Don was kind enough to let me drive his car to get a feel (dug it) and was also kind enough to help put the GL's and the Progressive sway bar on--do get a light creak every now and then on the passenger side when I go over a bump too fast, but not enough to bother me (not that anal I guess )
Besides looking better, it definitely made for a smoother ride and less of a roll when I take turns.
Here is a pic of mine before and after rear-leveling:

 

Okay, let me clarify my statement some.

Handling was great! However, the ride could be just short of bone jarring. Every rock felt more like a brick.

 

I think you're exaggerating there...

 

I know what I know, and what I know is in MY car the 1st gens' ride was crap. My wife hated to ride in it. Every bump felt like going over a speedbump. I didn't care it looked and handled great. If they weren't too low for my sidepipes, I'd still have them on.

 

I have first gen springs. I navigate differently now in places with speed bumps and steep driveways. My mudflaps scrap often. Ride is harsh but compared to a VW bus I used to drive all the time, even the worst ride an HHR could provide is much better than the ol' VW Pickle Bus!

 

Thanks for all the input you guys with Gold Lines springs have given me. It has really been helpful with my choice. Not having the opportunity to ride in someone eases car to see for myself what the ride is like is a real disadvantage for me choosing. I can only go off of your input, which verified what I was thinking.
Because I drive a lot and want a some what comfortable ride I have decided to go with the Eibach Pro's. The Cobalt SS springs drop about 1" front and back, Eibach's drop 1" front and 1.6" rear while the Gold Lines drop 1.75" front and 2.25" rear. I decided to take the middle ground with the Eibach springs hoping to get the best lowered ride. I just ordered them from tirerack.com for $220, the lowest price I could find.

 

I've got eibachs now and am very happy with them. My wife was impressed enough by the ride that we have them on her HHR too now.

 

Thanks Mike. I saw a previous post from you in another thread about this and what your input really stuck with me. Was a big reason I went the Eibach route.

 

Got my Gen 3's on (finally), and I love the ride, still rides like a Caddy to me.........added the Turbo Tech sway bar at the same time also! Running 18's and no rubbing at all. Then again, this is my 4th lowered vehicle (stepside, s-10, and a Caprice wagon) and they all rode like a damn log wagon....this thing is heaven!

 

I have 2nd gen. goldlines on mine and I think it rides better than stock. no problems with speed bumps, I drive mine everyday about 250 miles a week. I love the ride much better than stock.