What do you wish Chevy had done to the "SS"
Joined: 08-06-2010
Posts: 3
From: GA
Amen!!! I just had to drop 800+ for the upgrade. I would have loved to see a strong auto tranny instead of the paper mache version they used. It would have helped mileage and performance. The only other mod (and I admit that it is kind of silly) is an armrest storage for the space between the front seats. There is just not enough room in the glove compartment for all the things we need to carry these days!! The awkward placement of the handbrake eliminated any chace of a center console.
Senior Member
Joined: 07-05-2008
Posts: 5,464
From: Akron Ohio
Amen!!! I just had to drop 800+ for the upgrade. I would have loved to see a strong auto tranny instead of the paper mache version they used. It would have helped mileage and performance. The only other mod (and I admit that it is kind of silly) is an armrest storage for the space between the front seats. There is just not enough room in the glove compartment for all the things we need to carry these days!! The awkward placement of the handbrake eliminated any chace of a center console.
The 6 speed tranny just came too late. By the time GM had it for the HHR only had 3 more years and the cost to redesign the pan and crash test it to make it fit just did not work. I can't wait to drive a new Regal with the 2.0 and six speed to see what we missed.
This car rattles more then my 7 month old daughters plastic toys.
Senior Member
Joined: 02-09-2009
Posts: 3,169
From: Downtown Saint Petersburg, Florida
Oh yeah
, I almost forgot--dual electric door locks on each door panel and a remote controller for the windshield wipers, not forget a luminated oil dip stick handle so that you could check the oil level in the dark. Two more important things, a built-in coin holder with a slot for half dollars and have the HHR built in Salt Lake City Utah 
(then you wouldn't have to contend with a "little" rust on the lower door pinchweld.
, I almost forgot--dual electric door locks on each door panel and a remote controller for the windshield wipers, not forget a luminated oil dip stick handle so that you could check the oil level in the dark. Two more important things, a built-in coin holder with a slot for half dollars and have the HHR built in Salt Lake City Utah (then you wouldn't have to contend with a "little" rust on the lower door pinchweld.
Senior Member
Joined: 11-08-2009
Posts: 220
From: Los Angeles, Dallas, New York
Also as everyone mentions a turbo upgrade that doesn't require a bunch of workarounds.
Still, when you look at the marketplace, unless your buying a $40,000 Audi, there is no wagon with the same performance and ability to carry as much in the same package.
As far as being built in America, I use to feel that way, but after dealing with GM I kind of wish their management was in Mexico. We'd probably get better service.
J.
Senior Member
Joined: 07-05-2008
Posts: 5,464
From: Akron Ohio
I wonder how many would have paid that much more than they did?