Did you try raising the rpms while parked? might be a flow issue....

 

Ok and updated...The coolant is in the part of the tank that sticks out like a finger(when cold). from what I read, its where it should be at when its cold...

I did rev the engine up in park yesterday while sitting in it with no change...

still no other problems to speak of with overheating, or not correct operating temps....this is pretty weird if you ask me.

So just to clarify, the cold fill line is the "finger" on the bottom of the reservoir tank, from what was in the owners manual. this "finger" was filled with red/pink dex-cool

 

There isn't one on an HHR, the core should always have flow, unless there is air. The blend door does the controlling. In other words the air flow is controlled, not the water flow (like on old fashioned cars).

 

The important thing is that you can see some coolant in the tank when cold AND that the upper radiator hose is not collapsed.

If you got a new radiator cap that says "surge tank" then the coolant only goes out of the radiator, not back, causing collapsed hose. Unfortunately the parts books all specify the "surge tank" cap, and in fact the shop manual makes no distinction. My personal repeated experience, latest this week.

Even if the tank has coolant in it you should remove the cap (when cold) and make sure the fluid fills the cavity.