We needed to replace our Aerostar van. We don't need quite as much room, since the kids are now at college and pretty much on their own.

I was interested in a Malibu Maxx, but I showed my wife the HHR. Her response: "I want THAT." We bought one a week later. If she's happy, I'm happy. Most of the little appearance mods are her idea. Gotta love a car chick.

I didn't buy it to race. I bought it to cruise in and enjoy some tunes, but I'm glad it can keep up with traffic with little to no fuss. I like the retro styling, and I have to like the 32 mpg we get so far. I already have a Cavalier with the 2.2 Ecotec, so the powerplant is familiar.

I don't care much for reviews, I just drive what I like, and the HHR has not disappointed us. I like the higher seating and the XM radio. We can cruise at 65 with all the windows down and it's still comfortable.

I think GM did a good job. Is it perfect? I haven't owned a vehicle yet that was absolutely prefect, but this one is nice. Let's hope it catches on better and they sell a bunch. Mods will get cheaper that way.

 

I use my car for work. I needed 4 doors, space for my work stuff, decent looking, fun to drive and affordable. The HHR beat out all comers I tested. As a bonus it has been fun to Mod, Lot of things you can do to personalize it. With a 4 speed there is some performance, however this is no performance car. But a good cruiser.

 

I bought mine cause, it was a cool looking car that I could stash my bike in and tons of other stuff. It ain't no granny wagon or minivan but is just as practical. Plus I love that there's only a few here in town. And heh, bonus, a great forum to hang out in with lots of other cool owners.

 

I bought mine because after 28 years of driving other people's unwanted junk, (i.e. used cars) I wanted a NEW car.... Originally was saving up for an Astro, but the stopped making them. I like panel trucks, I've been driving full size vans all my adult life, so the HHR Panel was a natural. Performance is acceptable, if I want to go fast I can ride my motorcycle.
So far, only complaint is what kind of idiot engineer makes an air filter that is that hard to remove?

 

Hence the Super Sport.

 

When it came time to get my new car I was a toss up between the HHR and the Jeep Patrot , then a friend told me he'd get me the Employee discount . I went for the HHR built the one I wanted and my local dealer came through . haven't regreted my choice!
I love my HHR Shadow Edition Half panel !!!

 

I've been a Van Fan forever. Owned a 61 Ford Econoline as a kid and who knows how many VW Vans (aka Buses) over the years. My previous "ride" was a 87 VW Vanagon Syncro 4x4. Still have it!

The main thing I can say about my taste in cars/trucks, etc. is that I like something with a little personality. When the PT Cruiser came out, I thought cool! But then my next thought was too small and too many windows. Maybe one day someone will make a sedan delivery, then I'll buy it.

So as I contemplated buying a new(er) car my first response was most all of them look the same. Too much homogeneity for me. PT cruiser was out! To little headroom and I swear they're everywhere. I had my eye on a used BMW M3 at the Chevy dealership and when I went to drive it I saw the HHR Panel.

I actually never drove the BMW that day. The Panel, hands down, had more personality that I've seen since than that old 53 Sedan Delivery I missed out on as a youngster. Sold.

As a daily driver, it's great, more modern than anything I've driven in years and it's just plain fun. Great style, adequate tunes, and did I mention it has a heater?

 

Chris, I think you make a great point here. I grew up with 55 Chevys, 40 Fords and my dad and his buddies were always working at making things cool. As a kid I was all over a good hotrod. My tastes have changed, but seeing the HHR Panel brought that out for me again.

 

I think your way off the mark on this one. You seem to be forgetting HP to weight ratio. Also I enjoy looking good while I'm rolling past others. If you doubt performance check out the SS section. You may find that this car has more than meets the eye.

 

I originally bought it because i was getting 14 mpg @ $4.65 a gal. It was'nt cutting it.
But now if i want , I can race to gas stations !