Driving Impressions While the 2.4-liter motor provided enough everyday power for the HHR, we cannot comment on the lower-powered 2.2-liter, except to say that we would imagine the desire for more horses under many circumstances.

We drove 2006 Chevrolet HHR’s in 1LT and 2LT trim, both equipped with the 2.4-liter engine, over a 150-mile long route that took us from the San Francisco cityscape to the curvy two-lanes of the Napa Valley region, making sure to try both of GM’s sturdy transmissions, preferring the manual for more snappy driving. While the 2.4-liter motor provided enough everyday power for the HHR, we cannot comment on the lower-powered 2.2-liter, except to say that we would imagine the desire for more horses under many circumstances.

We were impressed with the HHR’s overall handling, and particularly appreciated its well-modulated brakes and the sport-tuned suspension setup that nicely controls body roll, dive, and squat. Our preference of suspensions was softer Touring setup, finding that 2LT’s sport-tuned underpinnings transmitted a more harsh road feel. Steering was light at slow speeds, but stiffened appreciably at higher speed and carved corners with ample confidence for a vehicle of this class. And thanks to the use of special laminated “quiet steel” in the frame and vehicle architecture, the interior provides a hushed environment making the HHR a pleasant place to spend time.

Passing a Chrysler PT Cruiser on our ride route, we would have to agree with GM that there is a different personality and character inherent in the boxy HHR. That personality was somewhat bi-polar, however, as we found a number of quality disappointments that quelled our enthusiasm for its performance.

While we found the overall styling somewhat appealing, the large gaps in the HHR’s sheetmetal were anything but. Large, easy-opening doors with industry-first door handles that accommodate a gloved hand bring you into a cabin with attractive, comfortable seats constructed of pleasant materials, but other finishes and materials appeared cheap. And, despite a number of amenities, we found the gauges and controls small and uninspiring – although the LED that provides ambient light over the lower controls and the door handles is a nice touch.