Remember the wood-paneled Suburbans of the 1950s and ’60s? The station wagon-type body on a commercial frame that was a storied part of youthful fun of some Baltimoreans has been reincarnated to fit modern sensibilities.
At least that’s what some area Chevrolet Heritage High Roof (HHR) dealers hear from 40- and 50-something buyers who have snapped up the wagon.
The HHR was designed as a nod to the fat-fendered pickups and panel trucks of the early ’50s and upgraded with modern fuel economy, and middle-aged buyers told Ron Carfine, sales manager at Fox Chevrolet, in Baltimore, that it reminds them of the classic Suburbans they saw still tooling around in their youth.
“They just seem to be the people most interested in it,” Carfine said.
The retro appeal extends even to the favored options for the HHR. Baltimore-area buyers prefer the five-speed manual transmission over the optional four-speed automatic in this vehicle, said Chris Silk, sales manager at Jerry’s Chevrolet in Towson.
“That’s really unusual in new-car buyers,” Silk said.
The hands-on driver is rewarded with a standard no-lift shift and a 260-horsepower, turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Built as the wagon version of the Cobalt sedan and coupe, the HHR drives like a sporty wagon.
Premium fuel is recommended but not required.
The performance comes with a polished look. The HHR SS includes 18-inch polished aluminum wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport performance tires, a dam-style front fascia with fog lights and a rear fascia with an integrated single exhaust outlet, mesh-style upper and lower grilles, rear spoiler, lower body moldings and body-color door handles.
The HHR’s performance comes in a fuel-efficient and cost-effective package, mandatory for area commuters. It offers 28 mpg highway and 19 city fuel economy for a base price of $23,565.
Baltimore buyers may not be rushing for the automatic transmission package for the HHR but they do favor the remote start option.
“To keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer before they get in,” said Silk, about the remote.
The HHR includes a variety of safety features, including front air bags, StabiliTrak stability and traction controls, and power four-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS. Many buyers add to those with the $395 front and rear side air bag package.
The vehicle’s appeal doesn’t end with baby boomers. Silk said the HHR’s cross-generational appeal has made it among his dealership’s top-five selling vehicles every month throughout 2008.
Area businesses have also taken notice of the HHR’s fuel economy and pricing, he said. Several area contractors have bought the vehicle as a working truck alternative to gas-guzzling cargo vans.
Editors’ note: Includes information by Mark Maynard published by Creators Syndicate
SPECS BOX
- 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS Turbo
- Engine: turbocharged and intercooled 260-horsepower, 2.0-liter four cylinder
- Transmission: five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic
- Fuel economy: 19 mpg city, 28 highway
- Price: Base: $23,565, including $640 freight charg
