The only thing I am really disappointed in with my new HHR is that there is limited in cab storage. There is no coin holder and there is no place to store CD's, my EZ Pass and other stuff I would like to have easy access to nearby.

I am also a little bummed that a V6 was not offered as this would be a kick ass car with more power. I can live with the 2.4L engine but wonder how long it will be before I get the need for more power.

I traded a 2004 Dodge RAM 1500 Quad Cab for the HHR. It had the hemi engine and a ton of torque, power and storage. The trade off was stopping at each and every gas station with its pathetic fuel economy. THAT I don't miss!

 

I store my CD's in the upper dash bin, and in a holder on the visor. Change is a pain in the butt anyway, so I store it in a jar at home. I have a Mass Pike Fast Pass. It attaches to my windshield with strips that they provide. And I can outlast my son in the gas department. He drives a Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4X4 with the Hemi. Whoooooeeeeee........that thing gets expensive just pulling out of the driveway.

 

Catch 22’s, polar opposites, can’t have one while having the other……………

Want power and bigger engine, with high MPG??????

Want many storage places and a small compact vehicle (in respect to Quad Cab Truck)????

Or

Start a thread like “REALLY PLEASED with MY HHR”
It gets great MPG, averaging 30 MPG.
Retro styling and wagon-like features are great with hauling stuff.
Wow, they included a compartment on the top of dash to hold my EZ-Pass, and a little cubby hole below the window buttons, that holds change great, Ohh well had to buy a CD case, but plenty of room for that in the back!!
Boy this HHR is fun to drive. ETC……


BTW: There is a thread somewhere here, with changes (“wishes”, disappointments on design), for future HHR designs, and your 2 were included. The power issue, is the current WAVE of SS discussion, with many excited on a MORE powerful HHR!!!

Also, I was just being sarcastic, but also look at all the positives and enjoy the vehicle!!!

Later,
Mark

 

Actually you can have both however there are limits. A engine that is larger but well matched to the vehicle is more liekly to get better mileage than a smaller engine that has to work too hard. Case in point. I had a 1984 Caravan with a 2.6 liter engine that got 16 or so on a good day. My 1995 Town & Country with a 3.8 V6 (longer wheelbase and heavier) got 18 - 20 in daily driving. With the T&C I never felt I was going to get killed just trying to merge on the interstate. That van was a rocket. I miss my van But I love my HHR

A better example would be the current Trail Blazer Vortec 4.2L Inline 6 gets 16/22 mpg vs Vortec 5.3L 16/22

Or the Buick LaCrosse The 3.6 gets 19/27 The larger 3.8 gets 20/30

 

You're saying you didn't know these limitations before buying the car? I find that puzzling.

 

Well coming from a Ford Explorer, I found that I needed to adjust to the HHR.
I love the look, the room, the style, ect.
True it does take time to learn the window switches, the cup holders, and a few small things.
But I will take NEMO anyday over the Explorer again.
It is called adapt, and I have and all is well!

I hope you will learn to adapt and love your HHR as most of us do.

 

I agree that the HHR does lack somewhat in cab storage. The Malibu I traded in had many more cubbyholes for stuff, including a built in CD holder under the armrest. On the other hand, the HHR will haul all of my gear for a Civil War reenactment (tent, food, gun, uniforms, etc) and still have room for extras, namely my girlfriend!!

 

I didn't say I wasn't happy with my purchase. I just mentioned that there could be more storage and more power would also be nice. I could have very well mentioned the premium fuel suggestion but didn't because I DID know that before buying and am OK with it. I guess if anyone says anything other than glowing about the HHR it isn't welcome or constructive in nature?? My hope really is that someone from Chevrolet would be monitoring the board and realize that some are looking for some improvements in certain areas to make a great car even better.

BTW: when I bought the HHR it was mainly to transport my 2 Spanish Water Dogs to events and just in general. Little did I know that I would love it so much that it would become my daily driver. It was only after I was driving it more than the other car that I noticed it needed some refinements.

Yes, I could put my EZ Pass on the windshield but I don't like to spoil the look and create yet another blind spot. The little compartment on the dash below the windshield is full so it would be nice to have another compartment somewhere between the seats to store stuff.

Let me just say that I love my HHR. It is a great car that does everything I expected it to do and more. Some of you guys defend your HHR like it is family and need to lighten up. (my attempt at sarcasm)............

 

Welcome to the Club and Enjoy your HHR, and may your 2 Spanish Water Dogs enjoy as well!
What colors are they? Black or Brown?

 

Actually you're the one who should lighten up, zylona.