Thin Skin

 

The phrase "pet peeve".

 

I have not yet bought one but here are some things that irritate me and need to be changed. A big one is the membrane hatch release. No door of a vehicle should ever rely on only an electronic release to open. A simple normal mechanical handle or at least the addition of a key would be better. Better materials, mostly the top of the dash. I can live with the plastic interior but they should have used a nicer softer grain like what the PT Cruiser has on the dash. Location of power window switches definitely need to addressed. Oh and the dumb center console design protruding into the rear seat area and taking up space and with one cupholder no less. A shorter console and a popout holder that comes out from the back of the console with room for two cups is needed, similar to what my VW GTI has. A locking fuel door with a cable actuated release lever on the floor like many imports. Oh and a rollup cargo cover for cargo area, at least as a dealer option.

 

The gas fill should be on the driver side so I don't have to be in the wrong lane, so to speak, to fill it.

 

Seriously have no real problem with my Blackie. I have a sunroof, so I don't open the windows. I'm 5'1", so being short, I can see pretty well on all sides and back. I like the top compartment, for extra storage, but have yet to use the PAL since I have an MP3 and not an iPod. I have gray leather seats, and so far, no problem keeping clean. I keep the arm rests up usually, so access to the cup holders has been easy--but try not to eat in the car if I can.

If I have one issue, it is how heavy the back hatch is to pull down with the handle. A strap would be nice since I have to stretch to reach it. Oh yeah, and maybe an inside switch to pop it open.

Hmm...that's it I think!

 

Needs a console for storage between the front seats...

 

You failed to mention the worst of all "SAFETY, OR LACK THEROF".
The placement of the window controls on the lower center console.
I can't tell you how many times I have "drifted" out of my lane when looking for the switch to move a window up or down.
At least on the 08' HHR S/S the switches have moved to the side panel.

 

yes...yes they have my biggest complaint is lack of a dome light in the FRONT of the car. if it's night and i am in a parking lot or something, it's rather tricky to use the map lights on the mirror to look through my huge CD case to change up the current 6-disk mix. my fiancee says her biggest complaint is the lack of lights in the vanity mirrors, though she won't complain much...at least it has vanity mirrors, unlike my ex-daily driver, my 1991 Camaro lol

 

Having the window buttons in the center of the vehicle is not bad in general-- the PT Cruiser, 1970-81 Camaro/Firebird, 1983-88 Thunderbird and many other cars had this location. The problem with the HHR is where in the center of the vehicle thay are located. A stipid and dangerous place. In the PT, you can raise/lower all 4 windows with one hand at the same time and still keep your eyes on the road.
Personally, I would like to see a real center console with legitimate cupholders and large storage armrest, a foot pedal parking brake and a dashboard mounted gear selector like the Honda CRV, Odessey and the Dodge Charger/Magnum police package.

 

we've had our for almost two years now and I still say the damn blind spot from the a pillars are the worst thing about these cars. I've lost big trucks behind those things and people in cross walks are invisible unless you do the wobble neck manuveur to see around both sides of the things.