The 2008 Chevrolet HHR lasts around 150,000 miles with some power steering and engine problems. At $4,058 to $5,382 it’s cheap, but not a good choice when there are better SUVs available on the market.
Is the 2008 Chevrolet HHR a Good Used SUV?
- No, 2008 is a bad year for the HHR. The 2008 HHR scores lower than other compact SUVs and owner reviews complain about issues with a loss of power, excessive rust, and stereo system issues.
- Interior quality is poor compared to other SUVs with a lot of cheap plastic used throughout the cabin and the information technology is also very outdated.
- Reliability ratings are below average. Avoid models from 2006-2008, and go with a 2009 or newer which have fewer mechanical issues.
- Performance is okay from the base 4-cylinder, but the turbocharged version is very quick.
- The 2008 HHR is a safe vehicle, earning a perfect 5-star overall rating in government crash tests, and the only place where it gets 4 stars is in the rollover rating.
- Fuel economy is good compared to other small SUVs, averaging 25 MPG, and it should be able to get about 450 miles of range out of the 16 gallon tank.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy HHR?
- Consumer Reports says the 2008 HHR has an unrefined transmission, and lower than average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the HHR a 4.5/5 and enjoys the cargo space, but Edmunds does not like the noisy engines.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the HHR 4.3/5 and praise the comfortable cabin, but owners don’t like the high ownership costs.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Chevrolet HHR Have?
The most common problems found in the 2008 Chevy HHR include a loss of power steering, stalling engines, and broken door locks. These issues are more serious than problems found on other compact SUVs from 2008.
Power steering system problems are the most common complaint from owners at around 85,000 miles. The electronic power steering motor wears out quickly and stop working. Replacing the motor is a costly process, costing about $1,400 on average.
Stalling engines are another issue reported by owners at around 60,000 miles. Some of the problems are caused by an issue with the main engine computer. In other cases there are issues with the coils and spark plugs, costing around $650 to replace.
Broken door locks show up on a lot of HHR models in the first 50,000 miles. The door lock actuators break quickly and have to be replaced, costing around $200 per door.
There are 5 recalls, which is fewer than average for an SUV its age. The most serious recall is for the ignition switch, which may be able to be turned off with the vehicle in drive, which can lead to a rollaway situation.
How Long Will the 2008 Chevrolet HHR Last?
A well-maintained 2008 Chevrolet HHR should be able to last around 150,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles less than other compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than rivals, at about $436 per year, according to Repair Pal.
Reliable and it had some issues; mileage is very high and the car has broke down before and we were able to fix it.
No problems. Very reliable, I take most road trips and vacation in this vehicle. I trust my hhr to get me anywhere, long trips short travel, around town.
I wouldn't say it is all that reliable. We've only had it for a few months and have had to do over $1000 of repairs on it.
There have been a few problems with the airbag light coming on. I also have had one of the back door windows slide in to the frame.
No it does have any problems that requires fixes as far as under the hood work. Yes so far it had been extremely reliable.
Yes, my passenger side airbag light keeps coming on even when I do not have a passenger in the car. I also have notifications that my tires are low when they have plenty of air in them.
Yes no major problems great air conditioner easy to work on very basic car you can haul a lot of stuff inside of it
The check engine light has been on since about 100,000 miles and we’ve had it checked but it has caused no problems.
How Much Is the 2008 Chevrolet HHR Worth?
Blue book values range from $4,058 to $5,382, making the HHR several thousand less than a Honda Element or Toyota Matrix. When new, the price range was $16,730 to $18,050. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 13% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevy HHR?
There are three models of the HHR available for 2008, which is offered as a 4-door SUV, and a panel wagon for commercial use. The first generation of the HHR was introduced for the 2006 model year, and was discontinued after 2011 due to declining sales.
LS is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- Cruise Control
- 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX
LT is a step up and adds:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Exterior Chrome Trim
- Pioneer 7-Speaker Stereo System
- Optional Leather Seating
SS is the high-performance version adding:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Sport Suspension
- Premium Cloth Bucket Seats
- Color-Keyed Exterior Trim
What Engines Come In the Chevy HHR?
- The base engine is an average 2.2L-4-cylinder which makes 149 horsepower and gets up to 25 MPG combined.
- A step up is the slightly more powerful 2.4L 4-cylinder making 172 horsepower, which gets up to 24 MPG combined.
- The most powerful engine available is the strong 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo, which produces 260 horsepower and gets up to 22 MPG combined. Performance is great, taking only 6.3 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Chevy HHR Come In?
How Big Is the Chevy HHR?
The 2008 Chevy HHR is a compact SUV but is smaller than some of the most popular competitors including the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue. Passenger room is very good in the front and back seats, offering plenty of legroom for adults.
Cargo space is fantastic for a vehicle this size with 23.8 cubic feet of room behind the seats, and up to 62.7 with the seats folded flat. That’s enough space for 4-5 full size suitcases behind the seats.
How Does the Chevy HHR Compare to the Competition?
The 2008 Chevrolet HHR ranks near the bottom of the list of compact SUVs on the market due to its frequent mechanical issues.
The Chevrolet Equinox is a competitor costing about $500 more. Ride height and interior materials are better in the Chevy Equinox, but the Chevy HHR has more powerful engines available. We do not recommend either SUV for the 2008 model year, since they both have mechanical issues.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is another rival, which costs about $1,000 less. Interior materials are much nicer in the Chrysler PT Cruiser, but the Chevy HHR offers better steering and a more engaging driving experience. We recommend the Chrysler PT Cruiser, since there are fewer complaints from owners.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevy HHR?
Yes it is; good for mileage, comfort and speed if you crave a car like this one; it has good gas efficiency as well.
Yes it is a very good vehicle, I have had it for 5 years and only had to do wear and take work. Oil change, tires and minor repairs.
It is hard for me to say since we bought it used, and it has some problems. Overall, I'd say it is an ok car.
It has need quite a few repairs but she has lasted me a long time. I also think she will last me many more years.
I have not had any major issues with my vehicle yet. It is a very reliable car and I would recommend it. I purchased an already used hhr and I have owned it for 3 years. The only thing that had to get fixed was a fuse for the radio and window.
It drives smoothly: however, I have had some severe electrical problems. I have taken it in for several recall repairs and still have a few issues.
Yes it is easy on gas looks good runs good fast for a four cylinder roomy many window to look out of cheap parts
Yes this is been a very good vehicle we now have almost 200,000 miles on it and bought it with 60,000 miles on it.