The 2009 Chevrolet HHR lasts around 250,000 miles with only some minor door lock and airbag sensor issues. At $4,399 to $9,272, it’s a reasonable value for a unique compact SUV.
Is the 2009 Chevrolet HHR a Good Used SUV?
- Yes, 2009 is a good year for the HHR. Owner reviews praise the spacious interior, low ownership costs, and smooth suspension.
- Interior quality is below average with a lot of cheap plastic and cloth used in the cabin, and the technology is very basic compared to rivals.
- Reliability ratings are above average. Models from 2009-2011 are all good choices, but 2006–2008 all have a lot of mechanical problems.
- Performance is average from the base 4-cylinder engine, but the turbo motor offers excellent power.
- The 2009 HHR is a safe vehicle, getting a perfect 5-star rating overall in government crash tests, and the lowest score is 4 stars in the rollover risk.
- Fuel economy is better than average, getting roughly 26 MPG, which gives owners about 416 miles of range out of the 16 gallon gas tank.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevrolet HHR?
- Consumer Reports says the HHR handles well on the roads, and has average long-term owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the HHR a 4.5/5 and praise the comfortable suspension, but Edmunds doesn’t like the long braking distances.
- Kelly Blue Book users rate the HHR 4.3/5 and enjoy the roomy cabin, but owners don’t like the higher repair costs.
What Common Problems Does the 2009 Chevrolet HHR Have?
Problems found on the 2009 Chevrolet HHR include broken door locks, air bag sensor issues, and the rear windows not working. Overall, the problems are relatively minor compared to other compact SUVs, and repair costs are average for the vehicle’s value.
Broken door locks are the most common complaint from owners at around 85,000 miles. The door lock actuators wear out as the vehicle ages, and cost about $60 per door to replace.
Air bag sensor issues show up on some HHR models at around 45,000 miles. The sensor located in the seat fails as it ages and has to be replaced. Changing out the sensor is a pretty easy process, and costs about $250.
Rear windows not rolling up or down are also reported by owners at around 75,000 miles. The window motors and regulator are both sources of the problem. Replacing the window motor is about $350, and the regulator is another $200.
There are 5 recalls, which is average for an SUV from 2009. The most serious recall is for electronic power steering, which increases the risk of a crash. Some of the other recalls include the ignition switch and shift lever which can prevent the vehicle from starting and let it slip out of park.
How Long Will the 2009 Chevrolet HHR Last?
A well-maintained 2009 Chevrolet HHR should be able to last around 250,000 miles, which is similar to top-rated rivals like the Honda CR-V. Regular annual maintenance costs are a little higher than average for an SUV at $530 per year, according to Repair Pal.
Since most 2009 HHR models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the brake master cylinder for $400, the starter motor costing $450, and the thermostat which costs $415.
So far no major issues. Tear turn lights seem to go out about once a year. Also the control arm on the steering column failed.
It is reliable and it is good driving on the roads, have not had any major problems, no major accidents and it is good driving in the snow.
I have not had any problems at all. Love the info display and the sensors that let me know to check certain things, like air pressure in the tires.
It has problems that I hope we have under control. I definitely want to get a different car. I would not recommend the Chevy hhr but it was the only thing available at the time in my budget.
No it is not reliable. The check engine light is currently on and it runs rough so may not start. It has also had the battery replaced.
No it is not a reliable car. I have had nothing but problems with mine, the back hatch doesn't open, both wheel bearings and ball joints are gone.
The Hhr is really reliable. It starts everyday. The major problems have been the suspension. The car rattles. The cars shocks and other suspension related items have been replaced
I have had no real issues other than minor blips that can or should be expected in a nearly 11 year old car
How Much Is the 2009 Chevrolet HHR Worth?
Blue book values range from $4,399 to $9,272, making the HHR thousands of dollars cheaper than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. When new, the price range was $18,720 to $25,135. Depreciation is similar to average, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevrolet HHR?
There are three models of the Chevy HHR offered for 2009, and it is offered as a 4-door SUV, or 2-door panel van version. The HHR was introduced in 2006 and then was discontinued after the 2011 model year due to poor sales compared to other SUVs.
LS is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Cruise Control
- Keyless Entry
- 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX Jack
LT is a step up adding:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Power Driver’s Seat
- Exterior Chrome Accents
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Bluetooth Connectivity
SS is the high-performance version and adds:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Sport Suspension
- Exterior Lower Body Panels
- Two-Tone Sport Seats
What Engines Come In the Chevrolet HHR?
- The base engine is an average 2.2L 4-cylinder which makes 149 horsepower and gets up to 26 MPG combined.
- A step up is the slightly more powerful 2.4L 4-cylinder making 175 horsepower and getting up to 24 MPG combined.
- Found in the SS model is the very strong turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder motor, which makes 260 horsepower and gets up to 24 MPG combined. Performance is very good, taking about 6 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Chevrolet HHR Come In?
How Big Is the Chevrolet HHR?
The 2009 Chevy HHR is smaller than average for a compact SUV, but is similar in size to the Honda Element and Scion xB. Passenger room is great in the front and backseats, with enough legroom for adults.
Cargo space is better than other SUVs and will fit 3-5 suitcases behind the backseats, and up to 12 suitcases with the seats folded flat, or in the cargo van version.
How Does the Chevrolet HHR Compare to the Competition?
The 2009 HHR is average compared to many other compact SUVs on the market from 2009, but has a lower more car-like suspension compared to rivals so it isn’t as good in snow or dirt.
The Chevrolet Equinox is another rival from Chevrolet costing about $1,000 more. Passenger room is a bit better in the Chevy Equinox, but the Chevy HHR is faster with the SS model. We recommend the Chevrolet HHR since it lasts longer and has fewer mechanical issues.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is another retro-styled wagon which is in the same price range. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Chrysler PT Cruiser, but the Chevrolet HHR offers more space and power. We recommend the Chevrolet HHR since it’s more affordable to own long term.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevrolet HHR?
Yes it is very dependable. It has a fair amount of cargo space and some creature comforts. It has ok mileage.
Yes it is a good vehicle, roomy and great driving, with nice back trunk for putting items and it is great on gas mileage and sturdy tires.
Yes I love it, I get excellent gas mileage and it is easy to get in and out of, and especially easy to drive.
Not really. Seems to have had lots of manufacturers problems including battery problems and shaky brakes. Electrical issues. To wagon part is super narrow.
No it has a lot of issues the suspension rattles and has had a lot of work done to it. Also the breaks have been an issue.
No I absolutely hate it and we've had nothing but problems with the one we currently own. I would not recommend that anyone buy this car
It mechanically is a good car however it’s suspension is terrible. The car rattled quite a bit. The car is overall good because it is extremely reliable
I really like it- it has some things that could be better. It has been much better than what I could have hoped or expected when I bought it