I ordered my HHR with OnStar with the problems I have I thought it would be safer with it. I use the phone feature quite often I like the sound of it better than using my cell phone and hands free piece.

 

There is FAR more to On-Star than being a glorified cell phone. If you get a check engine light, push the blue button and On-Star will tell you what is wrong with your engine and if it is emergency repair time or not. You get monthly emails (or emails at your request) about your engine and other vital info. If your car is stolen, On-Star can track it. If you lock your keys in your car, On-star will unlock the doors. If you are traveling, On-Star will give you information about the next exit, or where the nearest gas station is, or even turn by turn directions to get you back on route. If your air bag goes off, On-Star will contact you to check to see if you are injured, if no response, they will for emergency. Need a phone number to the pizza palace? Push the button. I love mine, wouldn't do without it, use it often ( why not, I paid for it ) and I feel better knowing my family has it if needed.
Is it worth the price? Ask yourself this, can you use your cell phone to call the police if you are injured in a wreck or unconsious from some illness or ailment? I bet not.

 

I just recently renewed my subscription. I use the hands-free calling a lot, especially since it works better than the speaker phone on my cell. OnStar is the main reason I switched carriers to Verizon. As far as the emergency features, I used it several times. Once to report an accident I came across, the operator took down the info I provided and they contacted emergency services. I also had to use the emergency button one time during a road-trip from Florida to N. Carolina. I had a UTI so bad that I thought I was passing kidney stones. OnStar was able to direct me to the closest hospital and also start the in-processing paperwork at the ER. It also gives me a monthly email update with oil percentage readings and standard sevices needed.

 

Except OnStar does not track vehicles unless they get a request from a law enforcement agency - they will not even tell you where your own vehicle is. They also don't sell any information about your driving habits, there are numerous laws and policies about that.