cherokee6

I just test drove a 2.4 LT and was impressed by a better overall driving experience. A few days ago I test drove a 2.2 but it was a LS, prior rental. There are certainly a whole lot more 2.2s for sale where I live. I have been holding out for the larger engine. What are your experiences, especially on the highway when you may need those extra 30 horses.

NikiPowPez

When I was car shopping I actually drove a 2.2 LS first and liked it. I was told that I should hold out for the 2.4 engine. Three days later I drove the car that I ended up buying which is a 2LT 2.4 and LOVED it. I drive like a hat out of bell so acceleration is a big deal for me. I ran the heck out of both cars. Scared the salesman, it was great. I noticed a big difference mainly in acceleration. From a dead stop at a light or in traffic on the e-way, the 2.4 seemd to have that extra oomph that I liked. I don't know if its because the 2.4 had the sport suspension, but I noticed the handling around curves & on bumps was a little better too.

Kicker|MyU

Same here. I have the 2.4 and the sport suspension, handles real good, hardly any lean in the corners and it out accelerates my old V6. When I do get on it, the steering gets light. I hate to think what the SS does!

solman98

Not this again....... The performance number on both the 2.4 & 2.2 are very close, make sure that difference you feel, isn't just in your head.

Drive both, make your own determination.

rommer

Test drive one and I guarantee, "hate" is the LAST word you will use!!!!

solman98

HHR SS #s
2.0 TC/5 Speed
0-60 MPH: 6.21
0-100 MPH 15.13
0-130 MPH: 31.05
1/4 Mile ET: 14.810
1/4 Mile MPH: 99.030

pitbull76

I've driven a 2.2 rental and my 2.4. I was pleasantly suprised by the 2.2. I would've probably bought the 2.2 if we could have found one equipped the way I wanted it (ABS/side airbags/sunroof/leather/upgraded stereo). Basically looking for a 2LT made it possible to get all of the features we wanted. Having the 2.4 really did not impact the purchase decision.

GRUMPEE

I went w/ the 2.4 because I planned on using the car for road trips to Vegas, I wanted the extra power for hauling w/4 people + luggage; an Automatic, only because I'm too much of a grump to deal with a 5-spd in traffic.

If you go for the 2.2, I'd say go with the 5 spd. Otherwise 2.4 Auto or spd.

afs9

I have a 99 V6 S10 that has a good kick to it--I was loathe to give up some of its power, so I was insistent that my HHR be an LT2 2.4. I have not been disappointed!

I'm going to Monterey soon and am I'm looking forward to see how Blackie does on the 'vine!

But yeah--like others say try them both!

solman98

But the 2.2 auto HHR would probably outrun it. Remember that the early IROC Z's in the 80's only had 160HP. Look at todays 4 bangers.