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PTCCmike
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Posted: Oct 29, 2005, 9:25 PM
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Road Test: 2006 Chevrolet HHR vs. 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
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Road Test: 2006 Chevrolet HHR vs. 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Appliance Appeal: Does the new HHR have what it takes to steal sales from the still strong PT Cruiser, or is it too late?
By Greg Brown
Photography by Jeff Wight
Motor Trend, September 2005
A disservice was once done to a great friend of mankind, the appliance. Some clever car writer, in search of a colorful metaphor to describe a particularly dull vehicle, called it an appliance. Let's reverse that insinuation. Let's celebrate the appliance. After all, one of its definitions is "willing service," which is arguably the most fundamental element of any human-friendly machine. Even in its broader sense, as in putting an action into effect, appliance is a concept to be praised and enjoyed, not used as a negative. Moreover, thanks to creative minds in the industrial arts, the appearance of many appliances is far from dull.
Like the freshened Chrysler PT Cruiser and all-new Chevrolet HHR: two of the more striking automotive appliances in the compact crossover market. At the heart of both is a combination of flexible spacious interior and efficient powertrain, providing the essential requirements of utility vehicles. But their functionality is distinguished by evocative styling that raises their reasons for being beyond the merely useful.
The initial success of the PT Cruiser, launched amid the nostalgia-tinted turn of the millennium, revealed both a hunger for the good old days and a thirst for basic transportation that says more about the buyer than just being careful with money. That first flurry of excitement was followed by continued robust sales, as the PT returned the real-world rewards of willing service.
Model variants and freshenings have benefited the PT's enduring appeal (see sidebar for 2006 changes), but its fortune hasn't gone unnoticed by the competition. In fact, GM was so convinced of the PT's winning formula, it used the same designer who styled the PT to conceive Chevrolet's latecomer to the segment, the HHR.
HHR stands for Heritage High Roof. The heritage bit comes from looks borrowed from the 1949 Chevy Suburban and the contemporary SSR roadster. Built on the same Delta platform as the Chevrolet Cobalt sedan and coupe, the HHR is, under that retro-skin, all about functionality. Was it built specifically to battle the PT? Well, yes and no. Obviously, GM would like to slice into the PT's action, but says the HHR's real target is the compact crossover market, which is busting out all over as the big rigs get taken down by rising fuel prices.
The HHR isn't just a PT clone. Though it has styling that reaches back in time--designer Clay Dean called it "chasing the genealogy of Chevy's finest utility vehicles" --and an interior with lots of variability, the goal was to utilize the Delta platform's strengths to make it drive as carlike as possible and then underscore its dynamic virtues with carlike ergonomics and creature comfort. To paraphrase a Chevy engineer, Bob Lutz's hands were all over the HHR. As shown by our testers, standard equipment for these sub-$20,000 utility wagons is now quite astonishing: When fully optioned, both offer the amenities of premillennium luxury cars. Except for a few quirky placements of controls, the ****pits are well-honed, quiet workplaces. Unfortunately, the PT's feels like it's from the industrial side of the tracks: The steering wheel is at the wrong angle, and the seats lack support. As chief cone killer Walton said after putting the PT's mild-mannered but willing 150-horse engine, clean-shifting manual transmission, and accurate electric steering through their paces on the test track: "It's really chuckable, but that driving position ruins the fun."
In fact, the relationship of driver to controls is the most distinctive dynamic ingredient separating the PT and HHR. They are close in dimensions, although the HHR is seven inches longer overall, there's nine inches more from the dashboard to the rear door.
Both will let you take your favorite eight-foot ladder wherever you go, and each boasts various seat foldings and cargo shelf deployments to create a dizzying number of interior configurations. When it comes time to deliver that ladder, the chore will be more pleasant in the HHR simply because it's more pleasant to drive.
Our HHR came with GM's four-speed automatic. Smooth, crisp gearchanges and quick on the downshifts, it makes good use of each crank twist and helps the HHR feel quicker than 172 horsepower. The engine's soft throttle tip-in, well-modulated brakes, and excellent electronic steering make mincemeat of stop-and-go traffic and guide the HHR through the slice and dice of city traffic with small-car poise. It's not quite as not as nimble as the PT, though: Hit a corner too hot, and suddenly that extra seven inches of bodywork starts to work its way sideways through the rearview mirror. But the HHR's larger 17-inch Firestones were fun to work in the corners and provided a high level of feedback.
Ride quality degenerates significantly in both vehicles when rough road is encountered, a reminder that these are small cars, not luxo-cruisers. The HHR's sport-tuned suspension wants to crash through the bumps more than absorb them, and freeway expansion joints are met with a choppy ride and hops from the stiffly suspended rear axle.
Though not as acute in its reactions to broken pavement, the PT also can't disguise its utilitarian roots in response to less than smooth asphalt. Road and wind noise in both vehicles, however, are well within acceptable limits.
It's a toss-up in terms of utility and driving fun between these two. But if we had to take one away, it would be the HHR. Photos don't do it justice, but we love its muscular stance, bulging fenders, and aggressive snout. The PT Cruiser seems more...er, feminine, by comparison. Yes, the HHR's retro, but not so much that it's a liability; after all, with GM's uncanny talent for timing recently, it could be launching just as the whole retro-car thing decides to jump the shark. Call it an appliance with character, instead.
Now, where's that Dualit toaster?
Meet The HHR
Two models of HHR are available: the LS ($15,990), and the LT, which comes in two trim levels, 1LT ($16,990) and 2LT ($18,790). The base engine for LS and 1LT is a 2.2-liter Ecotec inline-four rated at 143 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.4-liter, 172-horse Ecotec powers the 2LT. A five-speed manual is standard across the line, while the four-speed automatic can be optioned into any model.
Two suspension calibrations are offered: FE1--tuned for a softer ride and with 16-inch wheels--is standard on LS and 1LT models. The sport-tuned FE2 with 17-inch wheels, rear monotube shocks and larger anti-roll bars, is standard on 2LTs. Front disc and rear drum brakes can be augmented with ABS.
The LS's list of standard amenities is anything but meager and includes air-conditioning, cruise control, six-way manually adjusted driver's seat; six-speaker stereo with CD player; intermittent front wipers; tinted glass; and Driver Information Center.
Our tester vehicle was a fully loaded 2LT with optional, four-speed automatic transmission (which includes remote start) and traction control. Just listing the equipment would turn this article into a 10-pager, so we'll mention just a few: ABS, foglamps seven-speaker sound system; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, bright-chrome appearance package.
PT Changes
Powertrains: 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter four; 180-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbo four; 230-horsepower, 2.4-liter high-output turbo four. Transmissions: five-speed manual and four-speed automatic are carried over from 2005. Here's some of what's different for 2006:
* Pricing: Base ($14,850); Touring ($16,530); Limited ($19,335); GT ($24,085)
* Grille, front and rear fascias, headlamps, taillamps redesigned
* Aluminum wheels: 16-inch nine-spoke (Limited); 17-inch 15-spoke chromed (GT)
* Instrument panel, gauge design, door trim, center console
* Higher-output HVAC system with flush shut-off outlets
* Seat trim, fabrics
* MP3 capable radios; repositioned speakers for enhanced bass response; optional Boston Acoustics premium audio
Our tester came with a six-way power driver's seat, air-conditioning, remote keyless entry, security alarm, leather-wrapped steering wheel, side airbags, foglamps, cruise control, tinted glass, power moonroof with sliding sunshade, and Touring suspension.
1st Place: Chevrolet HHR
Builds on Cruiser theme, but in a cool-looking, slightly larger package.
2nd Place Chrysler PT Cruiser
Still offers all the good stuff. Update might have gone further, but still fun for the $$.
Find this article at:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/wagon/112_0509_pt_vs_hhr/index.html
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Mike Challis - PT Cruiser Club Founder
PT Cruiser Club is built around a community of people with the same interest (the Chrysler PT Cruiser), nowhere else will you find so much PT Cruiser information and as many enthusiasts.
 Join the Club Today!
Join the Club and get Member Discounts at PT Cruiser Club Store on PT Cruiser Accessories.
(This post was edited by PTCCmike on Oct 29, 2005, 9:25 PM)
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Posts: 4937 | From: Long Beach, WA
| Registered: Sep 1, 1999, 12:00 AM
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MoparErnie
Cruiser Expert
Posted: Oct 30, 2005, 8:10 PM
Post #2 of 8
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Re: [PTCCmike] Road Test: 2006 Chevrolet HHR vs. 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
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 This is a good reason NOT to subscribe to MotorTrend -- but read AutoWeek!
Ernie 
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"WHITE KNIGHT" '03 GT Turbo, one-of-a-kind custom striping, custom single-pipe-exhaust with 4" tip, K&N air filter in stock airbox, MOPAR rear spoiler, MOPAR chrome gas cap, MOPAR cargo net, Billet heater/air controls. "GT Turbo" on 3rd brake light. chrome door handle spears, MOPAR deluxe splash guards, window air deflectors, Old School console inserts, dual MOPAR horns, Cruiser decals over visors and rear inside cover, 'PT Cruiser' on outside rearview mirrors, fuzzy dice, cigar lighter.
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Posts: 264 | From: LaGrange, IL
| Registered: Jan 23, 2005, 7:47 PM
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Cruiser RN
Cruiser Veteran
PT Cruiser Club Member
Posted: Jan 8, 2006, 2:55 PM
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Re: [MoparErnie] Road Test: 2006 Chevrolet HHR vs. 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
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 Hi Ernie,my acronym for HHR=Hopeless Hunk(of) Rubbish.Chevy has always been a day late and a dollar short.All the Best and God Bless.
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Mike Casabianca
His: 2001 Black LE with Auto Transmission, BullDog Signs Flames, WeatherTec wind deflectors, cargo area mat, PT trash can, PT valve stem caps and Dart's coldair intake, chrome tail and headlight bezels, chrome bumper inserts, chrome license plate pillow, chrome fender trim, 1940's retro chrome on front and back fenders, door spears, chrome hatch door trim, chrome gas door, brushed chrome door sills, billet door pins, custom "BlueHaze" dash mat, MRK Group lugnut covers, dome light trim, etc. and the chrome goes on......
Hers: 2003 Patriot Blue Woody with Automatic Transmission, Bulldog Signs Eeyore, Cargo area mat, WeatherTec wind deflectors, PT valve stem caps, PT trash can, "BlueHaze" custom dash mat, and chrome tailpipe extension, "Old School" wood shifter knob, wood and chrome door pins, MRK Group interior knob and switch covers, door surrounds, and dome light trim, chrome door surround trim, white eeyore window decals, smoothie hub cap, wood eeyore plaques ....and the Wood goes on
http://community.webshots.com/user/mdcvmvc
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Posts: 2257 | From: Yonkers, New York
| Registered: Aug 21, 2002, 12:00 AM
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1rooster
Cruiser Certified
PT Cruiser Club Member
Posted: Feb 18, 2006, 1:22 PM
Post #4 of 8
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Re: [PTCCmike] Road Test: 2006 Chevrolet HHR vs. 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
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I need a second opinion
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When you are up to your nose in poop keep your mouth shut.
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Posts: 1082 | From: Roosterville NC
| Registered: Jun 17, 2001, 12:00 AM
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1rooster
Cruiser Certified
PT Cruiser Club Member
Posted: Feb 18, 2006, 1:24 PM
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Re: [MoparErnie] Road Test: 2006 Chevrolet HHR vs. 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
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Wonder if Mr Brown got a free HHR for his opinions
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When you are up to your nose in poop keep your mouth shut.
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Posts: 1082 | From: Roosterville NC
| Registered: Jun 17, 2001, 12:00 AM
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krejaton
Cruiser Newbie
Posted: Feb 23, 2006, 5:46 PM
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Re: [Cruiser RN] Road Test: 2006 Chevrolet HHR vs. 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
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Quote:
Hi Ernie,my acronym for HHR=Hopeless Hunk(of) Rubbish.Chevy has always been a day late and a dollar short.All the Best and God Bless.
Bwahaha...a lot of bitter little people in here. To trash the HHR...does that make your car any better?
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Posts: 1 | From: Cal-E-Fornia
| Registered: Oct 27, 2005, 10:59 PM
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taikuchin
Cruiser Certified
Posted: Feb 23, 2006, 7:10 PM
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Re: [krejaton] Road Test: 2006 Chevrolet HHR vs. 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
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Not really much different than the PT bashing that goes on over at the HHR site. Are they bitter too? Anyway, bashing the other guys car seems to be sop on the forums. You wanna see bitter? Check the mirror after a PT hands you your ass at the next light.
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Rt 66, Shamrock, Tx.
Hahn Stage II
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Posts: 1125 | From: Oregon
| Registered: Jan 20, 2002, 12:00 AM
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Cruiser RN
Cruiser Veteran
PT Cruiser Club Member
Posted: Feb 23, 2006, 7:54 PM
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Re: [krejaton] Road Test: 2006 Chevrolet HHR vs. 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
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Lighten up and laugh.I am neither bitter nor little.We are having a little fun here,that is all,but at least we don't resort to calling HHR owners names.If you like the HHR buy it.The only opinion that really counts is the one of the person who is making the payments.God Bless and Peace Out.
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Mike Casabianca
His: 2001 Black LE with Auto Transmission, BullDog Signs Flames, WeatherTec wind deflectors, cargo area mat, PT trash can, PT valve stem caps and Dart's coldair intake, chrome tail and headlight bezels, chrome bumper inserts, chrome license plate pillow, chrome fender trim, 1940's retro chrome on front and back fenders, door spears, chrome hatch door trim, chrome gas door, brushed chrome door sills, billet door pins, custom "BlueHaze" dash mat, MRK Group lugnut covers, dome light trim, etc. and the chrome goes on......
Hers: 2003 Patriot Blue Woody with Automatic Transmission, Bulldog Signs Eeyore, Cargo area mat, WeatherTec wind deflectors, PT valve stem caps, PT trash can, "BlueHaze" custom dash mat, and chrome tailpipe extension, "Old School" wood shifter knob, wood and chrome door pins, MRK Group interior knob and switch covers, door surrounds, and dome light trim, chrome door surround trim, white eeyore window decals, smoothie hub cap, wood eeyore plaques ....and the Wood goes on
http://community.webshots.com/user/mdcvmvc
(This post was edited by Cruiser RN on Feb 24, 2006, 1:13 PM)
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Posts: 2257 | From: Yonkers, New York
| Registered: Aug 21, 2002, 12:00 AM
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