I remeber seeing the concept sketchs too a while back, have to say the production version looks alot like the concept! Way to go GM!

 

I am glad so many owners like their HHR's. They are great looking and have many good features. I believe they should have been better to begin with. GM engineers and designers should know what buyers enjoy and complain about. How much expense would have been added to do it right? I have a 1996 S10 that has a wonderful console/storage/armrest/cupholder, that could have been sized to fit the HHR. An OS handle could have been moulded into the plastic right pillar for a few cents. The technology for ergonomics exists why wasn't it used? The under sized brake rotors will be an issue for most owners eventually, again doing it right the first time would be best. I think GM will end up loosing more money by getting it wrong. How many brake systems will they have to fix? How many paint jobs and maybe rust outs will they have to repair? How many unhappy owners will buy from another company next time? GM needs to ask itself these questions, and answer them.

Sorry if many of you think I'm wrong. I hope GM and Chevrolet looks at this forum and learns something.

 

I have an 07 and i dont have any complaints, I'm 5'10 and dont have any problem with seatbelts or arm rests or anything.

 

I have a 2007 HHR LS 2.2 5-Speed. I love this thing!!! Sure some things aren't what i like either but they are so minor . I can't beat the 4yr/48,000 , 5yr/100,000 warranty.I traded a PT Cruiser which had nothing in it for the HHR that has almost everything for $3000 more dollars. Much better car by the way...lol.

 

My only issue with my HHR is the Deer like it almost as good as me......

 

454, you have good points, but you're missing another point, and the point is that not everyone has the same needs, and bringing every item up to power users' specs means we all share the extra costs No thanks... Here's a few examples:

You mention the brakes. True, they are pretty flimsy, but I live in flat lands, and am a pretty gentle brake user, and will likely never have an issue whatsoever with them. I'm sure most drivers will fall into tis category(otherwise, there'd be a recall a this point). so, asking all users t pay for what only a few really need wouldn't be fair. You need bigger brakes? The aftermarket will take care of it.

Now, GM made the running boards standard in Canada(don't worry, we're paying for it VIA price increases), because we run on salt and sand covered roads a lot more than an HHR owner in LA. Wouldn't be fair to make him pay for something he doesn't need just because I live in the snowbelt, right?

The plastic interior parts? What would you want them to be made of? Leather? Wood? Be realistic. This is an economy car...

Heated mirrors? Why? I've never needed any before, so why should I pay for something only a few folks would ever want or use? Again, the aftermarket will supply the if you really need them.

You say: "Firestone tires. (need I say more?)". Well, please say more. I don't understand the issue. So far, I've driven on dry pavement, wet pavement, ice, snow pack, and plowed my way through 6-7 inches of snow just last week. Tires did their job. Tires did their job mighty fine. These are the same tires an HHR delivered to southern California, or north of the Arctic watershed will wear. If you ask me, they do everything decently. Again, the aftermarket will happily provide tires that are more ideal to your area and climate if you wish.

Plastic antenna? Again, what should it be made of? Billet and anodized aluminum? On a economy car?

No light's on the visor vanity mirrors. and? What's wrong wt that? I never use them, so again, if they had lights, I'd be paying for something i don't want or need, but you want. Instead, head to NAPA and get you some...

You sate: "Serious lack of storage space, maybe a center console would "fix" several things.". I agree that sorage space is rare, but, umm, where would we put a console? The seats, literally, touch each other when the armrests are down! there's no room for a console. You also complained the armrests are too small. Again, they touch already, so they couldn't be larger. It's a small car. Space will be limited...

You state: "Poorly located window controls, non illuminated." There's a neat little LED on the ceiling that lights up the entire dash area, including the switches. I have no issue finding the switches...

You have valid points, but you forgot to look at what the car's designed as, and that's a small economy car. You're asking for features a higher priced vehicle would have, and also asking for amenities that only a larger vehicle can have. instead, take the HHR for what it is and is meant to be, and it begins to make much more sense.

 

The above guy (assumed) does apply some logic But, his comments will be argued as well.

 

Hi,

My 2007 came equipped with running boards so I have not experienced any problems with dinged paint. As I mentioned in another post, this is the first car I have ever had in 40 years which came with ABSOLUTELY NO FAULTS OR ERRORS from the factory and that is impressive. Mind you, I have had her for just under four months and driven only 920 km, but I would think any problems would have surfaced by now, especially as it has been all winter driving. I'm not too happy with the Firestone tires but have adjusted to them. Sorry to hear there have been some problem cars, but mine is definitely not one of them!

Peter in Edmonton

 

Sorry that you don't like some of the features 454, I love mine. I am so much of an HHR lover, I count the others on the street.

I love the fact that others see the HHR as a great car and went to get the same one I did.

I didn't bother with the LT. I got the standard LS with 2.2L, no boards. It does have remote start on it which is fab for Chi driving. Plus, it gets such AWESOME gas mileage. 1900 miles, six fill ups. Thats awesome. 30 bucks gets us a full tank of gas.

Gomez has been a God send!!!

You do bring up some valid points, but I think for the money...(mine was a little less than 19K) it was an AWESOME deal.

 

My 2 cents worth:
I have just over 5K and 9 months of driving with it. I have had many vehices in over 35 years of driving, so far this is the most enjoyable to drive. Past cars I've had were minus the features I have now, I would not have a problem buying another one. Some drawbacks, but so what, every car has them. Every day I look forward to driving it. Bottom line is great fuel mileage, good look of vehicle, and fun to drive.