Hi Guys I am new to the HHR and will be picking ours up next week I live in Northern Ontario and have read in some HHR reviews that the HHR is not good in snow also that the fuel economy is very poor that said I have driven Sunfires/Persuit in the snow with out an issue and was basing my buy decission based on the reliability and customer satisifaction bassis of the Pontiac as it is a Delta as well as I sold them for over 20 years was I wrong I am hoping not as I was looking forward to having some fun with this car

 

How a vehicle handles snow is kinda subjective, the biggest factor is usually the tires, and you'll find the factory fitted Firestones on the HHR's will be everyone's biggest complaint. As to the fuel economy issue, I think some folks have an unrealistic expectation of what the HHR will give in everyday mileage, expect mid 20's in mixed driving with low to mid 30's on the highway. I have no complaints on the mileage I'm getting, and no experience in the snow except for a quick jaunt after a rare Carolina ice storm, that was on Michelin Primacy's and they really stink when its slippery...trust me!

If you like the other vehicles on the Delta platform you should like the HHR just fine, but they are different enough from their "cousins" that some things you are used to may not apply.

 

Don't worry you are going to love it. Mine did snow and ice fine with a set of Goodyear F1's. If I was that far north I'd set up a winter set of tires & wheels. You are just gona love it.

 

Thanks guys I will be keeping the stock rims for winter and picking up a good set of blizzak or similar tires for them. I agree with the fuel numbers people expect the EPA/ Transport Canada numbers and don't factor in driving habits nor winter LOL. I am looking forward to finding a nice set of summer tires and rims thinking of going with a Cragar SS style to give it that classic look

 

If you're looking for a great retro look in a wheel, take a look at the Euromax 612, Greybeard runs a set on his HHR and we have them on the '06. Here's a pic(thanks Greybeard), and a link to their site.

http://www.euromaxwheel.com/euromax_612.php

 

HHRs are no worse than any other car in the snow from my experience. If anything, it is better than the cavy/sunfire due to more weight over the rear wheels.
The delta is a good platform, and the ecotec engines are strong and durable. The most common issues people see are due to front end noises caused by rubber suspension bits wearing over time. Nothing major.

 

Thanks for the info i appreceate all the input just making more pumped to start this project

 

All you need are winter tires and to know how to drive in snow! HHR drives great in the winter!

 

Just to comment on the tires. I live in Manitoba and we get some heavy snowfalls. I use to have an 06 LS with factory Firestone tires and never got stuck. The first year for the HHR didn't have ABS brakes or traction control. I had her for five years and loved the car. Loved it so much, I had to buy an SS.