that hides a shallow storage bin and also lifts to create a two-tier load area. Panel models feature rear cargo doors that do not have handles but open via a dash-mounted button.

Exterior

Featuring a retro design heavily inspired by Chevy's own 1949 Suburban, the HHR plays the stylized delivery wagon to the PT Cruiser's boulevard prowler. This bodes well for the HHR, considering the proven appeal of the utilitarian Scion xB. Up front, a towering hood is fronted by a big chrome grille. Moving toward the rear, flared fenders, rounded corners and circular taillights work in concert to strengthen the HHR's link with the past. As was the case when the PT Cruiser was first introduced, from its pictures it's easy to imagine the HHR to be a much bigger vehicle.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The HHR LS wagon includes a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD sound system with auxiliary input jack and XM Satellite Radio, power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, cruise control, 16-inch wheel covers, trip computer, OnStar front and side curtain airbags, traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and StabiliTrak stability control. The 1LT trim adds an MP3/CD player, eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support, 16-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior accents. The 2LT trim adds the 2.4-liter engine, FE3 Sport suspension, ChromeTech 17-inch wheels, 260-watt Pioneer sound system, fog lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The SS trim adds a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, unique front face with mesh grille, sport seats, A-pillar boost gauge, short throw shifter, a rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels.

Optional Equipment

Features that will take you beyond base sticker price include a more powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, four-speed automatic transmission with standard remote start, leather seating, heated front seats, performance driver's seat, rear backup camera, USB-port, power moonroof, 260-watt sound system with subwoofer, in-dash six-disc changer, MP3 compatibility, Bluetooth and 16- or 17-inch wheels.

Under the Hood

While more aggressive drivers will be best served by either the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to the five-speed manual transmission, or the potent 2.0-liter turbo in the SS trims, none of the HHR's powertrain combinations feel the least bit anemic. Both the 2.2-liter and 2.4-liter engines are now E85 FlexFuel compatible. They are also louder than one might expect, especially at full throttle. Vibration and harshness, however, are well in line with other small four-cylinder engines from Ford, Chrysler and Hyundai.

2.2-liter in-line 4
155 horsepower @ 6100 rpm
150 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/32 (manual), 22/30 (automatic), 16/23 (E85, manual), 16/22 (E85, automatic)

2.4-liter in-line 4
172 horsepower @ 5800 rpm
167 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 (manual), 22/29 (automatic), 16/22 (E85, manual), 15/21 (E85, automatic)}

2.0-liter in-line 4 turbocharged
260 horsepower @ 5300 rpm (manual)
260 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2000 rpm
250 horsepower @ 5500 rpm (automatic)
223 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1650 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29 (manual), 19/29 (automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Chevrolet HHR vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2009 Chevrolet HHR Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.2

Out of 10

Based on 703 Ratings for the 2006 - 2011 models.

Review this car

Value

8.5/10

Quality

8.3/10
Reliability

8.7/10

Performance

8.4/10
Comfort

8.5/10

Styling

8.7/10

Look better than the pt Cruiser

By etphonehome (AZ) on Monday, June 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: Not Rated

Pros: "easy to drive and handed"

Cons: "gas tank on rigt side"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"It is a cute sport looking car, and has all the bells and whistles,handed real good,seat real good nice for long trips,great on gas,.Love all the extra it has.A lot better ride than a PT Cruiser the Chevy HHR is twice the car and the same price range..So be for you buy drive both and you will see what I mean.I just bought one I love it,handles great.It is a great car.Hope you enjoy your like I have mine.I could go on and on but test drive one you will see,and fall in love with it.Young or a older person you will fall in love with this car.If you are just looking for a good car,then this is worth checking ok Debbie"

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Decent vehicle.

By Bruce (KY) on Friday, June 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 37,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Good overall but could be better."

Cons: "Not the greatest gas mileage."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I have had this vehicle for a year. I bought it used. Decent to good vehicle overall. Drives more like a medium size van - Very hard to see out the sides and back while driving. Comfortable inside but you sit low and get alot of road noise."

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this car is no problem, love it ,have to sell it.

By joey leftovers (NJ) on Thursday, May 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 55,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"bought this car used as a chevy hhr panel. loved it as a sedan delivery looking back to the 50's and 60's. got grandchildren and needed more seating, so I converted it into a 4 seater with a rear seat, still keeping the sedan delivery look."

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great for being disabled.

By luvbug (MO) on Wednesday, May 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 55,000

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "VERY comfortable and fun to drive"

Cons: "no cigarette lighter"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I am disabled with a horribly painful back. I bought the car because I love the looks. The car is so comfortable. There are no blind spots, it is very easy to see everything. I always get lots of compliments. All of my grandchildren want it. I won't be trading it in any time soon!!!!"

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Perfect for variety!

By EventPlanner (AR) on Saturday, April 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 37,100

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "A great family and working vehicle"

Cons: "Poor customer service in our area."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've driven my car coast to coast, very comfy, even with 4 of us in it on a 2400 mile trip. It's so versatile, and allows me to haul many different things (like the flooring for my house), and keep up with style, comfort, and family. I also feel safer in it's designs if it were ever to be in a wreck, as it feels safer than many."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Fast, economical car

By Dufusboy (IN) on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 21,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fast, fun to drive"

Cons: "Seeing up/out front windshield at times"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The HHR/SS is a fast car with turbo charging, and with 2.0 L. (250 hp) it still gets good mileage (24 to 27) around town, IF you keep your foot out of it! Handling is excellent, fast electric steering, stiff suspension, excellent brakes, excellent tires... wish I would have gotten a 4 speed!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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