Reflections on My '07 HHR
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Joined: 11-29-2007
Posts: 19
From: Illinois
Reflections on My '07 HHR
I purchased my well-equipped '07 HHR new about 3 years ago and now have almost 40,000 miles on it. During that time I have been quite happy with the vehicle with a few exceptions.
For me, the HHR is very comfortable and has ample pickup and passing power with the 2.4L. My average gas mileage is around 28mpg; not too bad but could be better. It never fails to amaze me how much "stuff" the HHR can swallow. Fold the rear seats down and the useable space for carrying things is amazing. I think the looks of the model are still fresh and unique. I have not tired of the design. I have the stereo with the Pioneer sub in the back and for a stock system it sounds pretty impressive.
Mechanically the HHR has been quite good. Early on I had the steering clunk that was fixed by replacing some steering shaft, the cruise intermittently did not work because of a bad TCC module and I have an ocassionally noisey headliner but overall it is a reliable vehicle that I have used as my primary back and forth to work/ run around on the weekend/go grocery shopping vehicle.
Now--- the HHR is not perfect and there are three issues that annoy me constantly about it. I've grown used to the placement of the cupholders and location of the power window switches those are no biggies but...
1. The placement of the ambient light sensor is horrible! I think it is too often shaded by the windshield wiper or something as when the sun is low in the sky but it is still clearly daylight it keeps the headlights on and the dash lights dim. I am tired of not being able to see the DIC or radio info until 9:30 AM or after 4:00 PM. I know I can defeat the auto lights or turn up the rheostat on the dash lights, but I shouldn't have to.
2. Why does the steering wheel have to take so many turns lock to lock? I feel like in a tight parking lot situation that I am piloting an 18-wheeler.
3. The transmission programming must be optimized for economy because it sure isn't for performance and smoothness. The engine has plenty of pep but you need to get too far into the pedal before a downshift occurs producing more acceleration than really required. Also, almost every day I go up a moderate incline at highway speed on cruise control. The engine downshifts and upshifts repeatedly making the HHR pretty noisey and jerky on that section of road. I had an '08 Toyota Yaris for a while and it downshifted part way up the hill but then would hold the gear until the top was reached. Same for my '09 Chrysler 300C.
As I said, overall I think the HHR is a great little vehicle and although I sometimes contemplate trading it for something new and different I end up thinking, "Why? The HHR does everything I need it to do quite competently and still looks good in the bargain."
For me, the HHR is very comfortable and has ample pickup and passing power with the 2.4L. My average gas mileage is around 28mpg; not too bad but could be better. It never fails to amaze me how much "stuff" the HHR can swallow. Fold the rear seats down and the useable space for carrying things is amazing. I think the looks of the model are still fresh and unique. I have not tired of the design. I have the stereo with the Pioneer sub in the back and for a stock system it sounds pretty impressive.
Mechanically the HHR has been quite good. Early on I had the steering clunk that was fixed by replacing some steering shaft, the cruise intermittently did not work because of a bad TCC module and I have an ocassionally noisey headliner but overall it is a reliable vehicle that I have used as my primary back and forth to work/ run around on the weekend/go grocery shopping vehicle.
Now--- the HHR is not perfect and there are three issues that annoy me constantly about it. I've grown used to the placement of the cupholders and location of the power window switches those are no biggies but...
1. The placement of the ambient light sensor is horrible! I think it is too often shaded by the windshield wiper or something as when the sun is low in the sky but it is still clearly daylight it keeps the headlights on and the dash lights dim. I am tired of not being able to see the DIC or radio info until 9:30 AM or after 4:00 PM. I know I can defeat the auto lights or turn up the rheostat on the dash lights, but I shouldn't have to.
2. Why does the steering wheel have to take so many turns lock to lock? I feel like in a tight parking lot situation that I am piloting an 18-wheeler.
3. The transmission programming must be optimized for economy because it sure isn't for performance and smoothness. The engine has plenty of pep but you need to get too far into the pedal before a downshift occurs producing more acceleration than really required. Also, almost every day I go up a moderate incline at highway speed on cruise control. The engine downshifts and upshifts repeatedly making the HHR pretty noisey and jerky on that section of road. I had an '08 Toyota Yaris for a while and it downshifted part way up the hill but then would hold the gear until the top was reached. Same for my '09 Chrysler 300C.
As I said, overall I think the HHR is a great little vehicle and although I sometimes contemplate trading it for something new and different I end up thinking, "Why? The HHR does everything I need it to do quite competently and still looks good in the bargain."
Senior Member
Joined: 01-13-2008
Posts: 4,708
From: Washington State, where it rains
Trade that steering wheel for a SS model..its about 1 in smaller in dia....Im with you on the feel of that wheel..Ive been in mammm's car (07 LS) for a week now and it feels like a garbage truck compared to my SS..Reminds me of when I was driving a 56 3/4 ton chevy PU at work...can steer a boat with that steer wheel!
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