Bought our HHR LT2 new in Feb 2007 (96 model). I have opened the hood maybe three times since then, other than for oil and filter changes. Have had ZERO problems with this car. Replaced tires at 35k miles, now has 55k miles. I am very happy with this car, and I swore I would never own a four cylinder car, much less with front wheel drive. If the steering wheel angle was better ergonomically, it would be the perfect commuter/hauler/fun car.

I liked it at first because of the unusual looks. Only complaint is my wife likes to close the hatch by pushing on the piece of chrome across the tailgate (they call it a plinth on my Jag) and the tailgate is now bent at both ends of the chrome. I have seen others with same dents.

 

Good to hear...You don't have tilt-wheel ??

If I had a choice I would add telescopic steering wheel, That would allow me to get really laid back on road trips & still have good grip on wheel.. (& probably fall asleep)...

That's good to also hear to be careful shutting the liftgate. Never thought it could dent from shutting it repeatedly over time.


Thanks for your input..

 

Bought our HHR LT2 new in Feb 2007 (96 model).

I'd like to see a photo of the 96 model. I know a typo.

My '06 LT1 has 55k miles changed the tires 2000 miles ago, changed the oil and filter periodically and have no issues, other than a stuck ignition key fixed while under warrenty.

I too wishe for telescoping steering wheel.

 

I will third the Telescoping wheel. The Malibu has it so they could have added it here too. I am used to it now but but when I bought it that was the biggest adjustment I needed to do.

I too swore I would never own a FWD 4 cylinder and a year and a half later I could not be more please with my choice.

 

hyperv6-

I'm digging my FWD 4 also..Lot more power than my 98 S-10 had..

& I'm used to the wheel (now).
But if I could find a deep-dish wheel with all the buttons, I'd be swapping it onto my ride..

One solution is adding a "brody knob" not be legal in many states.

 

HomeRecker, I told my wife the next time I caught her pushing on the lift gate I was going to get a large wooden ruler like the Nuns had back in her school days... she got the message.

We compromised when I put a 6 inch square piece of very soft foam rubber behind the license plate so she can push on that 'till the paint wears off. (We get a new plate every couple years). She still dosen't know i put the foam there to quiet a rattle between the plate and the plate frame.

As for long term usage I have 98K on my '06, 53K from the previous owner and all I've had to do was a thermostat and a heater motor resistor from a tiny leak under the cowel. A vin # check thru a dealer did not show any repairs made by the previous owner, at least not at a GM facility.

 

I'm going to try the foam. Good idea. I caught the dent issue before I dented mine and I really don't let my wife drive my SS ever. (2x in 2 years) She doesn't quite have the same love for the automobile as I do and won't park on the other side of parking lots away from SUV's etc to avoid dings.

JIm

 

I remember the Nuns myself & that %#@** ruler !!!!

When I bought mine & added my chrome bullet nuts & lic plate frame, I saw the lic plate/frame as a potental rattle.. So I've had a soft piece of water pipe insulation stuffed in there since day 1. Dab of silicone & it's never moved at all..