Although, I love my 2010 SS (first new car) and being such a good performer in almost everything. It does have its downsides. The major gripe from me is the use of the 4 speed automatic with no limited slip(especially with that much power going to the front wheels) and no use of a rear sway bar. On a base model, this would have been alright by me but we are in 2010. So, where is the six speed auto w/ a limited slip on a performance model along with a rear swar bar? I love the RPD. The interior doesn't bother me but I have always been about performance over aesthetic details anyway. I also the love the SS seats they are the most supportive seats I have ever had. I also love the SS specific grille and package (body color mirrors, running boards, front and rear fascia). I love the performance from tip in to WOT w/ the Stage kit. Of course, more power wouldn't hurt but I think Chevy could have buttoned up a few more areas on the SS. In fact, I'm trying to convice my old man to get a SS for himself. I have to keep a watch a on my keys, its that bad, that is how much he loves it(he used to race Pontiacs back in the late 50's and most of the 60's; which I think where I may get my Pontiac Bug from)...... (See project vehicle below) . I know costs are consideration to GM but if they had a nice selection of options for you, what options would have you've liked to see? So what would you wish Chevy had done your SS to suit your tastes?


Dave

 

The auto trans that is in my 07 GP GT. Much better than the one they used. Better brake pads and rotors. 350HP.

 

That could also be the problem as well. The aftermarket was thinking that most people how buy an SS would not feel that the the HHR is a good platform to modify. Simply put, the SS has not recieved enough credit (yet) for aftermarket companies to develop products for us. But if you own a 97-09 GTP you have all the support you need; going into the 11's or lower. I don't disagree with this though as GTP's are a lot more plentiful than HHR SS's are. I have worked on a few friend's GTPS, some are running low 13's. I am kinda on a ledge. I do wish the HHR SS had got more attention but on the on the hand, I am glad that they are somewhat rare to most folks. But more products to us "SS" owners would be nice. RANT/OFF

Dave

 

ls3...

 

They should have included the Stage 1 upgrade as standard. Their original excuse that the tranny couldn't handle HP and torque was obvious a crock.

 

V8 and rear wheel drive......................... Hey you asked!

 

I'm totally happy with it powertrain-wise. I wish they used some soft-touch panels, power passenger/heated seats and better sound absorption. Also, the SS seats aren't all that great for tall people (over 6ft).

Other than that, I don't really want for much.

 

RWD, better built iintercooler and charge pipes, a popular flanged turbocharger.

 

Wider tires and a cue ball shifter...

 

Obviously.

This is a cars that borders on great or falls to lemon status depending on your copy, way you drive and your dealer.

I don't mind some of the cheap interior details as I think the interior is attractive and I love the handling and ultility of the car, but Chevy should have used better essential parts like brakes, fuel pump and engine mounts all of which I've replaced.

Also there is no excuse that the information to the dealers on the stage 1 upgrade, it's design and install is handled so badly and it's not just isolated, its widespread.

All of this just kind of makes you shake your head. Look at these forums, this is a car that the owners want to love, but some here, probably more than we know, just give up and go another direction.

Mine has been in the shop 4 times for the install, (to an independent shop for new rotors and motor mount and is schedule to go back in to the chevy dealer for the hard brake issue.

So bottom line . . . better overall quality on the manufacturer and dealer side. It's crazy that there are just a few qualified service departments, crazier still that they fix this car with ties, solder and glue.

So the real "wish List" for this or any GM car.

Restore pride in driving a Chevy, without excuses.

Build a car as good as a Hyundai and stand behind the service. Don't make people wait 4 weeks for parts, don't put their customers in dangerous situations where the car drops to 60 horsepower and don't talk about this being a cheap car (because 25k list is not cheap).

Also don't lay it on bankruptcy because GM got over 50 billion in free loans and we're allowed to wipe most of their balance sheet to zero.

At this point they should be rolling in money and at this stage everyone that has a GM logo on their business card should be working 10 times harder to restore the brand.

IMO

J.