2006 Chevrolet HHR LT Sedan Test Drive

Forward Into the Past

Have you heard the term "Retrofuturism" recently? Coined by artist Lloyd Dunn in 1983, Retrofuturism is design that looks back toward previous designs in order to move forward. The 2006 Chevrolet HHR LT Sedan is the latest example of Retrofuturism in car design. For a list price of $16,425 ($22,650 as tested) with a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty, you can drive a retrofuturist HHR Sedan with roots that lie deep in Chevrolet history – and in Chevy's future at the same time. Or so they hope.

First Glance

Let's get the PT Cruiser comparison out of the way right up front. Yes, the Chevy HHR looks like a relative of the Chrysler. No question. The HHR is a little more square, a little boxier than the PT Cruiser. Both cars look bigger than they actually are – the PT is based on the Dodge Neon chassis, and the HHR is based on the Chevy Cobalt, both compact vehicles. The HHR, arriving on the scene some five years later than the PT Cruiser, has some ground to make up. There are already half a million or so PTs out there with a justifiably loyal following. The HHR manages to out-macho the PT Cruiser while still remaining cute – a compromise I've been trying to strike for years.

"HHR" stands for "Heritage High Roof." The design harkens back to the 1949 Chevy Suburban, and shares cues with the current Chevy SSR pickup/roadster/hot rod. Is it a truck? Is it a car? Is it an SUV? It's a crossover vehicle, according to GM -- so they don't know either. Whatever it is, the HHR is well-put together, with nice details and impressive fit and finish. I love the HHR's taillights in particular. There's too much chromed plastic trim where actual metal would be cooler, but the aftermarket will take care of that soon if HHR sales reach expectations.

In the Driver's Seat

Chevy didn't just design the outside of the HHR, it brought a nice clean look to the inside as well. The dash is tasteful and attractive, with a theme of circles – round gauges, round air-conditioning vents, big rotary knobs for the climate and audio controls. The plastics in the dash feel sturdy, high quality and durable. The tachometer sits proud of the instrument cluster above the steering wheel in a chrome bezel, a real hot rod looking touch. The tilt steering wheel has spoke-mounted buttons for audio system, cruise control and "driver information center" – a small LED display under the speedometer which toggles between mileage, trip odometer, mpg, oil life, coolant temperature, ambient temperature and miles to empty. Very useful.

The HHR comes standard with a AM/FM stereo with a CD/MP3 player and a front auxiliary jack. A digital music player can plug in to the stereo with a simple 3.5 mm headphone jack. The stereo won't control the player like some fancy units, but you'll have a direct connection to your car's system with a minimum of fuss. There's even an auxiliary glove box at the top of the dashboard that's just the right size for an iPod, cables and charger. Very smart design, and a good use of dead space in the dash.

On the Road

The HHR is available with two basic engines – a 2.2 Liter 4 cylinder (143 hp/150 lb-ft of torque) and a 2.4 Liter High Output 4 cylinder (172 hp/162 lb-ft of torque), which is part of an $1,800 option package that includes 17" painted aluminum wheels, fog lamps and other options. I drove the High Output version of the HHR, and it was good. I'd love to see an "SS" version of the HHR with the 205 hp supercharged engine from the Cobalt SS, or even something bigger. It looks like there's plenty of room under the hood of the HHR to accommodate additional equipment, should the fancy strike.

As it sits, the HHR is a front-wheel drive wagon with okay power – great for around-town and errand-running, but not a thrilling ride through the twisties. It's a little sluggish off the line, so freeway onramps require tenacity and timing. The EPA's estimate of 23 mpg city/30 highway is a nice tradeoff, especially considering the great utility that the HHR has to offer. There's a really sturdy package shelf in the cargo compartment that's easy to shift from high to low position; simple latches to release the back seats and fold down to a flat floor; and clever stowaway spots around the vehicle. The HHR would make a great everyday family runabout.

Journey's End

The HHR is going to have to live in the shadow of the PT Cruiser for a while. No matter what GM says, it comes off as a "me, too" vehicle. The plus side to that equation is that the PT Cruiser is a fine vehicle to take as inspiration, with excellent utility, economy and design. The HHR actually trumps the PT in some respects – particularly in the area of utility and comfort. With its upright stance, the HHR has a little more useable space inside, and its rear seats are easier to fold down. The driver's seat is a bit better. For a while, the HHR will be a more exclusive vehicle – time will tell if it ever catches up to the PT's head start.

There are other interesting vehicles to consider with similar utility and economy. The Honda Element, Subaru Impreza, Mazda3, Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe and Scion xB are all close in price. Each offers a different solution to the wagon equation, though none attempts the bold nostalgic style of the HHR.

For a Retrofuturist wagon, the choices are narrow — it's the PT Cruiser or the HHR. Does the HHR really recall the 1949 Chevy Suburban or is it just a PT clone? I'm not sure it matters. The utility, style and economy of the Chevrolet HHR make it an instant contender in the crossover market.