Took my 09 HHR on its first road trip to New Mexico last week. I put almost 1000 miles on the odometer. I gotta say, this car is the most fun vehicle I've ever owned. Great seats, great stereo, good gas mileage, nice quiet ride (except for a few frustrating rattles that come and go depending on the road conditions). I was really surprised how well the car handled the mountains, especially through Raton Pass (even with the cruise set at 80 mph!) The transmission was really smooth when it downshifted, but I was even more impressed with the engine. Even though you could hear it working hard, it sounded smooth and refined, not harsh or buzzy at all. I put some pics on my blog if you'd like to check them out. www.beachbumchris.blogspot.com

 

Glad you enjoyed your trip. I live in Indiana and took my 07 Premier Edition to Montana an Wyoming last fall on a one month trip. Did Yellowstone, Rushmore, the Black Hills and more. It took to the Rockies like a mountain goat. Great gas millage too, about 32mpg on the trip. Just got back from a one month trip to Florida, only averaged about 29mpg, but I was really loaded down, three people and lots of luggage. Must of ran over some white paint on the road and got it all over the passenger side front to back. Clay bar did a nice job of taking it off, but still have some on the running board pad.

 

Glad to hear you got the paint off! What color is your HHR? I gotta say I love the Silver, it hides the small scratches and hides the dirt pretty good too. Compared to my last car I had (dark green) which showed everything.

 

Premier Edition = Cappuccino Frost

 

Nice! I've always loved that color! Wished they made that color in 09, that would have been my first choice!