At first glance, the Chevrolet HHR looks like the perfect vehicle for your family’s needs. With ample cargo space, ample cabin space, and classy facilities, it’s no wonder that many are attracted to this compact, wagon-style car.
A unique body design team under the General Motors name delivers what is, in theory, a solid propulsion machine. However, the flaws that were revealed even after limited use of the vehicle are enough to make you think twice before driving it. A car may have a creative concept, but it also lacks the basic safety elements that every car should emphasize. If you’re looking for a solid used Chevy crossover, look elsewhere.
2006-2011 Model Recall
Reports of erroneous deaths, injuries, and write-downs are increasing as a faulty GM ignition switch causes serious accidents. Chevy was not spared from the plague, because more than 200,000 cars fell into it HR withdrawal, first started in 2014 and then expanded to include almost a million more vehicles. The main cause for concern revolves around the shifter slipping out of the “drive” position and into the “off” setting, resulting in a loss of safety features.
What’s most annoying is that common actions like driving over rough terrain are enough to trigger damage. Preliminary figures indicate that errors in deaths are in the double digits. Risking the health of your passengers seems too high a price to pay for the mere possession of a set of locks or a large gravel driveway. Problems related to a faulty ignition switch cutting power to the engine affected all models from 2006 to 2011. Many owners have filed lawsuits while many more have had justifiable claims.
General Motors has also been criticized for its poor handling of recalls and in many cases even faced legal action. To make matters worse, GM was made aware of the situation a full decade before recalling the HHR and other vehicles with similar problems. Apart from the deviations presented by Chevrolet and its parent, the HHR exhibited a number of other shortcomings.
Performance failure
Annoying ignition and towing issues aren’t the only areas where the HHR falls short. There were also a lot of problems with handling, power and design. The awkward shift pattern gives the driver odd acceleration options and a limited set of four gears. Even with a 260-horsepower engine, the SS couldn’t maximize its horses thanks to its fuel-saving short gearshifts. The lack of punch is frustrating to any driver who expects multiple pickups when combining or hauling.
Accompanying the poor engine performance is a substandard braking system. The combination gives a little room for enjoyment when trying to dart on the winding road at home. Beyond the lack of joy is a lack of security. Putting ignition recall aside, the potential breakdown problem is a hazard in itself. Of course you’ll save on gas, but if a sporty crossover is what you have in mind when checking out the HHR – as many do – you can get a much better price by looking at some of the competition.
In addition to the poor handling that comes with the line, the HHR also detracts from its exterior aesthetics with a cheap and cold interior. Small features line the dashboard to mark impossible reference points for the driver while rear seating options offer little more than enough room for the kids. You’d think a vehicle lacking any mechanical advantage would look to make up for it with a stunning, luxurious interior, but the HHR swings and misses even at the most basic comfort levels.
Overall Value
The last worry you need when operating a family vehicle is that it is not safe for the loved ones you are traveling with. There are lots of reasons to pass up this Chevrolet, but ignition recall is at the top of the list. For many, it’s too late to get enough value out of the vehicle to compensate for the initial investment. However, if you or a loved one has suffered physical or emotional damage due to GM’s irresponsibility, there is an opportunity for relief.
The only mistake worse than buying a faulty car is ignoring the prospect of compensation for the fault of the vehicle. Whatever kind of high-end features and internal luxuries the HHR sport has, nothing is more important than safety — and this is a major stumbling block for this Chevrolet model.
Image Credit: Chevy HHR Image by Greg Gjerdingen from Flicker.com
