The
2011 Chevrolet HHR (Heritage High Roof) is a retro-styled crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV). This versatile vehicle can be a truck with foldable rear-seats and 57.7 cubic feet of cargo space. Powered by either a 2.2-liter or a 2.4-liter I-4 engine, coupled to a either a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission, the Chevy HRR has front-wheel-drive and a unibody compact truck platform.
Whether you see it as a truck or a hatchback wagon, the Chevy HRR has distinctive styling and a versatile and roomy interior. The HRR has been rated highly by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's for safety and receives top crash test score. Fuel economy is not back as 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway.
New for 2011
While there are no major changes to the Chevrolet HHR for the 2011 model year, among the minor tweaks are two new colors, Mocha Steel Metallic and Black Granite Metallic. Now the MY LINK combines the radio/CD player/MP3 playback and USB port with Bluetooth phone connectivity, and the OnStar Directions and Connections service plan. MY LINK gets you a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and a leather-wrapped shift knob. HHR's MY LINK package includes a free year of XM Satellite radio.
Essentials
Engines: 2.2L I-4, 2.4L I-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Body Style: Crossover SUV
Trims: LS Sport Utility, LT Sport Utility, Panel LS Sport Utility
On the Outside
There are no exterior styling changes for Chevy HHR. The "heritage" in HHR refers to styling from the late 40s Chevy Suburbans. The HHR panel van has no rear-door exterior handles or windows.
From the Inside
The Chevy HHR is a two-seat panel van for small businesses with an unfinished cargo space and has two interior switches for the rear doors. In the five-seat configuration, the front passenger seat folds flat, and lots of extra cubbies and features prevail.
Driving Performance
While the Chevy HHR handles better than a conventional crossover/sport utility vehicle (SUV), it does not handle as well as a compact car, which might be expected. Ride is a bit harsh and unrefined, but there's not much body roll. The 2.2-liter engine is rated 155 horsepower while the 2.4-liter turns out 172 horsepower.
Safety Equipment
The Chevy HHR has a four-star rollover rating and received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's top, five-star crash ratings for driver and front-seat passenger in a frontal crash and side-impact crash for front and rear passengers.
Gas Mileage
LS, 1LT, Panel LS, Panel 1LT (2.2L): 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway (manual); 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway
LS, 1LT, Panel LS, Panel 1LT, 2LT, Panel 2LT (2.4L): 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway (manual); 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway
Plusses
- Versatility of configurations
- Vast spaciousness
- Fuel economy
Minuses
- Old-fashioned styling
- Four-speed automatic transmission
- Interior quality
Rating
Retro-fun going out of retro style
People Who Like the 2011 Chevrolet HHR Also Like
- Chrysler PT Cruiser
- Honda Element
- Scion xB