So I drove past the Chrysler dealer down the street today, and I noticed a 2008 black PT Cruiser, for only $10k. Curiosity got the best of me, so I had to check it out. Went in, asked for a test drive. It was a nice little car, the shifter was pretty cool. It was comparable to the HHR I thought, but it had too much empty space that was wasted which would have been better used IMO. The window switches? And to scroll through the DIC, was a pain if you're steering. All in all, I still like my HHR better, so don't worry!! I just wanted a little taste of what the competition had to offer.

Oh, and I couldn't get the key out of the ignition....don't know what that was about, but my HHR did that 2 days after I bought it...

 

I can't say anything. My father-in-law has a silver '08 and I kinda like it. Not a big fan of the round a$$ of it but its a pretty well put together little car. I've taken it on a few errands around town for him and don't have too much to complain about. I'd still take an HHR over one any day

 

People tend to knock the PT here (i.e. PT Looser), but if it were'nt for the success of that car, I doubt the HHR would have been made.

 

To bad it took Chevy how many years? to jump on the band wagon Sometimes GM is a day late and a dollar short

 

No, I'm glad it took them as long as it did. I mean, chances are they might not be making it anymore...who knows. Besides, it came out at a time when I got my drivers license, and I was in need of a different daily driver. These came to the rescue for me, and I just loved them. Everything about them, I loved. If I would have had a more stable job at the time, I would have leased one. (most likely buying it at the end).

Had these come out earlier, chances are I would not have had as much interest in them, and I more than likely would not be driving one today. So I'm glad GM was late to the game.

 

X2
If GM wasn't still manufacturing the HHR, I might have ended up drivin a Honda Civic or something

 

I heard the Man that designed the PT Cruiser also designed the HHR for Chevrolet

 

When I first saw photos of the PT before it was formally introduced, I was blown away. And look at the success it had. I always said, back when I was still in HS in the 70s that if a car manufacturer could make a retro car that got good mileage it would be a hit. Chevy could have done something similar a long time ago if they had had the guts to do it. But that was the "old" GM, and part of their problem was boring cars and lackluster concepts. By the time they did the HHR the "honeymoon" was over. Chevy didn't get near the market share they would have if they introduced the HHR 3 or 4 years earlier.

That said I always liked PTs. We almost bought one before the HHRs came out. Long story behind why we didn't, but the PTs I have driven suffered from lack of power, rough ride, and a sort of cheesy feel through out. The HHR has a much better ride, and fit & finish. And even the 2.2 is more robust than the normal offering in the PT. Where the HHR lacks is in the interior. Very modern, but boring. Chrysler had it right with the body colored dash inserts. Very cool. However, that's easily remedied on the HHR with a dash kit!

lvhhrpanel, you are correct. That would be Bryan Nesbitt. I believe he is currently GM's Vice-President of Design for North America.

 

I own one of each... love them both...

 

IMO, I think that Mr. Nesbitt made the HHR without some of the things he didn't like about the PT Cruiser. I think there were probably things he improved on (cargo room) and stuff like that. But I have to say, I remember when the PTs came out, and I did like them. I remember there was a huge waiting list to get one! The dealer even had a special one just for test driving so they wouldn't rack up miles on the ones to sell. Each have their own different styling cues that I like. I think the PT has a back end similar to cars of the 1940's, as is it's overall shape. But I don't like the front end, that's where I think the HHR did a better job. Either way, it's like comparing the new Insight and Prius. They both look quite a bit the same.