Looking into getting one...
Thread Starter
Joined: 06-28-2008
Posts: 3
From: Columbia, MD
Looking into getting one...
Hello...new to the forum...as you may already be able to tell, I am a GTO owner but have been looking at getting a new daily driver to keep the miles off the goat...and ofcourse, the HHR SS has caught my attention. Wasn't always a big fan of the HHR to be honest but when I saw the new SS, for some reason, it started to grow on me and am now thinking about owning one.
So my question is how does this car compare to the other turbo'd 4 bangers out there (i.e. WRX, SRT4 Neon & Caliber, Cobalt S/C & T/C, etc.)? I have read many of the reviews and saw that it is running low to mid 6's 0-60 but I don't see any 1/4 mile times, what are the manuals running? Ofcourse coming from a manual goat, I am only going to get another manual...love the feeling going thru the gearbox...no auto for me. Another aspect of this car that has my attention is the launch control...such a cool idea and not many cars out there have it...for those who have the manuals, how does it work as far as living up to what is said about it? Does it really works as good as it is made out to?
Finally, I am just looking for reasons to get this over any other vehicle...love the idea of having a fast DD that is an american made product...really dont like to idea of buying a japanese vehicle and would much rather stay with GM but I have looked at the caliber SRT4...
Thanks.
So my question is how does this car compare to the other turbo'd 4 bangers out there (i.e. WRX, SRT4 Neon & Caliber, Cobalt S/C & T/C, etc.)? I have read many of the reviews and saw that it is running low to mid 6's 0-60 but I don't see any 1/4 mile times, what are the manuals running? Ofcourse coming from a manual goat, I am only going to get another manual...love the feeling going thru the gearbox...no auto for me. Another aspect of this car that has my attention is the launch control...such a cool idea and not many cars out there have it...for those who have the manuals, how does it work as far as living up to what is said about it? Does it really works as good as it is made out to?
Finally, I am just looking for reasons to get this over any other vehicle...love the idea of having a fast DD that is an american made product...really dont like to idea of buying a japanese vehicle and would much rather stay with GM but I have looked at the caliber SRT4...
Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: 01-28-2008
Posts: 357
From: INDIANA
Its a great daily driver, fun to drive, quick, and gets awesome mileage. I like that the fold down seats actually go flat, its easy to get in and out of, and that the appearance gets LOTS of looks, more than my other cars do. All in all, the longer I have it, the more I appreciate just how usefull of a car it is.
to the site!!! One reason to get this vehicle over any other is the utility you can get out of it without having to sacrifice performance 
Member
Joined: 06-28-2008
Posts: 62
From: Simi Valley, CA
I was almost exactly in your boat. I have an '07 475hp Saleen Supercharged Mustang GT Vert that I want to keep the miles off (and also ease gas payments on, lol).
I bought my 5 speed SS 2 weeks ago. It's a blast. It's very versatile and I liked the styling much better than the Caliber SRT4. FYI I had an '05 Neon SRT4. And I think I was too old for that car when I bought it (I was 27!).
There's loads of utility, I can put my two children (with cars seats) in the back seat and load the trunk up and go out for a day at the beach with the family. While you could in the Mustang, it was a lot less pleasant considering how cramped the rear "seats" are, especially with car seats.
The thing is this is a turbo motor (read: almost unlimited mod potential), and while it's not all that fast stock compared to my Mustang, it's a load of fun. Canyon carving in this thing is a riot. It moves through corners far faster than anything with this profile has the right to.
Launch control is a little bit of a gimmick if you are a good driver. For those that are not used to launching a high performance (especially FWD!) car from a standstill it is pretty cool. I used no-lift-shift yesterday, got a nice pop from the exhaust. I speed shifted my SRT-4 manually anyhow.
What else? I think the biggest strengths of the SS are:
I bought my 5 speed SS 2 weeks ago. It's a blast. It's very versatile and I liked the styling much better than the Caliber SRT4. FYI I had an '05 Neon SRT4. And I think I was too old for that car when I bought it (I was 27!).
There's loads of utility, I can put my two children (with cars seats) in the back seat and load the trunk up and go out for a day at the beach with the family. While you could in the Mustang, it was a lot less pleasant considering how cramped the rear "seats" are, especially with car seats.
The thing is this is a turbo motor (read: almost unlimited mod potential), and while it's not all that fast stock compared to my Mustang, it's a load of fun. Canyon carving in this thing is a riot. It moves through corners far faster than anything with this profile has the right to.
Launch control is a little bit of a gimmick if you are a good driver. For those that are not used to launching a high performance (especially FWD!) car from a standstill it is pretty cool. I used no-lift-shift yesterday, got a nice pop from the exhaust. I speed shifted my SRT-4 manually anyhow.
What else? I think the biggest strengths of the SS are:
- American Manufacturer
- Very versatile
- Better gas mileage than competitors (MS3, SRT4)
- Awesome handling
- Turbo motor, will be able to increase boost.
Senior Member
Joined: 06-27-2008
Posts: 276
From: Arlington, Texas
I was almost exactly in your boat. I have an '07 475hp Saleen Supercharged Mustang GT Vert that I want to keep the miles off (and also ease gas payments on, lol).
I bought my 5 speed SS 2 weeks ago. It's a blast. It's very versatile and I liked the styling much better than the Caliber SRT4. FYI I had an '05 Neon SRT4. And I think I was too old for that car when I bought it (I was 27!).
There's loads of utility, I can put my two children (with cars seats) in the back seat and load the trunk up and go out for a day at the beach with the family. While you could in the Mustang, it was a lot less pleasant considering how cramped the rear "seats" are, especially with car seats.
The thing is this is a turbo motor (read: almost unlimited mod potential), and while it's not all that fast stock compared to my Mustang, it's a load of fun. Canyon carving in this thing is a riot. It moves through corners far faster than anything with this profile has the right to.
Launch control is a little bit of a gimmick if you are a good driver. For those that are not used to launching a high performance (especially FWD!) car from a standstill it is pretty cool. I used no-lift-shift yesterday, got a nice pop from the exhaust. I speed shifted my SRT-4 manually anyhow.
What else? I think the biggest strengths of the SS are:
I bought my 5 speed SS 2 weeks ago. It's a blast. It's very versatile and I liked the styling much better than the Caliber SRT4. FYI I had an '05 Neon SRT4. And I think I was too old for that car when I bought it (I was 27!).
There's loads of utility, I can put my two children (with cars seats) in the back seat and load the trunk up and go out for a day at the beach with the family. While you could in the Mustang, it was a lot less pleasant considering how cramped the rear "seats" are, especially with car seats.
The thing is this is a turbo motor (read: almost unlimited mod potential), and while it's not all that fast stock compared to my Mustang, it's a load of fun. Canyon carving in this thing is a riot. It moves through corners far faster than anything with this profile has the right to.
Launch control is a little bit of a gimmick if you are a good driver. For those that are not used to launching a high performance (especially FWD!) car from a standstill it is pretty cool. I used no-lift-shift yesterday, got a nice pop from the exhaust. I speed shifted my SRT-4 manually anyhow.
What else? I think the biggest strengths of the SS are:
- American Manufacturer
- Very versatile
- Better gas mileage than competitors (MS3, SRT4)
- Awesome handling
- Turbo motor, will be able to increase boost.
Senior Member
Joined: 06-26-2008
Posts: 164
From: Corona CA
Welcome...
Just traded in my 06 GTO for the HHR.
The 5 speed cars are making around 240hp to the wheels stock.(Mine just made 250 whp SAE on a dyno jet)
I imagine this car is capable of a 14.3-4 @99-100 at a good track with a good driver. It's 4-500lbs heavier than your SRT (I owend a 03 SRT that went 13.8@102 with exhaust only on factory rubber) and not as aerodynamic. (20-30 more hp than the SRT4's)
Mods are limited at this time. The cars computer is gonna back out most if not all of the bolt on performance until people start working on the tuning asspect. Hahn is the only company that is currently offering a tuner (real $pendy) and is having nice results.(40+ hp)
I have my fingers crossed HP tuners gets on board quick as I want 300 fwhp
When tuning arives I think a mid 13 second 102 mph HHR is possible on factory tires.
Gas mileage is great.
Handling is great.
Interior is roomy.
I don't miss driving my converted auto GTO (12.3) one bit
Just traded in my 06 GTO for the HHR.
The 5 speed cars are making around 240hp to the wheels stock.(Mine just made 250 whp SAE on a dyno jet)
I imagine this car is capable of a 14.3-4 @99-100 at a good track with a good driver. It's 4-500lbs heavier than your SRT (I owend a 03 SRT that went 13.8@102 with exhaust only on factory rubber) and not as aerodynamic. (20-30 more hp than the SRT4's)
Mods are limited at this time. The cars computer is gonna back out most if not all of the bolt on performance until people start working on the tuning asspect. Hahn is the only company that is currently offering a tuner (real $pendy) and is having nice results.(40+ hp)
I have my fingers crossed HP tuners gets on board quick as I want 300 fwhp
When tuning arives I think a mid 13 second 102 mph HHR is possible on factory tires.
Gas mileage is great.
Handling is great.
Interior is roomy.
I don't miss driving my converted auto GTO (12.3) one bit
Member
Joined: 06-30-2008
Posts: 38
From: SE WI
I had a heavily modded 04 GTO (cam, heads, STS, etc, etc, etc) and there will be a few things you'll miss going to the HHR SS.
You'll miss the hellish GTO wheelhop. It will be replaced with a touch or torque steer. Not Impala SS bad torque steer.... very manageable.
You'll miss the cute gas station attendants. You won't see them very often.
You'll miss the V8 rumble. It will be replaced with a slightly odd growl with a whistle.
You will miss the GTO seats. There are no better seats, hands down. These aren't bad, but if you compare them you will notice the difference.
You will miss having the $%^# gas tank in the trunk. You have this large vacant spot where you can actually put golf clubs, tools, parts, or more than a 6 pack or your favorite beverage.
Compared to the others:
Caliber SRT is faster in the straight line. Cornering sucks. Interior is very cheap plastic. I drove one exactly 2 blocks... I *hated* it.
The Subies are 4wd... good for the launching if you learn how. The HHR SS will out handle the non-STi cars. They really are a hoot in the twisties.
Cobalt SS will be faster, but smaller feeling. Big difference from the GTO.
Find the SS on a dealer's lot and take it for a spin. You'll like it.
You'll miss the hellish GTO wheelhop. It will be replaced with a touch or torque steer. Not Impala SS bad torque steer.... very manageable.
You'll miss the cute gas station attendants. You won't see them very often.
You'll miss the V8 rumble. It will be replaced with a slightly odd growl with a whistle.
You will miss the GTO seats. There are no better seats, hands down. These aren't bad, but if you compare them you will notice the difference.
You will miss having the $%^# gas tank in the trunk. You have this large vacant spot where you can actually put golf clubs, tools, parts, or more than a 6 pack or your favorite beverage.
Compared to the others:
Caliber SRT is faster in the straight line. Cornering sucks. Interior is very cheap plastic. I drove one exactly 2 blocks... I *hated* it.
The Subies are 4wd... good for the launching if you learn how. The HHR SS will out handle the non-STi cars. They really are a hoot in the twisties.
Cobalt SS will be faster, but smaller feeling. Big difference from the GTO.
Find the SS on a dealer's lot and take it for a spin. You'll like it.
Senior Member
Joined: 06-26-2008
Posts: 164
From: Corona CA
I had a heavily modded 04 GTO (cam, heads, STS, etc, etc, etc) and there will be a few things you'll miss going to the HHR SS.
You'll miss the hellish GTO wheelhop. It will be replaced with a touch or torque steer. Not Impala SS bad torque steer.... very manageable.
You'll miss the cute gas station attendants. You won't see them very often.
You'll miss the V8 rumble. It will be replaced with a slightly odd growl with a whistle.
You will miss the GTO seats. There are no better seats, hands down. These aren't bad, but if you compare them you will notice the difference.
You will miss having the $%^# gas tank in the trunk. You have this large vacant spot where you can actually put golf clubs, tools, parts, or more than a 6 pack or your favorite beverage.
Compared to the others:
Caliber SRT is faster in the straight line. Cornering sucks. Interior is very cheap plastic. I drove one exactly 2 blocks... I *hated* it.
The Subies are 4wd... good for the launching if you learn how. The HHR SS will out handle the non-STi cars. They really are a hoot in the twisties.
Cobalt SS will be faster, but smaller feeling. Big difference from the GTO.
Find the SS on a dealer's lot and take it for a spin. You'll like it.
You'll miss the hellish GTO wheelhop. It will be replaced with a touch or torque steer. Not Impala SS bad torque steer.... very manageable.
You'll miss the cute gas station attendants. You won't see them very often.
You'll miss the V8 rumble. It will be replaced with a slightly odd growl with a whistle.
You will miss the GTO seats. There are no better seats, hands down. These aren't bad, but if you compare them you will notice the difference.
You will miss having the $%^# gas tank in the trunk. You have this large vacant spot where you can actually put golf clubs, tools, parts, or more than a 6 pack or your favorite beverage.
Compared to the others:
Caliber SRT is faster in the straight line. Cornering sucks. Interior is very cheap plastic. I drove one exactly 2 blocks... I *hated* it.
The Subies are 4wd... good for the launching if you learn how. The HHR SS will out handle the non-STi cars. They really are a hoot in the twisties.
Cobalt SS will be faster, but smaller feeling. Big difference from the GTO.
Find the SS on a dealer's lot and take it for a spin. You'll like it.
lol...yeah
Thread Starter
Joined: 06-28-2008
Posts: 3
From: Columbia, MD
WOW...I am really surprised to see goat owners who now have the HHR SS that quickly...really wasn't expecting that...but again, great to hear. Fortunately, I don't plan on trading mine in...I am keeping it as my garage queen and start putting parts on it that are just collecting dust (cam, heads, p&p intake manifold, p&p throttle body, sway bars and hurst shifter)...havent really had the time to install the stuff with work and coaching...
But either way, will definitely do a search and try to find one at a dealer near me...these posts are making me want to find one and see what it is all about...got me all worked up and excited to drive one...thanks.
But either way, will definitely do a search and try to find one at a dealer near me...these posts are making me want to find one and see what it is all about...got me all worked up and excited to drive one...thanks.
