I am looking at joining the HHR SS family and I need a Black one. None of the dealers around where I live have any SS's. The dealer I am working with can find Black ones with the auto only and some Reds with the 5 Speed. I did test drive a LT auto and I know there will be some difference between a LT and SS. I was wondernig if anyone had driven both and could tell me the difference? Also, has anyone driven a SS 5 speed and auto? The dealer said we could order a 2009 with all the options I want and I might go that route.

Thanks for your responses!

 

I have driven both and there is a very big difference in performance between the two. I would only get the auto if you have no choice. That is just my opinion. I'm sure the ones with the auto will disagree,

 

I test drove a five speed, but there were few on the lots. I bought an automatic. Depending on what kind of driving you do, around town the auto seems better. The manuals require lots of shifting which get to be a PITA after a while. It also depends on what you want the car for. I got an HHR as a daily driver, I have three other cars(not HHRs) in the stable, two five speeds and one auto. Each have their pluses and minus's.

 

When I was shopping for my SS I was having a big problem deciding between an Automatic and a Stick. The First one I Test drove was a Stick........I didn't like it at all....There seemed to be something wrong with the shifter......balky hard to shift....Clutch very touchy.....I then tested an Automatic I liked it alot! I still hadn't made up my mind at that point! I decided to test another stick! This one was really sweet!! Easy shifting clutch very smooth and responsive! I still wasn't sure what I wanted! The stick car is very fast!! Auto is nice though.
I then went to a dealer and got to drive a stick and an Automatic the same day.......The problem at this point.......there were no Stick cars out there optioned the way I wanted!
I decided to get an Automatic and the dealer got one for me from another dealer.....
If you decide you want an 08 there are no more being built the 09's are in production! you will have to take from whats out there........The 09 car will have some new colors upgrades and options......If I were you thats the way I would go Factory order an 09

 

I work in Manhattan and commute 80 miles one way.On the highway a stick aint bad but in midtown,forget it.Been there before and its almost unbearable with a stick.My only choice was the auto.

 

I use my SS for family and work deliveries. I like the stick but with all the stop and go and needing the extra hand for kids, holding a drink, directions, etc., the stick would have got old fast. We're actually looking to trade in the wife's suburban for a 09' Panel SS.

I wish someone here would due timeslips on a stock stick and auto SS for comparisons. Anyone, Anyone?

 

You asked.

Get the Red 5 speed.

Depends on your driving environment,
Mostly city –Auto Trans,
Mostly highway/country - 5 speed.

Some things to consider; the Limited Slip Diff is not available with the auto, do you get snow?

More HP with the 5 speed.

The Auto Trans has a weird non-controllable up-shift under deceleration on steep grades. I have an auto in a LS and hate it and will get a 5 speed in my SS. The SS is a performance car.

It is entirely and completely my opinion but in some situations auto trans owners on this site seem to me to be a little bit defensive, kina like a suppressed 5 speed envy thing!

 

ROTFLMFAO...........

 

I went with the auto because I wanted remote start and i got a killer deal...

 

@HHRSSCJH

Send me a PM if you are still looking for a black 5spd. I can send you a contact for a dealer I spoke with earlier this week, that had one. It's a loaded black 5spd with the gray interior. If he still has it, you should be able to get it for dealer invoice.

My wife insisted on the black interior, so unfortunately I had to pass on it. Ended up costing me about $700 more because of it