Used 2011 Chevrolet HHR SS for sale 

The Chevrolet HHR Wagon is available in three different trims, namely the LS, 1LT, and 2LT. Additionally, a panel version of the LS is also offered which has only two seats and abundant cargo space. The three trims of the HHR are distinguished from one another by the set of features. Even from its base trim, the Chevrolet HHR feels adequately equipped and comes with a sticker price of $18,720.

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We recommend buying the LT 2LT trim of the Chevrolet HHR, which at a diminutive price difference from the base variant, adds a number of features that make the HHR practical and pragmatic. While its price is similar to the LT 1LT, it does add some optional features to the list. The major advantage is its higher power and torque output.

Under the hood of the Chevrolet HHR peacefully sits a 2.2L inline-4 engine that produces 155hp of power and 150lb.-ft of torque. With the top-variant, the engine feels more refined and powerful with higher power and torque outputs 172 hp and 167lb.-ft of torque.

As standard, all trims of the HHR come attached to a 5-speed manual transmission and are channeled as front-wheel-drive variants only. While its performance is not known, it is known that the engine is underpowered and is sluggish in its performance.

In comparison, both competitors, the Honda Element and Jeep Patriot are pricier than the Chevrolet HHR and feature a 2.4L I-4 engine. While performance figures are not known for them too, the Jeep Patriot has the highest power and torque output in the segment. The Element has the most distinct transmission setup, using a 5-speed automatic transmission, while the Patriot uses a similar transmission unit as the HHR.

The major expectation one has while buying a wagon is that it can double up as a daily driver. The Chevrolet HHR stands to impress with its fuel efficiency, which is the best in its class. The HHR averages 22 MPG when cruising through the city and 32 MPG when sprinting on the highway. Combined, it manages 26 miles per gallon of fuel. Its fuel tank has a total capacity of 16 gallons and can cover a range of 352 and 512 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively.

In comparison, the Honda Element is the least-efficient car in the segment, having a combined mileage of 22 MPG, while the Patriot remains fractionally behind the HHR averaging 25 MPG. Both competitors feature smaller fuel tanks in comparison and consequently cover lower range. The least highway range is offered by Jeep of 380.8 miles.

One aspect where the Chevrolet HHR does fall considerably short in comparison is its cabin build and the quality of materials. The cabin feels lackluster, with very few specifications to impress the traditional buyer. The Chevrolet HHR has a total seating capacity of five passengers. While seats feel supremely comfortable, the low roofline may irk taller passengers, for there is little headroom on offer. The ride quality in itself feels decent, however, other competitors in the segment perform better.

The Chevrolet HHR has a total head-, shoulder- and legroom of 39.6/53.5/40.5 and 39/52.7/39.5 inches for the front and rear passengers, respectively. While headroom is considerably low as per segment standard, there is ample legroom on offer. In terms of cargo capacity, the Chevrolet HHR leads the pack with a total trunk volume of 25.2 cubic feet. The trunk is easy to access, and with the Panel LS trim of the HHR, cargo carrying capacity can be increased further.

In comparison, all three cars have a total seating capacity of five passengers only. The Jeep Patriot and Honda Element have eerily similar dimensions and passenger space as the Chevrolet HHR. Even in terms of the cargo-carrying capacity, the Element has an almost similar volume of 25.1 cubic feet while the Patriot stays minutely behind. Some standout interior features of the Chevrolet HHR include:

•         Single Zone Front Air Conditioning
•         Tilt-Adjustable Steering Wheel
•         Interior Air Filtration
•         Cruise Control
•         Front and rear cupholders

How intuitive is the Chevrolet HHR’s infotainment system?

Even from its base variant, the Chevrolet HHR feels adequately equipped taking into consideration the price at which it is sold. Standard features on the HHR include AM/FM Stereo, CD Player, and Auxiliary Audio Input. The base variant’s sound system delivers decent performance, and as one moves up the trim ladder, the Pioneer sound system available with the LT 2LT variant works exceptionally well. Hi-tech features like Bluetooth connectivity can be added to the HHR by opting for additional packages. Other salient features include:

•         Speed-Sensitive Volume Control
•         Satellite Radio
•         Radio data system
•         External Temperature Display
•         Premium Sound System

Even with its boxy body structure, the Chevrolet HHR gracefully adorns the idiosyncrasy in its design and earns the title of the most uniquely designed wagon in the segment. From its stance, it is evident that the HHR sports a spacious cabin, but what takes center stage is the heightened bonnet and grille, which adds an element of aggression to the subtle design outlook. Though the rear looks rather muscular, rearward visibility remains low, which might be a deal-breaker for some buyers.

The Chevrolet HHR has a total length, width, and height of 176.2, 69.1, and 63.1 inches, respectively. Its total curb weight of 3,155 lbs is the lowest in the segment, and so is its ground clearance of 6.3 inches. Its wheelbase measures 103.5 inches, which is one of the longer units in the segment.

In comparison, the Honda Element is the heaviest car in the segment, followed by the Jeep Patriot, weighing 3,540 and 3,199 lbs, respectively. The Honda is also the widest and tallest car in the segment having total width and height of 71.6 and 70.4 inches, respectively. In terms of ground clearance and wheelbase, it is the Jeep Patriot that leads the pack. Some salient exterior features include:

•         Luggage carrier roof rails
•         Front license plate bracket
•         Front fog lamps
•         Sunroof
•         16-inch wheels

In the IIHS safety ratings, the Chevrolet HHR scores highly, receiving an overall rating of “Good”. The Chevrolet HHR makes use of front and rear drum brakes, which work exceedingly well for a car of its size. Standard safety features on the Chevrolet include electronic stability control, daytime running lights, and traction control. Other basic features include:

•         Child Safety Locks
•         Driver and Passenger Airbags
•         Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
•         Engine Immobilizer
•         Post-Collision Safety System

The Chevrolet HHR may not be a buyer's first choice when it comes to the wagon segment, but there is a lot that the car has to offer. Its fuel economy is the best-in-class, with ample cargo and passenger space, however, its handling feels synthetic. Coupled with a sluggish engine, the Chevrolet HHR does not deliver as expected. Its tapering roofline and lackluster cabin work antithetical to its cause. If you’re looking for an all-around wagon, we suggest you look elsewhere.