Interior

2006 Chevrolet HHR LS (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

If the powertrain is a strong point, in my opinion, the quality of the cockpit is its weak point. Sitting in the HHR, we're submerged in a sea of hard plastic. The dashboard, the center console, the door panels, that stuff is everywhere. Panels are misaligned in a few places. The switches don't have a very rich feel to them. The seat cloth seems thin, and it looks like the same material used for the headliner. Right away, we can see where GM cut down the production costs. The competition all has plastic interiors too, but we have the impression that they are of better quality.

In addition, the console between the seats could benefit from being a little higher. I would then be more comfortable with the shift lever. I wouldn't have to stretch out my arm to lower the windows, since their switches are located at the base of the central instrument panel. These switches are badly located; when I try to open a window without looking down at the right button, I press on the wrong one. You look stupid when you want to talk to someone in a car beside yours, and you lower the wrong window. I looked stupid quite a few times. However, I don't notice any noise or rattle inside; everything is solidly bolted down.

2006 Chevrolet HHR LS (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

My complaining is over. Although the cockpit feels narrow, it's probably just an optical illusion because of the high roof. The latter offers a generous amount of headroom, which was confirmed by a 6-foot-2 colleague that sat in the back seat. You can store a lot of stuff in the back of the HHR, and when we have kids, God knows we need space. The hatch doesn't rise very high, though, so you have to be careful you don't bump your head. In short, GM maximized interior space in a small-sized vehicle. Despite their appearance, the seats are rather comfortable. Most buttons and switches on the instrument panel are easy to reach and use. As for the sound system, it's okay, but you could spend an extra $325 for a premium stereo with MP3 capability, it should be worth it.

Oh, I forgot to complain about one last thing: the windows are not very big, the beltline is high but the windshield isn't. A warning to claustrophobics: take the car for a test drive before purchasing.

Price

The HHR LS features a base price of $18,995. That's interesting, considering the list of standard equipment. Air conditioning, a CD player, a power group with keyless entry as well as cruise control are all included in the price.

2006 Chevrolet HHR LS (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

In comparison:
Chrysler PT Cruiser: $21,675, add $1,170 for A/C;
Toyota Matrix: $17,200, add $2,705 for the 'B' package (which includes A/C);
Pontiac Vibe: $19,900, add $1,500 for the power group and remote keyless entry;
Suzuki Aerio SX: $20,495

All these adversaries are more expensive or don't offer the same level of equipment. There's a good reason for me to shut up about the quality of the materials inside the HHR.