Mine is on the dash and very readable during the day along with a digital speedometer display.

 

It is not a power issue but a sound issue. THe Duel outlets sound better. It is hard to get a single pipe even on a V8 to sound very good let alone a 4 that does not sound like a fart in a can.

 

Made it with a bigger SNAIL....

 

I've got another thread going that's related to this issue, but I'll chime in too. Not enough head room with the performance seat. I can't see the overhead traffic lights unless I'm a block away, or crouch down. The 4 spd auto is an embarassment in this competitive world, for this model. I don't mind the cheapness of the plastic as much as these two main complaints. I'm really close to trading it, but I'm finding that there's very little that compares to the HHR SS. I can't believe that this great motor isn't being used in more GM models. With higher boost,(and a much better tranny) it can power just about everything GM makes, and still return decent mileage.

 

Interesting,... how much more would you pay over what the price was to get "just what you want"?

P.S. There is nothing that compares to the HHR SS (period)

 

I agree. They could do some improvements but overall the car is awesome for what you get at that price. Some of the new cars GM is producing are very well designed and built at an affordable price. I have not seen one up close but the new Cruze looks very well done and the pictures of the updated Malibu interior are stellar. Both affordable for what you get. I have a friend that was knocking on my HHR with his new Kia and was bragging about what he got and then he told me he paid $37,000 for it and my jaw dropped. I was like well yeah it better have some better options, you paid $14,000 more than my car. That's almost another car.

 

To your first Q, probably about $1500.

I think there's a few cars that compare...somewhat. The Subaru WRX 5dr. hatchback. The Mazdaspeed 3 5dr. hatch, and the Volkswagen GTI. All of these models have less cargo room, or the accessability is limited. The Subie is only available with a 4 spd. A/T,but it's AWD.

 

$1500 you must be happy with what you have. Most here would have to add $15,000 to get what they want.

 

Well I was trying to be realistic about the added amount I would pay to get the changes I want most from the factory. Aftermarket items are alot different than basic design differences that the factory amortizes. My point, if there is one, is it'd take very little tweeking to make the HHR SS a much more attractive car to own. GM has a long track record of giving you just enough to be interesting, but always falls short in some ways. Frankly, the car isn't worth an add'l 15k, no matter what you do to it. My issues are mainly the blind spots, and the 4 spd. A/T. I'm really surprised at the forum members that put a V-8 on the wish list. I think the 2.0 DI Turbo is a pretty impressive motor.

 

First thing I would like to say is that I really love my HHR SS for the most part. One thing I would of liked to have seen was either a higher front air dam or one that would "float" or "move" to prevent damage when going up sidewalk ramps and other steep grades. The air dam is a problem for everyday drivers because you have to be really careful. Another solution could of been to add just another few inches of clearance.

A better Stage I kit or just have it added at the factory seems to be on a lot of lists with good reason. Maybe a two-tone paint option. Also, a little bit disappointed in the stock radio because it is a little weak. Another idea is a factory option for racing stripes like the ones I saw on the new Camaro. In addition, lets not forget about an electric vacuum booster pump for the brakes on vehicles equipped with manual transmissions.

Finally, a next generation HHR in general might have been nice because the model had a fairly good run.