2010 Chevrolet HHR Vehicle Overview

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. To find proof for that old maxim, you need look no further than the 2010 Chevrolet HHR. When Chevy introduced this compact wagon four years ago, it was clearly hoping to woo buyers away from the well-established and wildly popular Chrysler PT Cruiser. But despite the fact that both vehicles featured similar retro styling cues, the PT's broader range of engine choices and available features made the HHR look like a case of too little, too late.

The HHR's prospects have been improving, though, thanks to thoughtful tweaks over the years. The 2010 model pretty much stands pat, but last year Chevy added several important standard safety features, including stability control, antilock brakes and side curtain airbags. Along with baked-in virtues like a comfortable ride, a versatile interior with up to 63 cubic feet of cargo space and EPA fuel economy estimates as high as 32 mpg highway, these continual improvements have pushed the HHR out from the PT Cruiser's shadow.

Another point in the HHR's favor is that Chevrolet offers it in three distinct models. The regular four-door wagon is by far the biggest seller, but business owners (or ordinary folks who frequently haul bulky items) will want to check out the Panel version, which loses the rear seats and gains windowless rear doors and rear quarter panels. Those looking for a healthy dose of performance along with their practicality can opt for the sporty SS model, which makes the HHR much more fun to drive by virtue of its 260-horsepower turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension.

Aside from its PT Cruiser rival, the HHR faces some pretty stiff competition. The modish Kia Soul and Scion xB offer equally eye-catching exteriors, plus similar fuel economy numbers and typically lower MSRPs, and the athletic Honda Fit is better on gas and boasts a more flexible if not quite as commodious interior. The all-new Mazda 3 hatchback can't match the HHR's cargo capacity, but its swoopier styling and superior handling and build quality give it a definite edge with buyers looking for a more refined driving experience. All that said, the 2010 Chevrolet HHR still manages to fill a unique niche in an appealing way, and we think that makes it worth a test-drive.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The front-wheel-drive 2010 Chevrolet HHR is available in two different body styles: a traditional four-door, five-passenger wagon and a two-seat Panel van. The Panel van has windowless rear cargo panel doors (they open via remote release), windowless rear quarter panels, cargo floor storage compartments and a rear 40-amp power point for electronic equipment. The wagon is available in three trim levels -- LS, LT and SS -- while the Panel van is available only in LS and LT trims.

The LS base model includes 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, full power accessories, OnStar and a six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.