Greetings!!! I’ve been snooping around here for a few weeks, so I thought I’d finally make a post. You all have a very nice site, very helpful and LOADS of information.

I’m currently shopping for a new car. I’ve been in an Explorer for the past few years, and I’m looking for a “fun” change. I’m about two months away from my actual purchase and I haven’t made my final decision on which make and/or model I’m going with. However, the HHR is high on my list. In addition to the HHR, I’m also considering the Pathfinder, Element, Nitro, and if a good used inexpensive one exists a BMW X3. Right now key features for me are comfort, price, reliability, resale vale, gas mileage, and the ability to tow my motorcycle.

Anyway, just stopping by to browse and say hello…..keep up the good work with the site.

 

to the site!!! For all info good/bad on the HHR you've come to the right place. Let us know what you decide

 

First off:

If you want some owner's opinions I'll give you my take:

1-10 Grading; 1 being lowest and 10 being highest.

Comfort: I'll give it a 8. There are some things I would change about the interior, but it's still pretty good.

Price: 8. For a well-rounded vehicle, it's comparably priced to like models.

Reliability: 10. Mine hasn't broke down yet. I did have a loose ground wire, but that was due to incompetence of an audio shop.

Resale Value: 4 or 5. It actually bites the dust when it comes to resale.

Gas Mileage: 9. For a wagon, it gets awesome gas mileage, that is if you drive "right."

Ability to Tow: 6. It only tows 1,000lbs. according to the manual.

Hope it helps, and good luck in picking the vehicular device that suits your needs!

 

You'll love the way it handles compared to the box-like Explorer. There's so much less wind resistance. I once owned an Isuzu Trooper and hated the wind noise and being blown all over the road. Even my minivan was noiser on the interstate than the HHR. A premium stereo helps also.

Do what others on this board have done, rent one for a week. That can help you decide.

 

WELCOME to the site!!

 

 

I replaced an Explorer XLT with my HHR

In comparison I would say

Economy..HHR insurance is less as well.

Fit and Finish Explorer wins. Feels tighter, Less flimsy handles and parts in general

Power Exlplorer wins duh.

Fun factor HHR.... easily

Footprint..HHR takes up far less space in garage yet has large cargo area

Towing,,,Wouldn't trailer with the HHR

Comfort....Explorer wins. Has much smoother ride and quieter,

Initial cost. Draw. You can buy both for about the same price used. Resale is not good on either

Fun factor HHR....

Reliability....Explorer. Neber had a warranty issue. HHR had three in the first month

Fun factor HHR....

Would I still make the trade for the HHR? Yep.

Out with the old.......

 

Thanks for the input, very helpful indeed. You all highlighted some key areas that I'm really going to have to think about.

One major issue, I had to two my bike this weekend, can't imagine not having this ability with my new vehical. I guess I could always try to borrow a buddy's truck??

I was actually thinking about renting an HHR this weekend, but it doesn't appear that any of the agnecies here have any in their fleet. I might need to take a weekend road trip the Chatt.