I have a 2006 HHR 2LT and am considering buying the 2010 version. What has changed from my 2006? I heard the window switches are now on the doors -- good move. I am also considering the Hyundai Tucson and have a 2009 Toyota Matrix as a second vehicle. Is the premium sound system any good? Thanks in advance!

 

I like my premium sound system.
It won't win any db contests but it's pretty good for stock so I'm in no hurry to upgrade.

The thing I missed by getting a 2008 is a USB port on the stereo.
That wasn't available until 2009.
I have a USB dongle on my truck stereo and there's nothing like bringing 350-400 CDs worth of music on 4 memory sticks that fit in my shirt pocket.

If I want to bring my collection in the HHR for long road trips I use a netbook through the aux port.
The problem with that is the stereo only controls the volume and doesn't display any info.

 

Love my satellite radio

 

The USB port is awesome and if you have the USB port and the Aux port you can get a special connector to hook up Ipod and control Ipod thru steering wheel controls or thru the radio. I like the chrome LT2 wheels on my 09 more then the older models just my thought.

 

Yea, but those are the laminated chrome w/plastic underneath..

I'll stick to my Hi-Polished mags..

 

The USB is nice but I have the 6 disc changer with MP3's buned for it. With 150+ songs per disc x 6 disc I have no need to carry my MP3 player any more. Kind of like a juke box in dash.

The Aux plug is there if I need to use the MP3.

So the USB would be nice I really don't miss it at all.

 

For me ('09) I love love love the USB port! Like Mowgli said, you can carry tons of music in your pocket. I have an 8gb and 16 gb USB sticks, 8gb has 60+ hours of music, and all music/song info is shown in the factory radio. It's ranked high up there for me along w/ window switches in the doors and the XM.

Later
Allex

 

Bluetooth is a really nice feature. And having 3 dome lights kicks too.

 

These three dome lights are a big deal. Family member's first comment on entering my 2007 at night was how dark it was inside. I am going to have the 2009+ front combo dome light / sunroof control retrofitted to my vehicle when they pull the headliner for the sunroof repair. The older model rear dome light, I believe, sits between the positions of the two current model rear dome lights, so there's no point in adding a third dome light.

Another difference in the later cars is that they can run E85. However, I have yet to meet anyone who said the cost savings from E85 wasn't offset by lower mileage from burning a partially unsaturated hydrocarbon. There's also the safety issues of stability control and side air bags which became standard equipment in 2009.

Most improvements to the non-SS HHR occurred between the 2008 and 2009 model year. In 2008, the SS came out with front window switches on the doors, but the others were unchanged that year. I can't think of any changes from 2006 to 2007. In 2008, in all models, the instantaneous mileage display was added to the information center. Somewhere in there, the final drive was lowered on the Getrag F23 manual transmission in the non-SS HHRs, but hardly anyone (I am an exception) gets a manual in anything except an SS or a basic LS.

Did anything of significance change from 2009 to 2010? If not, you might consider a 2009 to have less depreciation, since the 2006 will have distressingly low trade-in value.

From JD Power:

What Changed for the 2010 Chevrolet HHR:

* The Chevrolet HHR is carryover for the 2010 model year
* Rear vision camera (late availability)
* Revised Cashmere interior color scheme
* Three new exterior colors: Ice White, Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat and Cyber Grey Metallic

What Changed for 2009:

* New limited-edition HHR Panel SS model
* SS models feature reconfigurable performance display
* New SS Performance package debuts
* New panel van look with rear seats intact
* New 17-inch ChromeTech wheels standard on 2LT models
* Standard electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), roof rail side air bags
* Standard XM satellite radio and Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling
* E85 flex-fuel capability on 2.2-liter and 2.4-liter engines
* Optional rear backup camera
* Three new exterior colors

What Changed for 2008:

* Sport suspension on top LT model

* Flexible cargo management system

* New panel van look with rear seats intact

* New 16-inch wheels standard

* Stability control, 17-inch wheels, running board standard on top LT model

* Oil-life monitor standard

* Optional head curtain side air bags

* Dealer-installed optional rear spoiler, splash guards

* Sunroof optional

The biggest change for Chevrolet’s HHR is that it enters 2007 with increased horsepower for its two Ecotec engines. The base 2.2-liter engine gains 6 hp to 149, while the 2.4-liter picks up an additional 3 hp to 175. Other changes include new exterior and interior color choices.

 

I don't know how other years' or trim packages' dome lights were/are configured.
My 08 SS had the dash control light the back (towards the hatch)!
I'd have to reach back waaaay farther than I could physically reach to hit the buttons on it to light forwards.

Here's the "Dome light turn around" thread:
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-tutorial-library-21/dome-light-turn-around-17017/

The controls aim the lights correctly now (the way they should have from the factory).
I can now read a map at night without flipping it onto the dash to use the rear-view lights or getting out to read it in the hatch (!!!).

Maybe that could help.
If that's the case they could flip it around while they have your headliner down.