2006 Chevrolet Hhr in Richmond, VA - $4,995

With distinctive styling, spacious, easily configurable interior and economical engines, the unique Chevrolet HHR was introduced in 2006. The HHR is a four-door vehicle with a rear touchpad liftgate that borrows design elements from the 1949 Chevrolet Suburban SUV and the SSR roadster.

A year later, Chevrolet added utility in a nod to its "sedan delivery" heritage by introducing the HHR Panel variant. With windowless side doors accessed by release buttons on the dashboard, the HHR Panel makes the most of its interior space -– replacing the rear seats with two deep storage bins and a flat load floor that runs from the rear hatch to the back of the front seats.

For 2011, the HHR adds: Mocha Steel Metallic and Black Granite Metallic exterior colors and the MY LINK package now includes one year of XM Satellite Radio Service.

Available in LS and LT trim levels, standard power for the HHR is provided by the Ecotec 2.2L (LE8) four-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing. An Ecotec 2.4L (LE9) four-cylinder motor is an available option. Both engines are E85 FlexFuel capable. Motion is communicated to the street through the standard Getrag F23 five-speed manual gearbox. The Hydra-Matic 4T45 four-speed automatic is an available option.

The Chevrolet HHR rides on the automaker's Delta global small car platform, a chassis architecture that provided the fundamental structural integrity necessary for Chevrolet engineers to fine-tune road feel with excellent ride and handling characteristics. Based on this rigid chassis, the HHR uses an independent MacPherson strut-type suspension with a stabilizer bar up front and a semi-independent torsion beam suspension with a stabilizer bar at the rear. Two suspension systems are available: FE1 on the base and midrange models and the FE3 for the top-of-the-line 2LT model.

The FE1 suspension is tuned for a softer ride and includes 16-inch wheels, while the FE3 provides sportier handling traits and offers standard 17-inch wheels and monotube shocks, which provide improved ride and handling. Forged aluminum high-polished 17-inch wheels are available.

Inside the cabin HHR's interior combines high visibility and cargo flexibility of an SUV with the comfort, appointments, driving ease and ergonomics of an upscale sedan. The vehicle's high roofline provides increased headroom and creates an open, airy environment. Detailed jewel-like instrument displays and chrome accents contribute to the interior style. Interior color combinations feature darker colors on upper sections of the interior and lighter colors for the lower sections.

Quality is also conveyed in the tailored seats, which provide firmer support, sculpture and plenty of comfort for long drives. The 60/40-split rear seat folds flat with the cargo floor and offers generous and comfortable seating for three, along with good legroom.

Additional clever and useful configuration options include: an auxiliary glove box with flip-up cover located at the top center of the instrument panel; the front passenger seat folds fully flat, extending the total load length from the liftgate to the instrument panel; and the center armrest of the front seats is integrated into the seat back frame, so its out of the way when pivoted into a stowed position.

The thoughtfully designed cargo area features: a primary load floor that can become a shelf when raised and mounted approximately one foot higher -- the shelf can be mounted level or at a 45-degree angle to provide quick access to the cargo beneath it when the liftgate is opened; a five-inch deep recessed bin below the load floor that can conceal 2.8 cu. ft of additional storage capability -- the spare tire is located beneath the bin; two storage bins located forward of the load floor, nestled behind the rear seat; plastic bag holders are conveniently located under the cargo shelf; and a carpeted cargo mat.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 103.6: overall length: 176.2; width: 69.1; height: 62.5

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.2L four-cylinder - 155 hp at 6,100 rpm and 150 lbs-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm (gasoline), 161 hp at 6,000 rpm and 158 lbs-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm; 2.4L four-cylinder - 172 hp at 5,800 rpm and 167 lbs-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm (gasoline), 176 hp at 5,800 rpm and 170 lbs-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm.

Transmission: five-speed manual, four-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 2.2L/gasoline – 22 city/32 hwy. (manual), 22 city/30 hwy. (automatic); 2.2L/E85 – 16 city/23 hwy. (manual), 16 city/22 hwy. (automatic); 2.4L/gasoline – 22 city/32 hwy. (manual), 22 city/30 hwy. (automatic); 2.4L/E85 – 16 city/23 hwy. (manual), 16 city/22 hwy. (automatic)

Cargo capacity: 63.1 cubic feet

Payload capacity: 900 lbs.

Towing capacity: 1,000 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, dual side curtain airbags, four wheel anti-lock brakes, battery run-down protection, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitors, remote keyless entry, OnStar Communications system, PASS-Key III theft deterrent system, all-speed traction control, StabiliTrak vehicle stability system, and tire sealant and inflator kit. Optional safety features include: front fog lights, Bluetooth hands free phone system, rear-view camera, and spare tire and wheel.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile

Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile

Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile

Roadside Assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2011 Chevrolet HHR starts from $18,720 for the LS and $19,720 for the LT. Destination charges add $720.