posted February 24, 2006 11:42 AM
Ray, we drive a Cruiser and when the HHR's came out I was interested in how they compared to one another. The styling is a personal matter as they are both cool. I think the Chrysler is a little truer to the retro thing though. Size wise, when parked next to one another they are about the same size. The Cruiser sits a little higher. I've read road tests on both and they seem to perform about the same too. Costwise they are also pretty comperable. The one noticeable difference between these two cars is in seating room. The Cruiser is way roomier.
-------------------- George Perkins Millington,TN. goatwell@bigriver.net
"I started out with nothing and still have most of it left"
posted February 24, 2006 12:15 PM
iam with geo on this on. the pt has more room and has a turbo available for over 200 hp. the HHR as i understand it is built on the chevy caviler platform, front drive and underpowered. its a good looker, but they didnt do the body justice at the size it is.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted February 24, 2006 12:19 PM
Janis & I are seriously looking at one for her to drive. I've been dreaming of a PT for years, but Janis was cool on the idea until she saw the new HHR last week. Now she's SOLD!
We will shopping next week. She wants the purple one.
I think some gold leaf will look pretty classy on it.
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8740 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted February 24, 2006 12:57 PM
I've striped a couple of HHR's so far and BTW George and Joe, Chevy will be offering a supercharger for the larger displacement engine as they offer 2.
Great vehicle to stripe by the way
-------------------- HotLines Joey Madden - pinstriping since 1952 'Perfection, its what I look for and what I live for'
"Some are born to move the world, to live their fantasies. But most of us just dream about the things we'd like to be." - Rush Posts: 1192 | From: Washington, NJ | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted February 24, 2006 01:08 PM
Feel younger? Dan, I feel 18 now, why should I want to feel younger?
Those Magnums are nice, though. As all us Baby Boomers are retiring, the car manufacturers are designing vehicles that take us back to our younger days.
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted February 24, 2006 01:33 PM
OP - The HHR is NOT based upon the Cavalier platform. The Cavalier isn't even made any more.
The Cavalier has been replaced with the Chevy Cobalt. The Cobalt was re-engineered from the ground up and shares absolutely none of the old Cavalier's underpinnings or anything else for that matter.
The Cobalt - although not a car I would personal choose - is said to be huge leaps ahead of the old Cavalier in quality, ride, and fit/finish.
Regarding the HHR?
Well, I think the PT Cruiser is waaay more visually appealing....and I'm from a GM town and family.
The HHR has - in my opinion - one of the ugliest, uncreative grills I've ever seen. It looks like someone glanced at their watch and said, "Oh crap, we have to have this thing completed by noon and the grill isn't done....quick! Somebody toss some scrap steel on the front and let's call it good."
I think the HHR is a copycat GM rippoff of the PT Cruiser....and not nearly as inspired.
Ok...I'm done.
Almost - Hold out for the new Charger Ray. For some reason, I can see you shiftin' gears and leaving a bitter smelling cloud of burnt rubber behind.....Vroooom! Vroooom! You look like a muscle car type guy to me.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted February 24, 2006 02:40 PM
I agree with Todd. The Chevy version is a cheap copycat half ass design that makes you want to tell GM: get your own ideas...or can you !
posted February 24, 2006 03:50 PM
I loved teh new HHR. In fact it was teh first American made car i looked at in over 20 years. I went to dealer and drove one around for at least 2 hours, It was GREAT.. Teh only drawback was my right knee was cramped against the console..
But, the only reason I didn't get one was because no deliverys until October. So I got a Pacifica instead. Then came a big storm..
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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posted February 24, 2006 03:55 PM
These vehicles both the PT cruiser and the HHR is what keeps aftermarket suppliers in business and at least you can change the grill easier on the HHR which I've seen.
I personally like any vehicle which comes to my door
-------------------- HotLines Joey Madden - pinstriping since 1952 'Perfection, its what I look for and what I live for'
posted February 24, 2006 05:11 PM
I stand *partially* corrected.
I just visited Chevy's website and there is another grille option. It looks like you have to get the decked out model to get it - and it does look a little better.
What I don't get is this:
A brand new vehicle with a little 4 cyclinder gets 22 city/ 30 hwy.
Is it just me, or does this not seem like that great of mileage for a pretty small vehicle?
I mean, heck, my 2001 Buick LeSabre (bought it from the inlaws) has a pretty potent V6 (3800 engine - one of GM's best in my opinion) and this has gotten up to 32 mpg on the highway.....
I don't see a whole lot of reason for buying small cars that don't achieve signifcantly better fuel economy.
Now Honday and Toyota are a different story....they seem to be on the cutting edge for fuel economy....
As long as GM and Ford and Chrysler keep churning out big, fat ol' gas slurpers - - they're gonna go down the tubes. Which would be a bad thing.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted February 24, 2006 05:59 PM
cavelier/cobalt its still the low end platform. not anything more the a low end compact with some fluff to make it sell better. GM needs to stop doin this hoaky stuff did the same with cadilac cimmeron. was a low end chevy with caddy badging and cost twice as much.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted February 24, 2006 07:09 PM
I think some should take one for a ride .. they may not get super gas mileage,, but they do run strong. The engine is robust. My old toytoa cilica only got 30 MPG's highway and it wasn' near as strong as this HHR..
I still think I might get one..
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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posted February 24, 2006 07:17 PM
what Bob said, OH and by the way, the Neon engine is a piece of garbage, reminds me of the days of the Vega engine. Head Gaskets are notorious for blowing on them. But in my opinion they both are nice looking cars, the price being considerably lower on the HHR wouyld steer me towards it first. though I havent driven either of them more than around a lot and dont know if I ever will drive one for more than a few miles.
-------------------- Harris Kohen K-Man Pinstriping and Graphix Trenton, NJ "Showing the world that even I can strategically place the pigment where its got to go." Posts: 1739 | From: Trenton, NJ, USA | Registered: Jun 2001
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posted February 24, 2006 07:58 PM
I spent a little time comparing both vehicles and am currently leaning towards the HHR.
BOth vehicles are pretty similar... styling is a matter of personal taste.
Price-wise I think I can do better on the HHR although the dealers are a little short in supply and not overly eager to negotiate much compared the the PT.
The cars are very similar in size, both inside and out with many similar features. My sources tell me the chief styling designer was the same guy on both vehicles.
The HHR's 2.4 L engine (172 HP) without a turbo is within 8 horsepower of the PT's 2.4 L WITH a turbo (180 HP). The PT loses badly without a turbo (150 HP).
On the inside the HHR's rear seats fold flat into the floor for a flat cargo area... PT's - no such luck... you have to take them out to get the room.... something I am TIRED of doing in Janis' current van.
In the interior the cargo areas are almost identical (I took my own tape measure) although the PT's rear door slopes forward a lot more cutting down on interior space at some distance from the floor. This would be important if you were hauling a large box (for instance)
The HHR is actually 3" taller than the PT. It is a half inch longer in wheelbase, two inches wider, and 7 inches longer in the body.
Both vehicles are rated to pull a 1000 lb trailer.
I haven't met an owner of either car who doesn't like them.
But when the dust settles it's totally Janis' choice for HER car which this will be. I'm just as happy either way as long as it has a few of the goodies I enjoy too.
I'm also in the market for a new pickup in the next few weeks... and it will be another Dodge Dakota... a loaded R/T this go around!
-grampa dan
[ February 24, 2006, 08:03 PM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8740 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted February 25, 2006 02:29 AM
Dan, just a suggestion;
As this is for your wife, you might do good to look at the wagons offered by Volvo. They are leagues ahead and they offer all-wheel drive. A solid drive-train and some very cool safety factors...plus they look nice. As I said, just a thought...
-------------------- Frank Magoo, Magoo's-Las Vegas; fmagoo@netzero.com "the only easy day was yesterday" Posts: 2365 | From: Las Vegas, Nv. | Registered: Jun 2003
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My vote, if wagon's are an option, is the Hemi Magnum. 25mpg, 340 HP, AWD. What's not too love?! OK Maybe Ray doenst need AWD, but Dan might.
And Ray - if that's true about designing for your generation, then why do I love it so much? That makes me OLD I guess!
Here's my ride.... Not quite pimped out - just painted calipers, and some One-Shot painted Hemi badging and epoxy domed R/T
Ray - you'd look pretty sweet in this baby. I just installed a Mopar Cold Air Intake Kit for her - what a joy to hear that Hemi sucking air! Next, Cat Back exhaust and Super Chip. That should put me close to 385ish or so.
Better yet Ray get the Magnum SRT. Thats over 400 horses. I wish I had been able to wait to get that bad boy!
"Some are born to move the world, to live their fantasies. But most of us just dream about the things we'd like to be." - Rush Posts: 1192 | From: Washington, NJ | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted February 25, 2006 11:22 AM
Be careful in what you wish for folks. Routine maintenance should also be a significant consideration while oggling these new vehicles. As an example: I drive a Chevy Venture van which blew out the power window switch last week. Cost to replace 2 simple rocker switches: $585.00 Cdn.Compare that to the cost of fixing a simple roll-up window.
I tend to think that the more "bells and whistles" you add, increases dramatically, the number of things that can and will go wrong. This is especially true on the initial releases since it takes a couple of years for the manufacturers to iron out all the bugs.
-------------------- Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail: kjmlhenry@rogers.com
Why do I get all those on-line offers to sell me Viagara, when the only thing hardening is my arteries ? Posts: 2684 | From: London,Ontario, Canada | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted February 25, 2006 11:50 AM
That magnum is nice,, Maybe because it looks just like my Pacifica except for magnum has the squashed down rear end.
In either case Chrysler seems to be doing a much better job. The engine is responsive, the interior is quiet, the ride is smooth and the handling is wonderfull in a parking lot.. I really like the brakes. Just touch them and they are there. No 4 inches of pedal travel before anything happens.
I was equally happy when test driving the HHR (high head room) Chevy knows we are tired of having our head hit the roofs of cars. So they rightfully raised it. ITs smooth, quiet, and comfortable.
Either car should be a dream towork on. The Pacifica has acres or room around the engine. But, no need to change anything until 100,000 miles anyway. Same with the HHR..
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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My wife drives the Pacifica. We got that about 2 years ago. Nice car, no problems. Had two Durango's before my Magnum, no problems there either. I leased the Durango's, but bought the Magnum. I tend to only put about 8k a year on the car, so accountant said to buy it this time.
Bill - it'd be the fastest hearse I know of!
Of course, Ray, if you're serious about a cool car, my brother has two 69 Dodge Charger Daytonas. Make him an offer he can't refuse...
"Some are born to move the world, to live their fantasies. But most of us just dream about the things we'd like to be." - Rush Posts: 1192 | From: Washington, NJ | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted February 25, 2006 02:34 PM
dodge magnum/chrysler 300c are built on a MERCEDES 300 platform. all that is wheels/tranny/drive wheels IS MERCEDES. way more for your money then a cobalt in costume. pacifica is built on the MERCEDES M platform, again way more auotmobile for the money. compare a mercedes 300 or M CLASS pricewize to a dodge magnum/chrysler 300/pacifica......youre gettin a bargin. if youve never driven a MERCEDES or owned one..it wont matter to you because you dont know how it feels and rides.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted February 25, 2006 05:42 PM
If I knew how to post a pic on this board... I'd show you the PT Cruiser I purchased last September. I really like this car, mainly as my new business vehicle. I only use my truck if I need the ladders or anything extra, but when I'm lettering or gilding a window, skipping around with some designs, or just genral trips, the PT is my fun toy. I even have three digital prints of the Head West WallDog gold rush artist on the vehicle. If only I knew how to post the pics....
-------------------- Tony Segale Segale Fine Art & Gold Leaf Sign Co Lodi, CA www.tonysegale.com
""and he took that golden hair and made a sweater for baby bear" Posts: 216 | From: Lodi,CA,USA | Registered: Feb 2000
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"Some are born to move the world, to live their fantasies. But most of us just dream about the things we'd like to be." - Rush Posts: 1192 | From: Washington, NJ | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted February 26, 2006 09:22 AM
Dan - Sorry, the magnum looks like a souped-up hearse to me....and has a front heavy appearance.'
Joe - dude, you're living in the early eighties still.....comparing the new Chevy Cobalt to what GM did with the Cadillac Cimmeran....that would be like me comparing the new 300C to a Chrysler K car of the 80's????!!
Yes, the Cobalt IS an entry level economy car - aimed at Corolla and Civic buyers though...not at people comparing them to the much larger, more expensive, Magnum.
Totally different markets.....
And the Cobalt IS NOT a reworked Cavalier....read my first post - it has been newly engineered from the ground up - engine, suspension, drive-train, etc, etc.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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The Mags are funny that way - either people really hate them or they really love them. Interestingly, I have not heard many men say they don't like it. Most women seem to not like it. My wife doesn't like it. But when she does drive it (which is extremely rare) she does come back with a grin and really enjoys the power.
I've had many guys come up to me in parking lots asking about it and really liking it, but thus far, only woman, who was totally in love with it.
I guess the important thing is I really love the car, and look forward to taking trips in it. Just a fun car to drive, IMHO.
But, to each, his own as they say!
Like in my opinion, the HHR is one of the ugliest cars to come out of GM next to the Aztec. But some people like em, and thats cool too!
"Some are born to move the world, to live their fantasies. But most of us just dream about the things we'd like to be." - Rush Posts: 1192 | From: Washington, NJ | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted February 26, 2006 09:38 AM
Dan - it must be my feminine side....ehhehehe.
I don't actually *hate* them....but I much more prefer the 300 and the Charger from a purely stylistic viewpoint.
We're in complete agreement that the Pontiac Aztec is the reigning champion of ugly.
I was in a dealership once, and I commented on how ugly the Aztec was. The salesman said, "yeah, but everyone that drives one says they are really fun to drive and very versatile."
You know they got beat with the ugly stick when their main selling point is how "versatile" they are.
I told the guy, "Yeah, but I just couldn't bear walking up to that thing everyday and knowing all my neighbors were laughing at me." Hehehehe
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted February 26, 2006 09:46 AM
Personally, I have to agree with those who think the HHR is ugly. Possibly to emulate the old early 50's Chevy/GMC panel trucks, GM really came off with a homely vehicle....possibly emulating the early-model Pontiac Aztec's.heheh Does HHR possibly mean "Homely, Homely Ride"?
The PT Cruiser, has been extremely successful for Chrysler. Although it has the NEON platform, even that platform has been vastly refined over the years, including the engines. And the turbo PT has 200 hp, by the way. We were going to buy one a couple of years ago, but I like to be a little different. It seemed that within only a few months, our town was overrun with PT's.
I'm waiting to see how the new Dodge Caliber is going to turn out. It will see the return of the SRT-4 version....turbocharged, 300 hp, 6 speed, and I believe all wheel drive. Should be a fun ride. We have a 2003 SRT-4 (the first year) and it has been a ball. Gets 32 mpg on the road too.
-------------------- Dale Feicke Grafix 714 East St. Mendenhall, MS 39114
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Posts: 2963 | From: Mendenhall, MS | Registered: Apr 1999
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posted February 26, 2006 01:02 PM
TODD.....new platform ground up, FROM CAVALIER old platform....still is sub-compact platform. like the VEGA, CHEVETTE.....GM dont put that much into this level. i dont care how its packaged....still is low end sub-compact platform......WHICH has never been worth a crap for GM!!!! you can call it all new, give it a different name, but its gona be the same typical piece of junk like its names before this one.....i like the HHR body style...wish they would put it at least on a old S-10 chassie...so it could be rear drive and could drop a 350 into it!!!!!!!
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted February 26, 2006 02:18 PM
FYI, they have put 350 motors in the HHR, just not factory. (insert photo here)
-------------------- Harris Kohen K-Man Pinstriping and Graphix Trenton, NJ "Showing the world that even I can strategically place the pigment where its got to go." Posts: 1739 | From: Trenton, NJ, USA | Registered: Jun 2001
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posted February 26, 2006 04:43 PM
OP - Here is a quote from Consumer's reports that maybe, just MAYBE, will sink in for you:
"The Cobalt is the successor to the Cavalier, and is based on GM's new Delta platform, which originated with the European Opel Astra."
It succeeds, or replaces the Cavalier as an economy offering - but that's a lot different than just putting new skin on an old chassis. Get it?
As far as being a piece of crap? I think it's an improvement for sure over the old Cavalier...but like I said before, I'd buy a Corolla or Civic over it anyday.
Vega, Chevette??? Boy, you're stuck in the 70's aren't ya?! News Flash: This is 2006. Hahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahaha.,
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted February 27, 2006 12:16 AM
OPAL????? next worst european cr is a YUGO, NO WAIT FIAT.....opal, fiat , yugo...JUNK....and you belive what you want....I KNOW BETTER. iam a volvo man....and up untill FORD bought em, they was great cars....i wont buy a newer one, is a FORD... so iam stuck with MOPAR or mercedes....from here on
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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