2006 Chevy HHR
It's All About Letters
X: I really don’t like the use of letters to name vehicles. I mean some sound good, like Pontiac GTO, Cadillac STS, and Lexus 300, but Chevy HHR doesn’t flow very well. Do you agree?
Boomer: Let’s just say that I know three letters that would fit a another vehicle perfectly. They could have named the Chrysler Crossfire the “Crossfire PMS.” Those are appropriate letters for that small, low to the ground, cup holder disaster car. Whenever I try to get in and out of a Crossfire, I start to sweat, get irritated, feel bloated and crave chocolate.
X: What? Anyway, I found out that the Chevy HHR actually stands for something, “Heritage High Roof,” which makes reference to the early 1950’s Chevrolet Suburban. Hello Chevrolet, it’s the twenty-first century! I’ve seen enough retro cars to want to start my own dealership for you baby boomers.
Boomer: I don’t see you complaining when you drive my ‘02 Thunderbird complete with portholes, convertible top and original 50’s T-bird blue accents. I don’t see you making fun of Gram and Pops’ PT Cruiser, Tim’s Dodge Charger or our neighbors’ Mustang.
X: OK, I get your point. What I’m trying to say is, Chrysler had a big hit with its many versions of the PT Cruiser, so is that why Chevy copied it? Really, all Chevy did was give the PT Cruiser a station wagon look. They had to know that they would be compared constantly to the Chrysler. Like Sinatra and Harry Connick, Jr.
Boomer: What? The two vehicles are very different with regard to engine and interior finishing but from the exterior they look like they could be cousins. It turns out the designer for the PT Cruiser, Bryan Nesbitt, left Chrysler in 2001, and now is executive director of GM Design Europe. Gee, could there be a connection?
X: I guess. If I were going to copy something I think I would look to a BMW clone or DNA from an Aston Martin or Jaguar XJ6.
Boomer: Look at that, you used several three letter references. That must be common for your generation.
X: Didn’t your generation have LSD?
Boomer: Funny! There is no hallucination however when it comes to the HHR’s level of performance and price tag. I think the HHR is plain and simple. It comes in two models, one with standard equipment and another with several options. Bada Bing Bada Boom!
X: Let’s go over that. The test drive vehicle we had was nicely equipped. Our HHR was the upgraded version, the 2LT model with a base price of $18,790. That included destination fees and five options, ranging from $395 side air bags to a $15 ashtray. The base price for the HHR was $15,990. That is only a couple hundred more than the PT Cruiser.
Boomer: Let’s stop comparing the two vehicles. You never liked it when I compared you to your sister Julia, so let’s not have a HHR vs. PT Cruiser debate.
X: OK, no more comparisons, just the facts on the HHR. The interior of the cousin of the” you know who,” has some nostalgic components like the feel of” plastic” on the dash and surrounding cockpit. Right mom?
Boomer: I could live with that. At least it was easy to understand the dash controls. I actually could figure out the air-conditioning button without the use of a touch screen or a “GPS for Dummies” book.
X: I won’t go there. One of the best things about the HHR was the cargo area, which was so well thought out; I assumed a female designed that part of it. The cargo mat in the rear was carpeted on one side and rubber on the other. The rubber side could be used for hauling dirty items or animals. It also had a bi-level cargo floor which could be angled upward for balance and included five grocery bag hooks.
Boomer: I always ask for paper bags from the store. It’s actually better for the environment than the plastic bags. Do you realize that…
X: This isn’t about Earth Day mom, please let me finish. It also had two smaller covered compartments in the rear, which were great for me when I played soccer on Sunday. I didn’t bring a purse so I put my wallet, sunglasses, lipstick and cell phone in the designed pouch. I locked the wagon, carried my keys and soccer ball in and it was great. I liked everything about the back of the HHR.
Boomer: The base HHR comes with a twin cam 2.2 liter inline four cylinder engine that provides 143 horsepower and 150 pounds-feet of torque. The automatic HHR had fuel ratings of 20 miles per gallon city and 25 mpg on the highway.
X: The Chevy HHR held all our garage sale findings as well as moving Julia’s kitchen boxes to her new home. She expected me to do so much of the physical labor while she played the helpless princess. All she did was hold her front door open for everyone and running around getting bottled water for the neighborhood. Like they helped?
Boomer: Sounds like the differences you have with your sister are like the HHR and PT Cruiser. Similar, yet different. Let’s not compare, let’s accept each person and vehicle for what they are.
X: Fine. I just know that I base much of my test drive evaluations on the WOW factor. The HHR did not get many looks from people and for sure no one said to me… WOW, that’s a nice ride, what kind of car is it?
Boomer: There you go again with the three letter thing… WOW. Really, it’s your generation, three letters is about it for you guys. We had four letters in my day, like RSVP, NYPD, M.A.S.H , NATO, SWAT…
X: B.Y.O.B?
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