You should also look at the pontiac vibe/toyota matrix twins. They are excellent cars, carry a decent load, and share the platform with the corolla.
When I compared with the HHR though, a comparably equipped vibe was a couple thousand more.

 

what fuel do you all use?

 

Jeep problems = Road noise, cheap parts, brakes wear out quickly, trans problems, terrible mileage.

 

I use 87 in my 2.4. I am not out for a super-powerful vehicle and have tried premium with only a negligible increase in fuel economy. If I wanna go fast, I have my bike (in the warmer months anyway)

 

You must be a fast peddler!!!

 

disagree. Wife's '04 Cherokee only got bad mileage because it had the 4.7,traded for 08 Compass w/2.4L, mpg mid to upper 20's same as HHR's mpg. No brake problems ever on any Chry product. Over 36k on Cherokee and over 70,000 w/ her Chry/Dodge Vans and never needed brakes.
You can get a bad one in any brand

 

Look at my profile (Kawi Z750)

 

I don't want to start a flamewar but the 182,000 miles on my 99 Cherokee would disagree, The gas mileage sucks with the 4.0 but it has been bullet proof and it will go pretty much anywhere you point it.

 

They are talking about the compass 2.4L though, fuel economy should be in the same category as the HHR. Its also on the very short list for the $1000 canadian eco-auto rebate.
But I do know from experience the 4.0 Jeep engines are very bad for sucking back the gas. The only one worse I know of is the old 4.3 GM vortec V6. Wouldnt want one of those these days.

 

The comment is about the Patriot, not any other Jeep. See Consumer Report on Jeep Patriot at:

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Co...&model=Patriot

My neighbor agrees with the report based on his first hand ownership. He HATES the vehicle for the reasons I originally posted.

As for Cherokees, I know some of them can go for decades and they are very crash worthy. Again, I was addressing the Patriot, Compass & Caliber, not any other Jeep.