I have been looking at purchacing an HHR SS for awhile now. I have owned Chevy sport cars for years now. Everything thing from big block muscel cars to LS1 Camaros. The thing is I have two kids that have to go to daycare and I will be using this vehicle to look at jobs all over the state so I need good gas mileage also have room for some tools. Tha is why I think this is the perfect vehicle for me. I also love to have fun while driving. WHen I look at the different model years the only thing I can see that is different with the different years is the addition of the G meter on the dash. Is that meter really worth the few extra grand they are asking for the newer models? For example and 2010 runs 18-20 G 08 I can find for 15-17. Please let me know beccause im trying to pull the trigger on this one. Also I really want a manual but there seems to be alot more autos where I live. What do you guys think...

 

This is my second one (2009) first was a 2008. I wish it didn't have the meter on the dash, the storage is more useful to me. I pretty consistently get 27 mpg, lots of highway, occasional hard driving. I would never consider an auto in anything if there's a manual option. It replaced a Honda S2000 and a Dodge Quad Cab PU for me. Its not nearly as good as either in pure driving fun or utility, but it is a decent middle ground, and it's got the funk factor, which I like. Sounds like it could be a good fit for you too.

 

Thats what i'm thinking.. I know its not going to be as much fun as my built 98 Z28 and obviously my work van can haul more stuff, but for pure mpg and the fact that it is a little peppy in the corners and has some HP for some spirited driving can haul some 5 gallon buckets of paint and my tool boxes this might be the car for me. I was looking at the Dodge Caliaber SRT4 and they look pretty cool and I like the interior features better but it doesnt' have the cargo space.

 

The dash is not worth the money unless it is already there. It is just a toy.

You can replace the Boost gauge with a Aerotech meter that does just what the dash does and even more. It is only around $300 and can be installled in less than a half hour. You also keep the storage.

I have the auto and there is no issue with it but I would recomend the GM turbo upgrade for it as the auto is down a little power in first and second gear. The upgrade puts it at 290 HP in all gears and no engine reduction in power.

The Manuals are fine but there are less of them and unlike the days of old changing a clutch is not a simple thing to do. Also as they age the stock shifters go to hell. The cable shifters get rubbery. Most SS are not old enough yet to have the issues but most FWD cars have shifter issues as they age.

Note in the 09 may be the one to look for as a later 09 had most options and upgrades and you do not have many with the dash.

 

Hey! and welcome to the site...
I am on my 2nd '09... My daughter is now 7 years old and has a service dog (70lb Lab puppy) and it carts them around with plenty of room to spare ... I have had eveything from a 2.5 ton palette jack to building supplies inside and had no issues.
I drive almost 4000 mls/mo mostly highway, if I can keep it under 80 I have been clocking 28/29 mpg on a regular basis.
I own a 5spd (had to have a manual) but had to do plenty of looking.. I don't have nor did i want the DIC on the dash, I too like the storage (not a whole lot in these cars) It is a fun car to drive, has the hp when I want it and I've always loved the styling.
I can also attest to the 5 star front end crash rating

 

Thanks, this is a hard thing for me to do considering I always made fun of the "Ricer" cars.... Although this is an American car it still is under that category. The thing is back when I made fun of those cars they were not pushing 260 HP from the factory. Is the Auto that much slower if you do not add the tune?

 

If gas prices wern't so crazy i'd probably buy another Trail Blazer SS.. I loved that thing..

 

As stated before. These were standard on the 2010 SS.
RPD( it's not just a g-meter)
Sunroof
Ebony interior(only color available)
I like my RPD unit. If it was optional, I would have still ordered it. I like having the digital speedo and coolant display there all the time. Switching it to boost gauge and others are just for when I'm goofing around.

 

I wouldn't even consider a 5 speed, the auto with a tune, even the factory tune, stg-1 are faster, and a lot more civilized in heavy traffic. Don't know how you can call a design modeled after the 49 suburban rice ?? I think it's more meat and potatoes. Maybe it's the 4 cylinder, when they easily put 300+ hp and 350 tq, and still get 27mph, I like it, still can't get the grin off my face when I step on it, and I've had it almost 2 years.

 

And I wouldn't even consider an automatic. But transmission choice is really all about personal preferance. Both have their pros and cons, but they both seem to be built about equal as far as reliability.
No problems in traffic with my 5 speed. An easy operating clutch and smooth shifting makes my car effortless to drive.
So the automatic is a tad quicker. Who really cares? Not like we go racing every day in these SS's.
You keep your automatic, I'll keep my 5 speed. It's what you want, it's what I want.
I wouldn't try to sway someone one way or the other on this choice. It's all about personal choice as far as I'm concerned.