Changes You'd Like To See in the Chevrolet HHR
Have an idea on how to make future models of the HHR even better? This is the place to post your ideas!
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We like it to GO!
Anyone know if the seat can be moved back some?
Tom
Chevrolet has a "money maker" with this vehicle, if they change a few things. A diesel engine might be a good option!
Best regards. ---- Dwayne :shades:
200-220 hpr or a diesel would be nice
Interior is to cheap and plastic...
AWD would be awesome...
Power seats might be a good option too. I like the idea of the panel delivery too.
Sorry, I have driven many different cars during my lifetime including several HHR's and this vehicle even with the standard 2.2 L engine has more than enough power. If fact my 1988 Pontiac Lemans(Daewoo) with its 74 hp was more than enough on the freeway. I usually out accelerated other drivers from the toll both into the main lane. Merging a vehicle into traffic for a good driver isn't about how fast your car well accelerate, its about being aware of the traffic and picking the right time and spot to get in. The HHR's quickness is no different than most any car with similar equipt engines. As far as plastic goes this vehicle has top quality plastic and really don't you think plastic comments are way over-rated. Who goes into their vehicle and runs their hands or face on plastic? Not meaning to be harsh but I don't think you are comparing apples to apples. Love the seats.
It's been a rumor since the fall of 2006 that the HHR will get a more powerful engine for those speed freaks, and it was approved a couple months ago. Later this year the HHR will get a 260 HP 2.0 L Turbo Charged engine.
Sorry, But when i rented an HHR back a month ago, i was disapointed at the low rent quality of the plastic. The extra glove box/storage center on the top of the dash being a good example..the lid on this fit very poorly because of the cheap plastic and the whole top area of the dash was also cheap. I expect better of GM. It dosen't have to be Audi quality, but it sure needs to be much better.It was a major turnoff for me...to each his own as they say.
As for the engines, when i have to have the gas petal floored to get up some of the hills in my area,and it barely can get to the posted speed limit...sorry it needs 200 hpr or more. The upcoming 260 hpr sounds nice.
Also the current larger engine requires premium gas i'm told!!?!? Whats up with that?
Again just MY opinion. Thats why GM is struggling...Underpowered engines and cheap plastic.
I still would like to buy one, but i'm waiting to see what improvements they make.
It's an economy 4-cylinder compact car. People who need more or have large hills to worry about usually get cars with 6-cylinder engines. This vehicle like the PT Cruiser was only meant to have a 4 banger. Even though the original 1939 Heritage High Roof model for which it received its styling from had an 8-cylinder, that doesn't mean that this one should go the same route. That vehicle was much larger. There have been a few people who have customized these HHR's with 8-cylinder engines so that is not out-of-the-question.
Another issue I hate is the location of the auto window buttons....Put them back on the door where they should be.
I saw mention earlier of radiator problems. Well let me join the list of having to have this replaced. The dealership also told me that is wasnt covered under warranty as it "appeared" to be damage caused by a rock. GM definitly has a design flaw here as the radiator is completely exposed to this type of damage.
I would think that there should be a screen guard out for that radiator by now. At the very least it should be offered as an option.
Does the lack of visabily and blind spots bother anyone else?
Never had a Dodge Shadow, eh?
don
Totally redesign the poorly designed interior. It's cheap for a reason.
The outside looks great but, that is the only thing I like about the HHR. I was always getting compliments on the looks.
The all plastic interior just reeks of cheap.
The seats are small and I feel like I am in the movie theater sitting next to someone in the passenger seat. It's great if you want to cuddle up to your woman or something but, sucks otherwise.
Console? What console? That piece of junk they put on the dash? please
My knee was always hurting due to the center area design. It was cramped up against the center area and the curved part pressed into the knee area.
Arm rest? Oh, the things that sit way too low to be of any use? It needs to be raised up.
Cup holders. Oh man, what a bad design. If you have anything larger than a small drink, it hits the side of the seat and tilts and they are hard to get to. Move the emergency brake to the floor at least.
Back seat room is too small.
Lower the seats or something. It sucks having to lean forward into the steering wheel to see when the red light changes.
Move the window controls back to the door where they belong. If nothing else, at least move them up further.
Door locks are in a bad position. When I have the window down and my arm resting on the window, the lock pokes my arm. It being small, it hurts like heck too.
Do something about the rear airflow. The back door area gets extremely dirty really fast.
Massive blindspot in the rear. Backing up is a pain and when moving into the right lane can be a hassle mkaing sure you are far enough ahead.
Worst mistake I ever made in buying a car. I loved the look and the drive was ok, if it wasn't so uncomfortable. Just way too many things wrong with the poor interior design. The person that designed the interior should be fired.
I moved up to an Impala and MUCH happier. Even the Malibu was a much better car. My Pontiac Vibe was even better, even though it had the same center arm rest height issue and engine performance problems. That was it though.
I have never been more dissapointed in a car than I was the HHR. The outside was really great, only to be so let down by the interior.
It's all the stuff I didn't like and what led me to get rid of it finally. Of course some people are going to disagree and some agree. They asked, I posted
Mine is, I'm pretty satisified with the 2.2, but I also have the five speed manual transmission, which is more efficient in getting what power there is to the drive wheels. Mileage, I consistantly get 35mpg highway, 28mpg or so city, so it does well in that catagory, but then I also don't drive it hard.
Visability, yes there are blind spots, but getting the mirrors adjusted properly goes a long way to help that.
My only interior issue, is, I wish there was more storage inside, compartments accessable to the driver. I really miss center console storage, but it is a small car, and something has to give.
I'm 6'4'' and have to sit on the front of the seat for head room. Wife had to have a moon roof. We bought a new FJ Cruiser and I got stuck with the "No head room HHR". Sucks to be me.
Seriously, I love the car, great power, handles smoothly, sound system is good and it's fairly inexpensive.
I think I'll trade it for a loaded Tundra. That should fix the brake problem!
I assume you have the seat height adjustment all the way down. It sounds to me like you should switch vehicles with your wife.
If you do decide to get rid of it why not support an American company and buy a Silverado/Sierra. They are a better truck than a Toyota with better looks, mileage, resale value, built better for work, nicer interiors and road manners, and not as many recalls.
The power up hill is an issue. I think GM developed them for "flatlanders", but they are flattening out most of the mountainous areas these days, so... :sick:
The point of the HHR is economy, not luxury...but there are variations within it, and you may have rented a "base" model LS, not a LT or higher.
GM does need to consider that we don't want to spend $5 a gallon for gas, so keep it in mind if they want to sell the vehicle....and for all its flaws, we really like our HHR's!
A mechanic guy at my work, owns an HHR -- his battery went dead and he tried to jump it. First, he had to find it. Under the passenger seat and then he jumped it a blew the fuses. Consequently the key was in the ignition but he could not remove it,. design flaw.
What were those engineers thinking when they made that move with the battery?
Brad
One of the first things a new car/truck/motorcycle owner is supposed to do is read the owners manual. There is a wealth of information in there to explain quite of few things.
Thanks, Brad
1)A rear gate window that pops open or rolls down (like the old station wagons used to have).
2) Redesign the dash board so that we can get some leg room. my suggestion, 60/40 front bench seat (with manuverable arm rest) install a column tranmission shifter. move the radio up, and put the window switches on the driver door and where ever else the have to go. I used to have a '93 Olds Cierra, sheesh the leg room I had in that thing. And that was not a full sized car. i used to strech out on Highway trips when the cruise was on! (oh well).
3) I have sun roof on my unit. My head rubs the head liner on numerous occasions and i drive slouched even with the seat hight adjustor all the way at its lowest. i like to sit up when i drive! Heritage High Roof is the name of the beast, c'mon Chevrolet!
I'd like to hear from business owners who own the Panel HHR, I still need to go to the dealership and do some measuring to see if my equipment will fit in the thing. I currently own a express cargo with the "access" package, best damn cargo van I have ever owned except the fuel is killing me, tested last week and was getting 12 MPG in town, rarely drive the car on the highway and when I do I get 14 MPG. thanks all. I know, I know, I need to visit the dealership but don't ya' just hate those places