I got mine for the Style, but I like utility too. I was looking at the Malibu Maxx, also the Dodge Magnum V6 not Hemi. and also the Saturn Vue Redline
Saw the HHR and it just stands out from other cars. Still get a kick when people turn their heads to look at it.
And it is a lot quicker( performence?) that the Saturn SL2 we traded in for it.
When my wife lets me drive it is still a lot of fun.

 

I actually purchased my HHR because I wanted it . No particular reason, other than I wanted a new vehicle and Pontiac dealers were not giving the GM Employee Discount on the Solstice.

All the attributes that are associated with ownership, are considered "extras".

 

Well I haven't bought one yet but I just loved the snot out of the one I rented in TX last October...been smitten ever since......I just have to get over the notion that it won't last for the amount of miles I put on a car in a year (35K)...getting better and better day by day though..the onlt test drive I have taken was on a night when it was close to zero and the wind gusts were 40 mph....not the best drive I could have taken probably in any car


I have a Matrix right now and I don't really have a reason for wanting to dump it. Been reliable as time and not a dime sunk into it in 60K..still on original pads and rotors!


Still the HHR siren is calling lol


Goose

 

Goose - you've mentioned that you put lots of miles on your cars before, but I suddenly became curious - what kind of miles are they? Stop-and-go City drinving, or mostly highway? The reason I ask is that if it is mostly highway then ANY new car should be able to do those miles for you. Highway driving is the easiest thing on a car.

I don't know about where you live, but in Ottawa most of the new taxis on the road are Impalas, and nobody does harder miles than a cabbie! I don't think you need to worry about your car lasting. GM plants have done very well in Quality rankings, and the HHR plant was one of the most productive plants in NA in 2006.

Just my

 

Bump
Wait, has anyone heard or seen from MLLN, he was gonna show his Ride.
Or was that just an "alter ego" speaking through a smoke screen?

 

Love the looks. Like the way it drives, especially after I added the sway bar and better tires. Love the gas mileage. Did I mention I love the looks? The leather driver's seat is very comfortable. Lots of room to carry stuff with the rear seat folded down. Did I mention I love the look of the vehicle?

Regarding the early discussion about 4-cylinder cars and performance...

There is a 4-cylinder you can buy for performance....a Honda S2000! Awesome...absolutely awesome 4-cylinder performance and REALLY fun to drive!!! Absolutely no vibration at 160MPH. Has wicked acceleration and when the V-Tech kicks in...oh yeah!!! If you've never driven a S2000 you are missing a great driving experience.

The HHR is not about performance and is not designed for "performance" driving. But it is fun to drive nevertheless, especially with a rear sway bar and good (e.g. NOT the OEM) tires!

Peace,

 

good looks, unique style, awesome economy, and hell, it even scoots a bit!
I have race cars for my "need for speed". I now have a need for economy...and the cool style, awesome following, and growing aftermarket...the choice was easy.

 

haha i just found this poll, and the 1st page is pretty funny talking about the 2.0L turbo that is now in the SS

 

I bought my SS for the looks, price and utility...the performance is a great plus. Jammed it over 100 today passing some rice rockets doing 10 under on the outer road and it gets there pretty quick. Also at 100 it was still smooth as butter...

 

I bought it for performance. It was either the xB or the SS. SS won because of performance. Plus if you need to go WOT and change lanes to the right, it's perfect!