Chevrolet HHR

Impressions: General Motors dug deep into its time vault to create the Chevrolet Heritage High Roof (HHR), an interesting mix of new ideas, technology and classic North American styling cues. According to GM, the four-door truck-like wagon is reminiscent of a late-1940s Suburban panel van combined with the performance-laden SSR pickup first introduced in 2004. The HHR's basic architecture has been adapted from Chevy's Cobalt small-car line, providing a rigid platform designed to keep noise, vibration and harshness to a minimum and convey a certain tight-as-a-drum feeling to the driver and passengers. Inside, there are bucket seats up front and room for up to three perched on the 60/40 split-rear bench. Long-legged types will appreciate the generous head room along with a serious amount of floor space. With all but the driver's bucket folded flat, there's an enormous area for transporting large objects up to eight feet in length. Base LS and 1LT versions come with a 149-horsepower (up six from 2006) 2.2-liter four-cylinder, while a 175-horsepower (up three) 2.4-liter four-cylinder is optional on the 1LT, but standard with the premium 2LT model. Either motor can be connected to a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. All HHRs arrive nicely turned out with air conditioning, power windows, locks and outside mirrors, keyless remote entry and a CD player that includes an input jack for connecting a variety of external digital players. Order the 1LT and the list grows to include an eight-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, 16-inch alloy wheels and a chrome appearance package. Ante up the extra coin for the 2LT and, along with the bigger engine, features such as anti-lock brakes, 17-inch wheels, fog lamps, sport suspension and a punchier audio system are included.Leather-covered seats, power sunroof, roof rack side rails and traction control for automatic-equipped HHRs can also be specified. Base price: $16,900 Type: Four-door wagon Base engine (hp): 2.0-liter DOHC I4 (149) Optional engine (hp): 2.4-liter DOHC I4 (175) Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive Transmission: Five-speed manual; four-speed automatic Mileage (city/hwy): 22/27 (2.2, MT) Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags (opt.); anti-lock brakes (opt.); traction control (opt.); OnStar GPS tracking (opt.). Weight (lb.): 3,160 Basic warranty: 3/36,000 Roadside assistance: Yes Web: chevrolet.com