2008 HHR LT2

We have owned this car 7 month. We traded in an 04 Aveo that had all options.  This is what I will compare the HHR too.

Both cars where purchased fully optioned.  The things that attracted us to the HHR where the looks (either you love it or hate it), the quiet ride and all the cargo room.  Today it seems that the minivan arena is shrinking.  When the seats are folded down (including the front passenger) the car will hold an 8' ladder according to the brochure.

The one thing that we notice immediately was that the front seat area seemed smaller (narrower) than the Aveo.  Not a huge problem,  just strange to us since the HHR is not a compact car and the Aveo is.  The cup holders are a bit akward to use safely and the window controls are in the center console.  Takes a little to get used too.

The HHR has a very nice sound system with the LT2 package.  The ride is very smooth  and the firehawks hold the road very well.  The car is fun to drive with the 2.4 liter engine.

Our fuel mileage averages 24 mpg according to the computer.  This is traveling 15 miles round trip daily averaging 40 mph.  On a recent trip to the Adirondack mountains the computer read 30 mpg with 4 passengers and an average speed of 55.  The car suggests premium fuel.  I have  been running 87 ocatane since new with no engine pinging or negative effects other than poorer mileage that sticker.

One thing I miss that the Aveo has was heated mirrors.  It seems strange that this car does not have them and the Aveo did.

If you purchase the automatic transmission you got remote start included.  The key fob is good for a couple hundred feet I believe.  Press the lock button and then the start button and you are good to go.  Engine is running and car is locked.  Get in the car put key in and turn on.  Guages fire up and you are ready to drive.  No chance of grinding the starter.  Works very well.  Great in the winter up north.

So far we are very happy with the car.  We will be going through our first winter with this car.  Time will tell how it handles in the snow. I will update as new information becomes available.