Style, sass and great on gas

My HHR (2LT package - 2.4 liter, sport suspension, automatic, 17-inch wheels & tires) is surprisingly gutsy for an in-line four. I'm delighted with the performance from the 172 HP engine. This isn't my Jag or V-8 Ford Explorer, but the HHR gets up and goes on the highway and around town.
The speedo reads 120 mph. I haven't driven it that fast - and I don't know its top end. I've had it up to 93 (sorry officer) and it was still pulling. Plus there was some more kick left with a downshift when you pressed the pedal.
At speed, the HHR is, again, a big surprise. It's stable, and quiet. Not the least bit squirrelly - even over rough pavement. By sports car standards, the optional suspension isn't exceptionally sporty. But there's not a lot of body line. The driving is linear and the HHR tracks well.
Don't even think about the 2.2 liter engine. It's a dog, though zippier than a Scion xB. The gas mileage rating on both HHR models is the same. My gas mileage (29) has been excellent, which is a delight, too.
My HHR has good brakes (optional anti-lock) and no terrifying bad manners when you stomp on the brake pedal. It's controlled in a 55 mph panic stop (performed in a shopping mall lot at 2 am).
The automatic transmission shifts well. No complaints there.
Again, the HHR is no sports car, but it ain't an SUV, either. It drives like what it is - a car/station wagon. Good smooth ride. Quiet at speed, though the sun roof can generate some wind noise.
Overall very acceptable performance and safety features including traction control (standard) and side airbags (optional). GM says it was designed to get 5-star ratings in front and side crashes. But we'll wait and see.
Inside, the cockpit has a roomy feel for a relatively small vehicle. With a passenger , you don't feel cramped or bump elbows with the armrests down.
The gray leather interior (an option) is rich looking, comfy and supple. The seats (driver's standard power adjustable/optional lumbar support) and driving position are excellent for my 5-foot-9 frame, though the tilt wheel can block the gauges at certain angles.
The dash is retro-stylish and elegant. I love the gauges and find the tach a nice touch. The LCD warning indicators (door ajar etc) are well placed and easy to read/see under the speedo. Very well thought out. The giant green turn signal arrows make me smile.
My HHR has the optional steering wheel mounted radio controls, which are handy and work well. But they're only available on the fully loaded model.
The standard radio control dial (mounted in the center of the dash) is very handy.
All the other controls are very legible, intuitive and well placed - with the exception of the power window switches. I loathe the power window switch location - in the center of the dash below the air conditioner controls and just in front of the shift lever.
I find the location awkward, though traditional window switch location on the driver's door would ruin the clean lines of the interior and require a beefier arm rest. It's a trade off I'll live with.
The AC, On-Star, Satellite Radio, Pioneer Sound System, One-Touch Sun Roof with wind deflector all work well. I'm very pleased.
The car is delightfully luxurious for something at this price (I've owned full-boat top-end luxury sedans) - though my HHR has every option offered by Chevy. There have been some gripes about a too much plastic inside (a typical knock on GM interiors), but I think it all works well. The leather seating surfaces make a real difference in the overall feel of the interior. The standard cloth is, well, low-end.
I love the retro style of the front side windows. It makes me feel like I'm driving a customized rod.
The cargo space is cavernous - at least for a car this size. I think it rivals a Chevy Blazer (two-door). The hidden bins are a great touch. The seats fold down with ease and the passenger seat lies flat so you can tote 8-foot long 2x4s etc.
I travel daily with two pugs and a gigantic macaw. Their crates fit in the back with plenty of room to spare. And they haven't complained about the ride, either! The HHR is very handy with lots of headroom for hauling large stuff. It actually works better than an Infiniti FX45.
Getting in and out of the front and rear seats is a breeze - easier than any sportscar. And the low step-down is a welcome relief from climbing into my SUV.
The chunky exterior style presses my hot buttons. I love the wide front grill and the rear-end treatment. The dual round taillights remind me of my 1956 Alfa Romeo 750 series Spyder.
Overall, the HHR design has the feel of a 50s hot-rod designed for Saturday Night cruising. It begs to be lowered and customized.
Is the HHR styling similar to a PT Cruiser? Yes, in the way every Picasso or Goya has the same styling cues - because both cars were created by the same designer/artist.
But I don't see the HHR as a PT clone or a me-too vehicle. If anything, you can see it's relationship to Chevy's retro-SSR pickup.
To me, the PT cruiser is a little too soft . The huge rear hatch looks ungainly by comparison to the back of the HHR. And, ironically, for a retro-vehicle, the PT is beginning to look a little dated. Or maybe I'm just used to them.
I prefer the HHR's flat roofline to the PT Cruiser's domed and rounded rear end. In a side by side parking lot comparison, the HHR exudes better quality in almost every way.
My HHR's appearance package (chrome wheels, chrome roof rack rails, chrome door handles, chrome mirrors) really sets off the Majestic Amethyst Metallic (aka purple) paint.
The paint has no orange peel and is thick , smooth and uniform. It really shines.
And so does the HHR, at least so far. But I'm still on my honeymoon. However, I think the HHR will be a keeper and earn a permanent space in my fleet . This is a vehicle that will seemingly age gracefully.
As an aside, my wife loves this beast too and thinks it's "fun, funky and spunky."
So far, these vehicles aren't being discounted and are flying off the lots as fast as they come in.
I paid $24,215 plus tax and tags. But, again, I literally have every option offered including mud flaps and a premium rear luggage mat with an embroidered HHR logo.
After scoping out the car, my neighbor was stunned - in a good way - when she heard the price. She figured my HHR topped out at over 30K!
Even the "base" models are very nicely equipped and come with loads of goodies - except for the 143 HP 2.2 liter engine, which ain't much good at all!
I think the HHR is an excellent value and a stylish way to tote people, pets and things in this era of rising gas prices. Of course, I bought one - so that seems pretty obvious. But you should give it a long, hard look.