Geez...I feel like such a dunce. The more I get into this the more complicated it seems. All I am really trying to obtain is better sound than the cheap factory speakers provide and add an additional speaker or subwoofer in the back. I'm not adverse to changing out the radio, but now I'm really confused on what all I need and not getting ripped off in the process.

 

I think you asked yourself the right question what is it you want?
IMO if all you want is a better sound then new speakers would do the job.
If you want deep sounds that stand out then you may want to go with a sub and amp in the back.
I am in no way a pro at all this, just a little more than a basic understanding of how it all fits together and what I think sounds good.
Take your time, there is no need to rush into something you are not sure about. Get a few ideas from here and stereo places and then pick what you want.

 

If you have the factory Pioneer 7 speaker set up, like I do, you have an 8" amplified subwoofer in a box back there. Not sure what's back there if you have anything else.

Ng

 

Nada nothing zero just an empty hole with a cover on it.

 

All I have is the standard cheapo radio that came with my 1LT. I bought mine off the lot and that is what it came with. No speaker in the cargo area at this time.

 

it is an 8 inch sub that goes back there, you will need to get the factory box or have a special box made for a sub to fit there. Easiest route and cheapest IMO would be to get a factory box of somebody that has upgraded their premium stereo, and they are no longer using that box.

deb if you want something that will sound good and not take up much room and not get screwed in the process here is what you should do.

Get a good high powered head unit, pioneer, alpine, kenwood, or panasonic. Dont be afraid to shop online or ebay to find good prices for these.

for the front speakers you are wanting to get a 6.5" component set again, alpine, kenwood, pioneer, jl audio, kicker, etc. online shopping or ebay

for the rear speakers get a set of 6.5" coax 2 or 3 way speakers, again, alpine, kenwood, pioneer, jl audio, kicker, etc. online shopping or ebay.

for a sub that will add enough bass for the hhr and easy to install not taking up much room Infinty bass link, these things arent that big, but provide enough bass. shop online or ebay for a good price.

Now for the install part of this, all of this can be installed right now without the wiring harness. If you are wanting to wait until the harness is finished then i would say start buying the stuff you want online. On of the cheapest places online i found was www.onlinecarstereo.com i would check their prices against those on ebay. ebay will most likely be the cheapest place to get stuff, ask cj for the installation dont let a place take you for a ride at the shop i worked at here where or install prices.....

Headunit - 50
Front Comps - 55
Rear Coax - 45
amp install - 50

These prices arent to high and im sure that they might be higher some places but this is a good start for ya.

 

How much trouble would it be, if its even possible to get that into the stock opening?

Is there an 8" self-powered sub?

 

it might fit back in there, but i dont know about that. they only make one size and that is the 10".

 

Any idea what kind of stock radio is in the HHR? How many watts and would I be ok for now just putting some good speakers in the 4 doors for now. Then upgrade to a better system and add a sub in the back when harness is available.

 

you can do the speakers now and they might sound better, but im telling you the best start is the HU. I have the factory speakers and they are just fine for now. Here is how you should look at a stereo system. It is like a house, so you want to start with a good foundation which would be the head unit. if you have a good head unit then you are well on your way to a good stereo system and better sound.