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Some of us might have a little 'déjà vu’ when we see a Chevy HHR compact wagon, but that is to be expected, especially if you were a kid in the 1950s.
HHR stands for "Heritage High Roof," and the styling is supposed to be inspired by the 1949 Chevy Suburban. I know I really like the Chevrolets of my childhood and youth, maybe because my parents had more than one. Ours were mostly used and a little worse for wear, but when I see anything similar I remember watching for Mom and Dad to come to retrieve us from our grandparents’ farmhouse. My HHR tester came in a beautiful Silver Ice Metallic, not exactly a retro color. But the car does come in some colors more reminiscent of older Chevys, such as Imperial Blue Metallic, Black and Victory Red, although the names wouldn’t have been the same. There is also Gold Metallic Mist, Aqua Blue Metallic, Dark Gray Metallic and Cardinal Red Metallic, to name a few. Some other retro-style touches on my vehicle, part of the Bright Chrome Appearance package for $925, included a chrome grille, outside mirrors, liftgate appliqué, and large chrome lever-style door handles. Chrome roof rails are also available. I’m not sure the 16-inch, five-spoke chromed aluminum wheels were meant to be retro looking, but they were quite striking. The HHR offers six wheel choices, all with five spokes and different finishes, depending on model. I also liked the running boards (déjà vu again), a $445 option, though they were apparently just for looks, since the vehicle was low enough to enter and exit without climbing. The soft, rounded lines of the hood, bumper and wheels wells were pleasing to the eye and comfortable in a teddy-bear kind of way. The retro headlamps were large round bulbs inside a large round reflector with smaller round turn signal lights. The taillights were also retro-style, round red and white with no trim. The interior of the HHR was simple and comfortable with rounded lines also on the door panels, accented by a brushed metallic strip applied horizontally below the armrest area. Inside door handles were a chrome half-circle (not retro). The door-lock knobs were chrome and reminded me of the kind of knob that could be hooked with a coat hanger from the outside with the windows up (yes, I have had to do that a few times). Now we can just call and have the door opened remotely (service provided by OnStar, standard on most GM vehicles). For the most part, the interior was very modern, especially the technical components. The audio and climate controls were very easy to read, understand and operate. The AM/FM stereo/CD player with auxiliary input jack also had XM radio (first three months free), and the sound was exceptional. I do have an iPod now, but I can’t seem to remember to take it with me in my rush out the door in the morning. Of course, the safety features aren’t retro, thank goodness. In addition to the usual driver and front-passenger air bags, both the front seats and the outboard rear seats have head curtain side air bags. There is also a LATCH system for child seats, child security rear door locks, daytime running lamps and auto headlamps, tire-pressure monitor, battery rundown protection (could have used that a few times), power front disc/rear drum brakes, StabiliTrak, and one year of OnStar Safe and Sound with available turn-by-turn navigation. OnStar will also help you find a restaurant, gas station (remember when they were 'service’ stations?), hotel, etc. and even dial the number for you.
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