I have purchased countless gm cars with well over 150k on them. And all needed work, but over all decent cars capable of reaching 200k and beyond.
My wife bought her grand prix with 169k on it two years ago, and it is still going strong. Yes she has spent over a grand on repairs in the past two years, but it has never left her stranded.

As for Monroe, I think it depends on the product. Their Severe Service shocks for police, and taxi on the b-bodys can not be matched for price and performance. But I think with the HHRs, I would go AC Delco, Koni, or Bilstien.

For a inexpensive choice, you might try Gabriel Ultra. They are a decent shock, not sure about the struts

 

I see this thread is a bit old,but I wanted to put my comments in.
I have a 2006 LS and at 80K needed to replace the struts and Shocks. Mind you I really didn't feel they were all that bad, but I figured it should be done along with a new set of tires.
so I had a set of 225's put on instead of 215's and a set of Monreo Sensa Trac's front and rear.

WOW what a peice of crap these rear shocks are!!! I imediately noticed the back end of the car bouncing more, Wasn't sure if I had stepped back in time and was driving a 50's cadillac. That BAD!

Went back to my tire shop and complained and they checked them to make sure I didn't get a bad set or leaking. Nope all good. So I said I'll try them for a while, folks I tell ya, I drive my LS pretty damn hard at times. Comes from being a Kart racer and I have to remind my self not to take that turn to fast or.... I have been on sweeping ramps rated for 45 mph on the OEM at 70 and felt totaly in control, with these If I push it past 60 I figure theres a good chance there gonna be picking me up of the roadway.

As for in town, going over speed bumps at 12 mph and the back end will bounce up and down two times before stabilizing. I feel like I have 800lbs in the back!.

So after reading this thread it looks like I'm going to go with the KYB's for the rear. Mind you the fronts seem just fine, I noticed no difference from the OEM to the new ones.

MIke R

 

just my .02 the fe5 were proven on nurenburg (sp) to be a fantastic shock and spring combo..to me why go aftermarket when the oem is good?!

 

GuyS

KYBs or Bilstiens or Konis

Anything else is a waste of an afternoon.

Rick

 

KYBs dont match up with the FE5's...they are FE3's. And OEM's dont cost 300$ a corner...

 

Springs. $.02 added.

 

Ya..what you have to watch is the combo of spring/shock package..between the LS and SS, I found that the KYB's work well with Stock LS springs and Gold Line springs, but not so well with the SS and or Sportline springs. Why they work with GL and not SL is interesting, its all in the spring rates. Had the annoying bounch in the rear on the SS and going back to 50k mile FE5 shocks was night and day. no more bounce,,roll over a bump and its one cycle and done. Yet, the front setup seems to work ok on both. Though Im sure once I redo the fronts with FE5 the difference will show. Be wary of using cobalt rears as the spring rates are not as stout, the HHR is heavier. If I find a shop with a spring tester Ill rate the SS springs and then we'll have a good baseline. Id do the LS but they are long gone.

 

I have the KYBs in the rear of my LS. I tow and have no issues. My OEM fronts are shot-lots o oil leaking plus strut clunk. Anyway ended up with Monroe completes for the front. Got them with a discount from Advance & free shipping and rebate for me & wifes cobalt. i called Monroe 1st and asked them obout their "spring fitment issue" and the tech claimed that has been taken care of. He did warn though about possibly getting NOS so check your part numbers... Still in boxes though in Kitchen, will install in a few weeks to stop wife from complaining.