2008 HHR Panel LS Review
Take a blast to the past with Chevrolet’s newest compact wagon, the 2008 HHR Panel LS specifically. The retro-style is inspired by the mid-1940s era Chevrolet vehicles. This 2008 model is separated from the classics by its efficient modernized design and the vast increase in performance.
The interior passenger compartment is spacious enough for two large box seats to comfortably fit two travelers. The box seats allow each seat to individually fold down and allow the flat cargo floor to fold down. That’s right, you can increase the storage while still leave one of the two passengers box seats accessible. As an added bonus, two large storage compartments are positioned on the folded down cargo floor above the location of the passenger seats. This allows versatile storage and passenger transportation.
The 2008 Panel LS comes standard with a 2.2L DOHC ECOTEC engine that provides 149 hp at 5600 rpm. The fuel economy is one of the top in its class with an estimated average of 26 MPG. A five-speed manual transmission with a hydraulic clutch system comes standard in this model, with a four-speed electronically controlled automatic as an option. The speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering unit measures and acts upon various variables and adjusts the steering assistance to offer exact control and reaction.
Combine all of this with an enormous amount of interior monitors, such as tire pressure, boundless safety features, and an array of customizable options, and you have a quality compact wagon on your hands.
just curious if you’ve driven this car.
i did and was disappointed with the way it down-shifted as i went up freeway ramps. i tried both the 2.2 and the 2.4 liter models.
it felt a bit like a wash machine. there was a definite pause as the car down-shifted.
i just traded in a Honda Element for a Toyota Prius and neither of them exhibit this issue.
i loved how the HHR looked, but i knew i’d be disappointed with it every time i want to merge onto the freeway.