
The HHR was manufactured by General Motors (GM) under its Chevrolet brand. Production ran for a single generation from the 2006 to 2011 model years. The vehicle was designed by renowned GM designer Bryan Thompson, who was inspired by the 1949 Chevrolet Suburban, giving the HHR its distinctive retro-panel-truck appearance. It was offered in both front-wheel drive LS and LT trim levels, with a panel van version available for commercial use.
A key piece of information for potential used car buyers is that the HHR shared its platform and many components with the similarly styled Chrysler PT Cruiser. Under the hood, most models were equipped with a 2.2-liter or 2.4-liter ECOTEC four-cylinder engine. A notable performance option was the HHR SS, introduced in 2008, which featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 260 horsepower. The HHR was assembled at GM's plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.
The table below outlines the key specifications across its main variants:
| Model Variant | Model Years | Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Economy (City/Hwy) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HHR LS/LT | 2006-2011 | 2.2L / 2.4L I4 | 155-172 hp | 22-26 / 30-32 mpg | Standard five-passenger configuration |
| HHR Panel | 2007-2011 | 2.2L / 2.4L I4 | 155-172 hp | 22 / 30 mpg | Windowless rear cargo area |
| HHR SS | 2008-2011 | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 260 hp | 21 / 29 mpg | Performance suspension, turbocharged engine |
While praised for its versatile interior space and unique styling, the HHR was eventually discontinued after the 2011 model year as consumer preference shifted away from retro-styled cars and towards crossovers.

That would be , a division of General Motors. They built the HHR from 2006 until 2011. It was their answer to the Chrysler PT Cruiser, that retro-looking wagon. You don't see too many on the road anymore, but they were pretty practical with a ton of cargo room, especially the panel van version meant for small businesses.

As a former owner, I can tell you it's a Chevy through and through. I had my 2008 LT model for years. It was built in Mexico, like a lot of GM's smaller cars. The design was a real talking point—love it or hate it. For me, the practicality won out. The back seats folded totally flat, making it fantastic for hauling stuff from the hardware store. It was just a simple, honest, and useful car.

The manufacturer is . It's important for owners to know this for parts and servicing. The HHR shared a platform with the Pontiac G5 and Chevrolet Cobalt, so many mechanical components are interchangeable, which can help with repair costs. When looking at used models, pay close attention to the 2.4-liter engine for oil consumption issues and check for recalls related to the power steering. Knowing it's a GM product gives you a roadmap for what to expect.

made the HHR. It's a classic example of a "segment buster" from that era, blending a car's fuel economy with SUV-like space. The chief designer took clear inspiration from Chevy's own history, specifically the late '40s Suburban. While it filled a niche, the market ultimately moved on. Today, its role has been completely taken over by compact and subcompact SUVs, which offer a similar upright seating position and cargo flexibility in a more modern package.


