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Isn't the Corvette really a 2 speed auto? Doesn't it go from 1st straight to 4th?
With all that power and torque, I guess that's a good way to save gas.
I remember when 3sp autos and sticks were the standard. Now we have a few 6sp sticks and CVTs. It's fun to watch.
Comments like this are just funny. You could sit me blindfolded in a VW made in Germany, one made in Mexico, and one made in the US (back before VW closed their PA plant due to quality problems). I could tell you which one was made a Germany.
I have an 87 VW with 210,000 miles still going strong. Show me a GM product with the same that wasn't put in the junkyard 10 years ago.
Having said that, I sure hope GM is able to pull it off by making reliable vehicles that last at least ten years. I think that they are totally capable, but it will take some effort on their part.
HHR comes standard with a carpeted cargo mat as I understand. Plastic surface when you need it, carpet when you need it. Front Passenger seat back is only plastic seat back you would see as a 2nd row passenger, right?
On a different note, does anyone have pics of an HHR without the extra-cost chrome package? From the Chevy site, it appears that chrome is standard on the top-level model but "satin" finish comes standard on the base and midlevels (chrome being optional on the latter). The chrome looks nice, but would probably pick up police lidar from 3 miles away.
I hope the September release is still on track, because my current car just decided to start dying again. :P
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The HHR, a crossover vehicle with expressive design and surprising functionality, will add to Chevy's growing family of SUVs when it goes into production in summer 2005 as a 2006 model.
Hah, d'oh! 5/6/2005
HHR production begins in the second quarter in Ramos , Mexico . Vehicles will be in dealerships by late summer.
Okay, so maybe they did move it up a little. Hey I'm happy, I'm about to need a new car!
Tons of H3s and quite a few 9-7xs around lately.
Maybe I am in the minority, but I don't think the Ford Focus wagon sucks. I leased one for a couple years. That is more car-like and has carpet. Chevy is also selling a nice looking Korean wagon (Chevy Optra IIRC, in Canada).
I find the problems with most cars and trucks originates between the steering wheel and the driver's seat...
30 cars were built this week.
263 have ben built so far.
My guess is that all of this production will go to executives for evaluattion.
As far as looks, from the pics I like the HHR better on the outside, the PT on the inside (gotta like them body color dash panels).
So it most likely is September.
I look forward to the test drive, and the ability to part with a down payment that guarantees never being upside-down on the loan.
The LT is $16,990
The LT2 package is $1,800
The LS has no options presently. The only option (presently) for the LT is the LT2 package which includes the ABS, 17" wheels, the Pioneer radio system, and other goodies.
I saw a few of them yesterday at the GM Tech Center with some new Impalas. They seem clean and well built. All were loaded. The Ecotech engine is a fine engine although this version should have a few more horses.
It is definitely retro to the 49 Suburban. It seems a fair amount larger than a PT Cruiser.
The colors of the four or five I saw were brilliant.
I did see them with Michigan plates, not manufacturer,which I found interesting.
If the pricing stays put and they add some options to at least the LS, this vehicle looks like a winner.
General Motors of Canada has announced pricing for the all-new 2006 Chevrolet HHR crossover vehicle: $18,995 for the base LS and $21,195 for the up-level LT.
http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/050616-3.htm
I like the pricing; I want to see about ABS and side airbags. I would hope anything above the LS would have it standard, and nowadays it would be nice to see ABS across the board. After all, Cavaliers used to all have it, and anything above the base Cobalt comes with ABS.
Anyone find a site with weights and measures? I'd like to see how the weight stacks up to the PT. I assume comparable, hopefully not heavier (the PT is pretty heavy, even if it is platform related to the Neon).
My current PT is (original 2000) way underpowered.
My wife hates the headrests.
From the inside, the PT does have better visibility than the HHR.
The PT does have more headroom under the liftgate when it is opened and you are loading cargo. The HHR should have its hinges redesigned to allow more opening position head room.
The new HHR is a fresher design to a stale PT Cruiser, much like the original Saturns were after 4 years of the same vehicle. The PT convertible is not attractive when the top is up, sorry. :confuse:
The HHR comes with a passenger seat arm rest :-)!!!!
The HHR is built off of the Cobalt and Ion frame and not a Neon frame. This should be much more durable over the lifetime of the vehicle.
The HHR is about 4 inches shorter than the Cobalt but its cargo area is way superior to the PT Cruiser.!!!!!!
The ride and comfort of the HHR is more superior.
The transition between gears is smooth.
The steering wheel is kind of different feeling in your hands, more rectangle than tubular. Weird but not uncomfortable.
The premium sound system, including the same Cobalt Pioneer sub-woofer is a must have coming right out of the manufacturing plant :-)!
Top trim level pricing is under $19,000.
This is no Scion or Element. It's a GM - !
GM has plenty of big, gas guzzling, high priced SUV's. The HHR offers entry level pricing, comfort, style, and decent performance. The PT was no speed demon but it still sold well. If you guys all notice gas prices and gas guzzling vehicles are not too popular right now. GM needs this mix of vehicle
BTW, if the Aztec was ugly, which it was, and had too much cladding, which it did, how can anyone in their right minds think that the Element is attractive? The entire boxy exterior of the Element is grey plastic with a smidgeon of paint. Personally, I couldn't buy an import, which this website is mostly promoting, especially plastic boxes on wheels. Of course, these are my opinions, I could be wrong.
Those who have seen it up close or taken it for a ride - is there a lot of cargo area? Can i comfortably seat 3 across the backseat?
Carissa
Did you drive the 2.2 or 2.4? I am thinking you may have driven the 2.4 in an LT2 and not the base model. Based on the premier sound system.
Glad to hear the luggage compartment is larger, that is a big concern of mine.
Which model did you drive? What engine did it have? Was it a stick or auto?
And lastly, how in the heck did you get a chance to drive one?
To me, the HHR is a frustrating vehicle. Although I feel people should buy what they want to buy (Japanese, US, etc.), I have always pulled for GM and Ford to turn things around ...
I think the HHR would have a much better chance at helping GM if it were better looking. It's not nearly as ugly as the Aztek, but it's not really much of a looker. I think it's so-so looks will hurt its sales, though not to the extent that the Aztek's looks hurt its sales.
I spent a bit of time checking out the interior, though, and I was quite impressed, especially considering the price-point of the vehicle. The chrome accents are a nice touch, and the plastic is mostly "soft touch." The vehicle is fairly roomy ... I'm 6'4" and fit in the driver's seat no problem. In fact, a 2nd guy who was 6'2" was able to sit behind me.
I had the lucky opportunity to eat dinner with a fairly high-ranking GM exec here in Saltillo and it is very obvious that GM is excited about this vehicle. They feel that this has been one of their best vehicle launches ever (in terms of fewest problems with initial vehicles, etc.) and think the HHR is going to really appeal to young people and therefore sell well.
I hope it does for GM's sake, but the pessimist in me doesn't think it will ... it's not good looking enough. It has a lot of great features, especially in the details (chrome trim, cool gas lid, etc.), but if people think it's ugly they'll never get close enough to appreciate all of that ...
And if the interior looks better than the exterior, whoa baby. This might be at the top of my shopping list.
However, I loved the efficient packaging, and it was very quiet for an "economy car."
For 2006 the PT Cruiser press release says there is additional sound proofing and they expect a 3 decible reduction in sound levels. That would make it a great commuter vehicle and small family vacation vehicle.
GM, if you are listening, PLEASE match the sound levels on the new PT Cruiser, and BEAT the handling. PT Cruiser has the "older set" with its cushy ride, but it is truly too much of a "cruiser." How about something a little sportier - like matching the GT in handling?
I'd much rather buy a GM, there are a lot more service outlets (my one big gripe about Chrysler). The PT Cruiser is truly your target, so do better! Don't just match it!