'06 LS auto here that was a rental. It runs great. It's not going to run circles around much of anything, but speed is not why I purchased my HHR anyway. I love the looks and the gas mileage is a plus too.
I have owned 2 Camaros and a Corvette so I guess I have gotten that "need for speed" out of my system and traded HP for MPGs. :twothumbs

 

My stock 2.2 felt choked off when I first got it. As soon as I opened up the air flow (in & out) it brought it to life. It's no turbo, but it is fun to drive now! Stock sucks!