I purchased an black automatic SS and I find it is a fun little SUV to drive. It is my wife's car and the only thing I find she has a heavy right foot. The automatic is not a bad unit, and it's the first auto I have had with a bit of power. I have other vehicles that if I really feel the need for speed I can motor in. Overall I am pleased with the car, sure the dash is hard plastic and the door pillars are thick, but it is something I can live with. I only problem I have with it at present is the USB will not connect with an Itouch. It only has 4800 Km on it and I will get it to GM eventually. The XM radio works great as does the blue tooth. Over the years I have bought many vehicles and as far as this one is concerned its' not that bad.

1971 ElCamino
2001 Corvette Roadster
2003 GMC SLT 4X4
2004 Ford Focus ZTW
2008 E450 Lexington GTS 300 SS Motorhome

 

If you want to make it quite a bit faster add the turbo upgrade kit. Doesn't affect your GM warranty

 

I have seen several HHR's on ebay that have been rolled. The way they held up makes me appreciate the big pillars.

 

Good luck with the new SS.........The USB port has been a problem with compatibility with certain things since day one. All I can say is I feel you and good luck......mine gave me hell......

 

GM Slogan for 2011: "The HHR - It's not that bad".

 

I see that was a poor choice of words. The HHR is a great little runabout, handles well, great acceleration, lots of room to carry your belongings. I will change that sentence to: "It's a great car."


1971 ElCamino
2001 Corvette Roadster
2003 GMC SLT 4X4
2004 Ford Focus ZTW
2008 E450 Lexington GTS 300 SS Motorhome

 

Ever seen the crash test ratings on the HHR? It rivals Volvo. I guess you have to give something to get something... I'll take it, especially when I have my wife and daughter in the car.

 

2012: It Wasn't That Bad

 

Quite the understatement! If you're satisfied with the stock performance of your auto SS now, you'll be downright ecstatic about it after you add the turbo upgrade kit. Another great mod is a rear swaybar.

Welcome to the club!

 

My wife and I were on our way home on Xmas eve. We had to come to an abrupt stop on an onramp and were hit from the rear by a Camry doing about 50. The front end of the Camry was flattened. The rear of our 06 HHR LT2 showed minimal damage. We were ok and so were the folks in the Camry. I was amazed at how well the HHR took the impact. I'm thankful for the highback seats with the headrests and the sturdiness of the rear end during impact.

When we got it to the shop there was very slight frame damage. We ended up opting to get a new HHR SS as a replacement. These wagons are tough!