2008 Chevrolet HHR LS 2.2

Summary:

Wish I could buy another new one

Faults:

Exhaust manifold has been replaced twice.

Recall done on ignition.

5 sets of brakes.

Get about 60000 miles on set of tires.

Beginning gas mileage was 41-43 miles per gallon. At 340k it is now in the very low 30's.

Original clutch - unbelievable!

Plugs have been changed once. Needed again.

General Comments:

Very dependable. Positives vastly outweigh the negatives

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th May, 2023

2008 Chevrolet HHR LS

Summary:

Horrible visibility for the driver + recalls = avoid

Faults:

Ignition switch recall, key stuck in ignition.

General Comments:

I got this on one of those great deals you only get from family members, otherwise I never would have chosen this car.

It's tiny inside, so your comfort will depend on your size.

Far and away the main problem with this car is the driver's visibility. I cannot imagine there is a car with worse visibility than this. I'm very much average in height at 5'9" and I'm constantly bobbing and weaving around the side columns and rear view mirror to see my surroundings. If I am stopped first in line at a traffic light, I cannot see the light at all without ducking my head. I have to be extra cautious to account for this. Pedestrians to the left or right disappear behind the support columns. Same for cars in front of me on exit/entrance ramps - if I sit still and upright, these cars become completely invisible. Again constant upper body motion is required to adjust for this.

Performance-wise, the HHR does very well. It has a lot of pickup and tight steering.

I've gone through one official recall (the infamous GM ignition switch) and two non-recall warnings. Also the right stereo speaker is in and out.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 16th March, 2015

3rd May 2026, 12:23

“I cannot imagine there is a car with worse visibility than this”

Ignoring a multitude of exotic mid engine sports cars and mundane convertibles…

Ever driven a FJ Cruiser? Acura ZDX? Dodge Challenger? Camaro? Juke? The cousin HHR?

2008 Chevrolet HHR LT

Summary:

Very good little car for the money

Faults:

No problems with this car.

General Comments:

The car is fun to drive and runs great, but doesn't handle well in windy conditions.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th April, 2010

2008 Chevrolet HHR SS 2.0 turbo

Summary:

Would buy another in a heart beat!

Faults:

Nothing, no problems at all.

General Comments:

The looks, power, brakes, handling, and economy are unparalleled. The looks are exceptional, and it will not be confused with anything else.

The power, with almost zero turbo lag, is just super with 260 ft/lbs of torque, and 260 hp. One of the faster vehicles I've owned.

The brakes are the best of any car I've ever owned, and I've owned 9 new cars. It'll stop on a dime with no fade or pulling.

The handling is very good with its race tuned suspension. It is a real thrill to drive.

The economy is very good, with 30 - 32 mpg on the open road and about 24 mpg around town.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th May, 2009

10th Apr 2010, 20:47

I have a 2008 HHR LT. It's great to drive, great gas mileage and plenty of room, but it really doesn't handle very well in the wind. Any suggestions that might help this?

11th Apr 2010, 17:49

"I have a 2008 HHR LT. It's great to drive, great gas mileage and plenty of room, but it really doesn't handle very well in the wind. Any suggestions that might help this?"

There is no way to fix that. The HHR has a pretty large surface area for a fairly light vehicle. This makes it very susceptible to crosswinds. You can reduce this by driving slower, but it will never go away.