2.4 auto for me, had enough of shifting gears..

 

I got an auto so that any one in my family could drive it. I personnally like a manual but with the auto. I can use the remote start. I did not by this car for performance, it is my daily driver, so when I finish my schooling I can get a fun car for my performance release.

 

well i like driving both. i have a mini cooper that is a 6 speed that i drove daily for 2 years, and never got mad that it was a manual, but i currently drive an excursion which is auto, and its nice to not have to shift in that (i guess becuase its so big) but the hhr really isnt all that much heavier than the MINI, so it wouldnt be much of a change from my mini cooper. i guess like i said ill drive the auto 2.2 since i havent yet (only the 2.4) then ill drive the stick again, back to back, and make my decision. i didnt really give the auto 2.4 that i drove any gas, so this time around ill floor it and see how it picks up, vs flooring the stick and compare acceleration.

 

I do enjoy jumping in one of my son's cars every now and then and shift around town. But for my everyday driving I'll always go automatic. I hope you get what makes you happy 217, a lot of our opinions are on the line here..

 

The 2.2 with the automatic is a good combination. They work well together, shift smoothly and are devoid of unexpected surges, thumps or downshifts.

I love driving a manual. But life rolls on and I'm getting older and commute traffic in a manual is no fun. I don't care how much you love a manual, stop-and-go with a clutch is awful.

My gas mileage is terrific (29 in my daily commute, 33 on full-out interstate).

 

Everything but maintenance was discussed...I too like the stick, but because its a front wheel drive and I don;t have the facilities to replace clutches and such,I drive an auto,,,,,
I can do more practically with the auto compared to a stick, especially loaded and in traffic...also, watching the trends, the stick cars seem to have more trans related problems then the auto..AND I can beef up without having to mandatorily spend a grand(on a real clutch) to be able to drive it.........I can have my Big Mac and eat it too!

 

damn.. im about 50/50 here

lol

 

My 2007 is a manual with the 2.2. I drive it just about every day, and it is to me a very easy car to manage. The clutch is fully hydraulic and very smooth, and the transmission is easy to shift. I get about 28MPG city and a pretty consistant 35MPG highway, depending on traffic. I don't drive the car hard, which does help with mileage. After having this car for about three years, I have no regrets and would buy another manual, if I were in the market today.

 

I prefer the 2.2/manual combo. I like manuals as they are easy to maximize fuel economy with, and they are still simpler than an automatic, which means better overall reliability out of the combo. Unfortunately, manuals keep getting harder to find, so I say buy a manual to keep automakers offering them.

 

If you ever have to replace the slave cylinder for the hyd. clutch, which means major tear-down, just to get to it..

It could change a persons mind about stick shifts.... I'm just sayin..