AFSCME 3357-HOF'S BLOG

2006 Chevrolet HHR - An early review

Thecarconnection.com just posted its review of the 2006 Chevrolet HHR. The HHR is GM's copycat version of Chrysler's PT Cruiser. The reviewer, Gary Witzenburg, liked the HHR overall, praising it for its efficiency. Although it is bigger and heavier than the PT Cruiser, and the standard engine is less powerful (on paper), the HHR has better performance and fuel economy.

Personally, I was never that fond of the PT cruiser. To me, it was just a Neon with clever seats with enough extra weight to make it slow and bring it down to 18 mpg, the same as a minivan. The HHR, at 3155 lbs, weighs about the same as a 4-cylinder Chevrolet Malibu. It gets lower gas mileage at EPA 22-31 vs. 24-34 for the Malibu. Is the extra room worth 10% less gas mileage? Let the buyer be the judge.

The Car Connection - 2006 Chevrolet HHR - Copycatting gets its due.