I prefer the console mounted switches and I like the "mood lighting" provided by the LED in the headliner, hopping into my '11 has me poking at buttons that aren't there are grumbling. I did think about retrofitting/backdating the '11 to the old console mounted buttons, but it would be a huge PITA to do it.

 

I heard that the HHR was designed by a woman. So she could be the fall guy , get it?

 

Sorry to shoot holes in your theory, but the HHR was designed by Bryan Nesbitt who also did the PT Cruiser for Chrysler, and frankly he'd make one ugly girl.

 

I've got the 07 HHR and two other vehicles with switches on the doors. When I'm in the HHR, it seems natural to me for the switches to be located on the center console. Just a matter of getting used to it, I guess. As long as they work, their location is secondary to me.