I agree with this...
The pillars are wide and vertical, people / bikers etc can really hide behind them. I find myself swinging my head around - double checking all the time.
Warn her about that.

Other cars can be as wide, but I think it's because they are so straight up and down.

 

My thoughts exactly! I want a BMW!

All joking aside, I see many girls on the road that are my age or younger driving an HHR. I think it's a suitable first vehicle, just so long as you make them sign a no txting and driving contract, like my mother did, back when cell phones were not a major part of life..

 

I think the HHR is a great vehicle for a young driver - with one proviso.

HHR's have HUGE front A-pillars. In addition to the normal teenage driver warnings, with the HHR, I would give a bit of a lesson on how to make sure you're seeing everything. Those huge pillars are especially troublesome when negotiating slower turns - say in a residential area. You can very easily 'lose' a pedestrian or bicyclist behind the pillar. You need to move your head around (leaning your body a bit) to get a clear view of everything.

 

That's why she is learning in this, want to talk about a blind spot...

but if she can back this into the garage, she will be fine...

I do need some help mowing the yard.....

 

I think the 07 HHR is a great choice. I'll echo the A pillar issue, but otherwise what a lucky girl to have a 5 year old modern, safe, reliable and most importantly cool ride as a first car. Oh yeah...no texting and she'll be fine.

 

Id recommend a smaller car js. Im kinda youngish n well, theres alota room with the seats down...lol my daughter wont get a biggish car like this:p but other than that and the pillars id have to say its a good car!