Author Topic: CTC Review: 2007 Chevrolet HHR Panel (Read 3764 times)

Autos_Editor · « **on:** October 02, 2007, 08:53:47 pm »

Picture Gallery: 2007 Chevrolet HHR Panel

Day 1:

Click Image to Enlarge

I believe the saying goes, "Timing is everything." If so, the timing of me receiving the HHR to test is a little off. This would have been the perfect vehicle in a few weeks from now when I'll be moving; as it is, unfortunately, the HHR Panel I have this week will only be used as a commuter vehicle, but I can pretend I'm doing deliveries, I suppose.More...

Sir Meow · « **Reply #1 on:** October 03, 2007, 12:53:32 am »

when I look at that red van a silly song comes to mind.

Postman Pat, Postman Pat, Postman Pat and his black and white cat, Early in the morning, Just as day is dawning, He picks up all the post bags in his van. Postman Pat, Postman Pat, Postman Pat and his black and white cat, All the birds are singing......................

Anyway.

These small van can be tricky to drive around urban centres than a normal size cargo van, Some turnings you are almost blind. I'm not sure if there is need for this size van in Canada, I guess only time will tell?

airbalancer · « **Reply #2 on:** October 03, 2007, 07:51:52 am »

this probably a perfect size for some trades since there no small wagon anymore, controls, telephone installers. Probably even geek squad

The Mighty Duck · « **Reply #3 on:** October 03, 2007, 09:03:38 am »

I actually quite like this vehicle, it looks neat and could be very practical. And look at all that space to plaster your company name!

James, I remember reading when these first came out they were also putting out a panel version with back windows. Does yours have windows? Also: is the panel available with the turbocharged SS motor?

jww · « **Reply #4 on:** October 03, 2007, 09:40:22 am »

Quote from: Sir Meow on October 03, 2007, 12:53:32 am

when I look at that red van a silly song comes to mind.

Postman Pat, Postman Pat, Postman Pat and his black and white cat, Early in the morning, Just as day is dawning, He picks up all the post bags in his van. Postman Pat, Postman Pat, Postman Pat and his black and white cat, All the birds are singing......................
...

I think if I were a contractor it would be between a panel HHR and a Magnum - and I'd probably opt for the Magnum because of the sheer size - you can carry a ton of stuff in them and no really terrible blind spots like the panel van would have.

sirAQUAMAN64 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 03, 2007, 10:26:04 am »

Wing, think the HHR looks 10X better inside in black/charcoal than the tan/beige.

I don't mind the exterior - quite like it.

Don't know if this vehicle has enough vertical height inside. If it had a bit more would greatly expand the flexibility of the vehicle.

Schmengie · « **Reply #6 on:** October 03, 2007, 11:58:08 am »

Quote from: jww on October 03, 2007, 09:40:22 am

Quote from: Sir Meow on October 03, 2007, 12:53:32 am
when I look at that red van a silly song comes to mind.

Postman Pat, Postman Pat, Postman Pat and his black and white cat, Early in the morning, Just as day is dawning, He picks up all the post bags in his van. Postman Pat, Postman Pat, Postman Pat and his black and white cat, All the birds are singing......................
...

I think if I were a contractor it would be between a panel HHR and a Magnum - and I'd probably opt for the Magnum because of the sheer size - you can carry a ton of stuff in them and no really terrible blind spots like the panel van would have.

I just saw a newspaper ad for an '07 HHR Panel with the price listed at $26,849

, a 2-year old Dodge Magnum can be had for around 20 large. No contest.

Mitlov · « **Reply #7 on:** October 03, 2007, 12:04:46 pm »

Magnums are pretty popular with businesses around here. Good utility at a good price.

jww · « **Reply #8 on:** October 03, 2007, 03:14:30 pm »

Quote from: Mitlov on October 03, 2007, 12:04:46 pm

Magnums are pretty popular with businesses around here. Good utility at a good price.

Yup.

The HHR will get sales though - I can see people wanting one with the high roof line for stacking high in the rear. That is, until they read the warning about cargo stacked higher than the seat back is dangerous and might fly around the cabin during transit.

airbalancer · « **Reply #9 on:** October 03, 2007, 03:25:23 pm »

Quote from: jww on October 03, 2007, 03:14:30 pm

Quote from: Mitlov on October 03, 2007, 12:04:46 pm
Magnums are pretty popular with businesses around here. Good utility at a good price.
Yup.

The HHR will get sales though - I can see people wanting one with the high roof line for stacking high in the rear. That is, until they read the warning about cargo stacked higher than the seat back is dangerous and might fly around the cabin during transit.

I wondered if you can get a divider to go behind the seats
Also can you get a real roof rack to hold ladders

The Mighty Duck · « **Reply #10 on:** October 03, 2007, 03:45:02 pm »

If not, I'm sure the aftermarket will have something very quickly that will do both. Though it would be nice to be able to tick the option box for those two things at the time of purchase.

You know, these car companies should be scouting on our forum. We're just full of good ideas!

PJungnitsch · « **Reply #11 on:** October 03, 2007, 03:54:12 pm »

Quote from: jww on October 03, 2007, 03:14:30 pm

Yup.

The HHR will get sales though - I can see people wanting one with the high roof line for stacking high in the rear. That is, until they read the warning about cargo stacked higher than the seat back is dangerous and might fly around the cabin during transit.

Heh. I remember being told that was always a hazard about running those 'A-team' style cargo vans that were popular back in the day.

If something was wanted you just braked hard and it all hit you in the back of the head.

Greg B. · « **Reply #12 on:** October 03, 2007, 06:52:52 pm »

Quote from: jww on October 03, 2007, 09:40:22 am

I think if I were a contractor it would be between a panel HHR and a Magnum - and I'd probably opt for the Magnum because of the sheer size - you can carry a ton of stuff in them and no really terrible blind spots like the panel van would have.

Unless you want to carry something more than a couple of feet high like a table saw -- then the ridiculously low Magnum cargo area becomes useless. Plus it would be significantly more fuel-hungry than the HHR Panel, which I think should do well.

Leviathan · « **Reply #13 on:** October 04, 2007, 01:11:10 am »

I've seen a few running around town here all gussied up with logos - nice. One was going down a pretty busy street and several pedestrians were turning their heads to have a look - mission accomplished I'd say.

barrie1 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 04, 2007, 10:32:43 pm »

Most of the commercial roof racks as they are adjustable already will fit the top of this van and there will probably be a solid wall or a even a full height cargo net to keep the goods where they belong. The Fuel milage will be fantastic in comparison to a full sized Magnum which would probably have a Hemi in it. I also have seen a No. of these painted up and they do look very good as a Billboard for any company.

sirAQUAMAN64 · « **Reply #15 on:** October 05, 2007, 10:32:32 am »

Had no idea an SS Panel was coming. Cool.

mmret · « **Reply #16 on:** October 05, 2007, 10:42:51 am »

Quote from: barrie1 on October 04, 2007, 10:32:43 pm

I also have seen a No. of these painted up and they do look very good as a Billboard for any company.

Not just because of the body panel too...the car is pretty eye catching to begin with. I find the typical GM Savanna / Ford E-Series vans with vinyl work on them to just blend into the scenery far too easily.

bgclarke · « **Reply #17 on:** October 05, 2007, 11:22:34 am »

I have a 2006 HHR LT with the 2.4L engine and auto.

That engine/transmission combo has a lot of get up and go. I routinely end up (accidently) doing 100 km/h along hunt club.

Backing up is also an issue with the regular HHRs - I cannot judge how far I am from the vehicle behind me. I think part of it is that the rear end is slightly raised. A set of leveling springs would resolve that.

safristi · « **Reply #18 on:** October 05, 2007, 12:51:38 pm »

..when were the "SS" re_MOBBED?

........Das es painfully Fashte fer HHR(Herr Hilter!!Rshagwaggen)

Craig · « **Reply #19 on:** October 05, 2007, 07:30:38 pm »

Quote from: Sir Meow on October 03, 2007, 12:53:32 am

when I look at that red van a silly song comes to mind.

And that's where the song (and your thoughts) should have stayed.