I'm thinking of buying a Chevrolet HHR. Anyone have any insightful comments about...

[ELAINE C]

...this vehichle?
Amber, that's what they said about PT Cruiser too...then everyone went and bought one! I don't want a car to make me look hot, I am more interested in hearing about the quality of the ride, breakdown issues, etc, thanks!
it's not sounding too good, I may have to re-think this....

 

[forktonguebush]

Well, if you enjoy paying for gas then by all means do it. Oh, they DON'T make you look cool or as that idiot Hilton says HOT. I'm so HOT, not!

 

[Mad Jack]

I rented one recently

I drove it like I stole it. It rode and drove well. Was able to cruise at 85 - 90 MPH on an interstate for hours with no problems.

Got decent fuel economy

Lots of room for the size vehicle. Seemed very useful.

Just have to keep in mind that it is a 4 cylinder vehicle built on the same chassis at the Cobalt. Don't expect it to be equal to a full size SUV.

I would buy one.

 

[Tony J]

Chevy's don't have the best reliabilty ratings but don't let that steer you away. If you like the car and the way it drives lease it for 2-3 years. Make sure the term and mileage keeps you under warranty so if anything goes wrong your covered. As for research on the car try edmunds.com it's a great resource of new car info and reviews.

 

[XUSAAAgent]

Unique looking car, will give them that.

Some problems:

-neither engine feels particularly refined or peppy
-hard to see out of - styling/high dash/high beltline
-GM reliability/resale not all that good
-not very sporty to drive
-PT Cruiser that is 5yrs too late?

Some good though:

-competitively priced
-versatile interior
-probably will average 23-25mpg (so-so for a small car)
-unique looks

I am not overly fond of GM small cars, they only recently started to pay attention to them again. I would give it a few years, see how they hold up and buy one for about 1/2 the price of a new one in say 2008/2009 (that is of course assuming you can wait that long). Get a Scion Xb, Honda Element or a Mazda 3 hatchback. All are superior vehicles and do not have cookie cutter looks.