2006 Chevrolet HHR

The $16,990 1LT adds an 8-way power driver's seat, cast aluminum wheels and satin chrome trim. The $18,790 2LT gets the more powerful 2.4L engine, 17-inch wheels, FE3 sport suspension, fog lamps, ABS, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, bright chrome trim and the high-end sound system. ABS is optional on 1LT and heated leather seats available on both LTs. Traction control comes with ABS, but for some reason (like remote start) only with automatic transmission. Our loaded 2LT test vehicle stickered at $22,875 with options including automatic trans ($1,000), leather ($750), power sunroof ($725), running boards ($445), high-polished wheels ($395), XM ($325), uplevel radio ($295) and roof rails ($150).


When engineers had early examples out on development rides, Product Manager Mike Danowski says, people (including current PT owners) followed them for miles, called others on cell phones and peppered them with questions when they stopped. Before the first one was delivered to a customer, there was an enthusiastic website (www.HHRclub.org) devoted to it. Ironically, HHR replaces the appalling Pontiac Aztek at GM's Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, plant.


As PT Cruiser fans, we enjoyed the HHR more than expected. We found it quiet, lively and surprisingly nimble through the turns. Inside the well turned-out cabin, among other things, we loved the precision-look gauges and the radio with 24 to 36 mix-and-match AM/FM/XM presets. And it attracted a lot of positive attention, even from normally uninterested neighbors.


Given the HHR's good looks, performance, handling, features, build quality and very reasonable pricing, we believe Lutz was right. There's no reason it should not succeed. (www.chevrolet.com)