HHR SS bashing?
Senior Member
Joined: 07-05-2008
Posts: 5,464
From: Akron Ohio
The bottom line here is people are going to say some things that are not accurate or mis informed on the SS and other topics and you just have to deal with it. You can't fix ignorant with some people.
As a owner of a Fiero for 25 years you have to have some thick skin. The HHR is a polarizing vehicle and some time you need to put on the thick skin too. The best thing to do is be honest about the car and give it credit where it deserves and admit the flaws where they lay. THis will keep you creditable with what you say. Name calling and lashing out is not a way to gain respect.
I have heard all sorts of crap on the Fiero and then I see someone try to defend it like it was a F40 or something. The fact is the car is not near as bad as some want to make it but it also does have some issues.
The SS is a lot easier to defend as it has less flaws with the engine and suspension both holding their own. Even the performance numbers speak for them selves. I have own many GM perfromance cars over years and many SS should have not had the name on them. But the HHR SS and Cobalt will out perform most SS ever built as so many were hard pressed to break 15 secon 1/4 miles.
Muscle car of the past were not always the monsters some want to make you believe they were. some in stock form were down right dogs. Not all were LS6 Chevelles.
Today has become the good old days. With the way the present goverment is forcing things this will not last forever and we will be back to some really under performing rides unless we can juice up some electric motors.
As a owner of a Fiero for 25 years you have to have some thick skin. The HHR is a polarizing vehicle and some time you need to put on the thick skin too. The best thing to do is be honest about the car and give it credit where it deserves and admit the flaws where they lay. THis will keep you creditable with what you say. Name calling and lashing out is not a way to gain respect.
I have heard all sorts of crap on the Fiero and then I see someone try to defend it like it was a F40 or something. The fact is the car is not near as bad as some want to make it but it also does have some issues.
The SS is a lot easier to defend as it has less flaws with the engine and suspension both holding their own. Even the performance numbers speak for them selves. I have own many GM perfromance cars over years and many SS should have not had the name on them. But the HHR SS and Cobalt will out perform most SS ever built as so many were hard pressed to break 15 secon 1/4 miles.
Muscle car of the past were not always the monsters some want to make you believe they were. some in stock form were down right dogs. Not all were LS6 Chevelles.
Today has become the good old days. With the way the present goverment is forcing things this will not last forever and we will be back to some really under performing rides unless we can juice up some electric motors.
Last edited by ChevyMgr; May 25, 2010 at 03:56 PM. Reason: admin edit
Senior Member
Joined: 03-08-2009
Posts: 155
From: Lower Slower Delaware
In 1969 I bought a 1966 Chevy II SS. It had a 283 4bbl/3-speed on the column with bucket seats, 3.08 single leg. I never ran it at the track in stock form but after headers, Hurst shifter and some decent tires, it ran consistent 14.0-14.1 at Budd's Creek and Capitol. I've driven everything from a 69 DZ302 to a Hemi 'Cuda and most of the muscle cars were heavy and ill handling. My 2007 LT has all the get up and go I need. In a couple of years I plan on trading it for 09 or 10 SS just to have one after they are gone.
I have never cared what others say about any of my vehicles - that's their opinion - and you know what they say about opinions.
I have never cared what others say about any of my vehicles - that's their opinion - and you know what they say about opinions.
Senior Member
Joined: 07-05-2008
Posts: 5,464
From: Akron Ohio
In 1969 I bought a 1966 Chevy II SS. It had a 283 4bbl/3-speed on the column with bucket seats, 3.08 single leg. I never ran it at the track in stock form but after headers, Hurst shifter and some decent tires, it ran consistent 14.0-14.1 at Budd's Creek and Capitol. I've driven everything from a 69 DZ302 to a Hemi 'Cuda and most of the muscle cars were heavy and ill handling. My 2007 LT has all the get up and go I need. In a couple of years I plan on trading it for 09 or 10 SS just to have one after they are gone.
I have never cared what others say about any of my vehicles - that's their opinion - and you know what they say about opinions.
I have never cared what others say about any of my vehicles - that's their opinion - and you know what they say about opinions.
I ran a stock 69 Chevelle at the track and he just cleared 15 seconds.
One has to remember back then they did Gross HP ratings vs Net SAE ratings today.
Back then they would test the engine on a dyno with no belts or aircleaner. Often the HP was inflated 35-75 HP over what it would be today. If the HHR SS with the Turbo upgrade today was tested in this mannor it would be near 350 HP or better. Some cars were under rated like the Z28 but many were really listed higher than what todays standards are so the numbers are not a direct comparison.
Senior Member
Joined: 05-12-2010
Posts: 229
From: Marion, Illinois
My Chevelle was not stock and would carry the left front tire off the ground. But with no power steering manuel drum brakes and ladderbars it was not something I wanted to take any curves in and often wondered if I would stop in time.
I ran a stock 69 Chevelle at the track and he just cleared 15 seconds.
One has to remember back then they did Gross HP ratings vs Net SAE ratings today.
Back then they would test the engine on a dyno with no belts or aircleaner. Often the HP was inflated 35-75 HP over what it would be today. If the HHR SS with the Turbo upgrade today was tested in this mannor it would be near 350 HP or better. Some cars were under rated like the Z28 but many were really listed higher than what todays standards are so the numbers are not a direct comparison.
I ran a stock 69 Chevelle at the track and he just cleared 15 seconds.
One has to remember back then they did Gross HP ratings vs Net SAE ratings today.
Back then they would test the engine on a dyno with no belts or aircleaner. Often the HP was inflated 35-75 HP over what it would be today. If the HHR SS with the Turbo upgrade today was tested in this mannor it would be near 350 HP or better. Some cars were under rated like the Z28 but many were really listed higher than what todays standards are so the numbers are not a direct comparison.
Senior Member
Joined: 07-03-2008
Posts: 1,664
From: jerSSey, exit 5
Over the past weekend we went out to dinner with another couple that we are becoming friends with. I drove all four of us to the restaurant, and when he got out of the car, he looked at it curiously, and asked: "What is this thing anyway? It looks like you took us out to dinner in a gangster car." LMAO.
Joined: 10-13-2009
Posts: 6
From: Minneapolis, MN
Re: HHR SS bashing?
Well I was reading this blog and the HHR SS bashing seems a bit unwarranted. A guess being that I own one I felt defensive here, but I think its one of the greatest everything cars ever built.
http://gas2.org/2009/11/11/sporty-vo...s-green-light/
http://gas2.org/2009/11/11/sporty-vo...s-green-light/
Senior Member
Joined: 07-12-2007
Posts: 690
From: Republic of Texas
I will stick to my guns and say that the SS badge should not be on a cobalt/HHR at all, but man if you think the HHR ss is one of the greatest cars ever built you haven't experienced much in the automotive world. The HHR is just another econobox designed to help out Mr. 18 year old who can't afford a faster/deadlier/less roomy vehicle. IMO of course. I could list a top 100 of vehicles that I favor and the HHR wouldn't make the top 100.