The 2010 Chevrolet HHR lasts around 250,000 miles with only some minor door handle and power steering issues. At $5,563 to $9,290, it’s a good value for a compact SUV with a comfortable interior.
Is the 2010 Chevrolet HHR a Good Used SUV?
- Yes, 2010 is a good year for the HHR. Owner reviews praise the fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and space for passengers.
- Interior quality is worse than other small SUVs. There is a lot of cheap plastic used in the cabin and the cloth feels thin, the stereo is also basic compared to other vehicles.
- Reliability ratings are above average. Avoid models from 2006–2008, and go with a 2009–2011 which offers better reliability ratings.
- Performance is slow from the standard 4-cylinder engine, but the turbo offers excellent power for a small SUV.
- The 2010 HHR is a very safe vehicle, earning a perfect 5-star rating overall in crash tests, with the lowest score being 4-stars in the rollover risk rating.
- Fuel economy is good for a compact SUV at around 26 MPG, which should allow owners to get 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 Chevrolet HHR offers secure and stable handling, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the HHR a 4.4/5 praising the comfortable suspension, but doesn’t like the long braking distances.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the HHR 4.3/5 and enjoy the spacious cabin and reliability, but owners don’t like how fast the brakes wear out.
What Common Problems Does the 2010 Chevrolet HHR Have?
The most common problems found on the 2010 Chevrolet HHR include broken door handles, power steering system issues, and headlights that burn out fast. Overall, these problems are minor compared to other SUVs from 2010, and repair costs are average as well.
Broken door handles are the most widespread complaint from owners at around 75,000 miles. The handle mechanism in the door snaps since it has a lot of plastic pieces in it. Changing out the door handle costs about $150, depending on local labor rates.
Power steering system issues show up on some HHR models at around 70,000 miles. Most of the time it’s a problem with the power steering motor, which costs about $350 to swap out. The motor may also be covered by a recall. In some cases there are steering rack problems which cost $1,200 to change out.
Headlights that burn out fast are another issue reported by owners at around 45,000 miles. The standard bulbs tend to wear out quicker than in some other vehicles, and cost about $100 to replace. There are also longer-lasting aftermarket bulbs available in the same price range.
There are 4 recalls, with the most serious being for the ignition switch, where the key can be removed when the vehicle is running. Chevrolet will replace the ignition switch to solve the problem. The other recalls are for the power steering motor and once it’s changed isn’t a big issue.
How Long Will the 2010 Chevrolet HHR Last?
A well-maintained 2010 Chevrolet HHR can last around 250,000 miles, which is about 50,000 miles longer than its closest rival, the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Regular annual maintenance costs are close to other compact SUVs, at $537 per year, according to Repair Pal.
Since most 2010 HHR models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the stabilizer bars for $135, the valve cover gasket costing $200, and the brake hose which costs $150.
Yes it's reliable and I have had no major issues. Other than regular maintenance I've done no major repairs.
It is really reliable. Or does have a few minor issues like really bad blind spots especially when rounding a curve. I have to bob and weave to see. The cup holders are small no bigger than a can of coke. Changing the battery is not easy either. I have to take the stair tire out to get to it. I bought mine used and have (knock on wood) has only one major repair...
It is very reliable. I had car troubles but it was caused by me neglecting maintenance on my car. As long as you take care of the oil and check ups, that car gave me a great decade.
Not really the just normal wear and tear. Little things have gone out like the driver door doesn't open from the inside.
Very reliable and good on gas. No problems since we have owned it. Glad we got it. Would buy it again. Bought it used and have been very happy with it.
Yes. It is reliable. The only problem I have is a check engine line is stuck on my dashboard. I have had it checked and there is nothing wrong
How Much Is the 2010 Chevrolet HHR Worth?
Blue book values range from $5,563 to $9,290, making the HHR thousands of dollars cheaper than the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. When new, the price range was $18,720 to $26,255. Depreciation is average, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevrolet HHR?
There are three main models of the HHR offered for the 2010 model year. The HHR was introduced for the first generation in 2006, and then discontinued after 2011 due to declining sales.
LS is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Cruise Control
- OnStar
- Keyless Entry
- 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System With 3.5mm AUX
LT falls in the middle of the lineup, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Fog Lights
- Premium Cloth Seating
- 7-Speaker Pioneer Stereo System With Bluetooth Connectivity
SS is the high-performance model which adds:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Sport Tuned Suspension
- Two-Tone Interior Seats
- Lower Front & Rear Bumpers
What Engines Come In the Chevrolet HHR?
- The standard engine in the HHR is the weak 2.2L 4-cylinder which makes 155 horsepower while getting up to 26 MPG.
- A step up is the better 2.4L 4-cylinder which produces 172 horsepower and gets up to 25 MPG.
- The flagship engine is the strong 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder which makes 260 horsepower and gets up to 24 MPG. Performance is good, taking only 6 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Chevrolet HHR Come In?
How Big Is the Chevrolet HHR?
The 2010 Chevrolet HHR is smaller than many other compact SUVs on the market including the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape. Passenger space is excellent with plenty of leg and headroom throughout the cabin to easily fit taller adults.
Cargo space is close to other small SUVs with enough space for 3-5 suitcases behind the seats and around 12 suitcases with the seats folded flat.
How Does the Chevrolet HHR Compare to the Competition?
The 2010 Chevrolet HHR is an average rated compact SUV that focuses more on city driving with a lower suspension than rivals, which makes it not as good on the snow and dirt roads.
The Chevrolet Equinox is another rival from Chevrolet, which costs about $1,300 more. Passenger space is a bit better in the Chevrolet Equinox, but the Chevrolet HHR has more responsive steering and a stronger engine. We recommend the Chevrolet HHR for 2010 since there are fewer mechanical problems.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a competitor which costs about $700 less. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Chrysler PT Cruiser, but the Chevrolet HHR has more space for passengers and cargo. We recommend the Chevrolet HHR since there are fewer problems, but both are similar retro-inspired small SUVs.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevrolet HHR?
Yes it's very reliable and has great gas mileage and has been one of the more dependable cars I have owned.
Yes it is a wonderful vehicle. I has great gas mileage. Fold down back seats for extra cargo room. I love all the little compartments to hide stuff away so the car is not cluttered. It is compact but can still hold 4 adults and a 50" TV.
Yes but there were a few details that made this car a difficult car to keep. Although the car has run great for the 9 years that I have kept it, the engine is placed in the trunk portion of the car. My battery has died before and since the whole car is electrical, I had to call a locksmith to open the car to get to the battery. I had to buy extra long cables to reach the battery for a jump. Also, the handles to the doors have broken off multiple times.
Yes it's reliable not to much upkeep. it's great if you have a lot to load and easy to put seats up and down to expand the back.
Great. No problems so far. My husband is a mechanic and said the engine in this vehicle is a good one. Love it.
Yes, it is easy to maintain and handles well. The gas mileage is good and it is innovative. It matches my personality and is attractive and affordable