2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs 2009 Chevy HHR

2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser

The 2009 PT Cruiser is a tall, practical car that is speedy. The standard engine gives enough to propel the Cruiser from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds. Distinctive styling is the main attraction to the Cruiser, but this wagon's roomy and flexible interior is another high point.  Chrysler says the retro-styled, front-wheel-drive PT Cruiser blends the elements of a sedan, wagon, sport utility vehicle and minivan. It comes in two body styles: a five-door hatchback/wagon Chrysler calls a sedan; and a two-door convertible. All PT Cruisers are powered by a 2.4-liter, twin-cam four-cylinder engine. Three trims are available: base LX, Touring, and Limited. A PT Cruiser convertible is available in one trim level, compared to the previous three. 

Handling on

the Cruiser

The 2009 PT Cruiser's terrific handling is confident and nimble. This wagon maneuvers crisply and takes corners well. Body lean in curves is noticeable, but the otherwise-stable PT Cruiser is exceptionally easy to drive.

Inside the '09 PT Cruiser

Up to five occupants can fit inside the 2009 PT Cruiser. Two bucket seats are installed up front and a 65/35-split, folding rear bench holds three. Outboard passengers have adequate space, but the center rear position is cramped.  Removing the rear seat expands cargo volume from a moderate 21.6 cubic feet to a sizable 62.7 cubic feet. The front-passenger seatback folds flat, leaving enough space to haul an 8-foot ladder. 

Chrysler PT Cruiser Design

The Chrysler PT Cruiser blends the retro look of a late-1930s or early 1940s American sedan with new-age styling cues such as dual-beam flush headlights and teardrop-shaped taillight lenses. Bulging fenders, fender-mounted headlights and taillights, and a tall, wide eggcrate grille help give the PT Cruiser its unique look. Another distinctive feature is its basic stance, which makes the wagon look like it's leaning forward.

2009 Safety

Dual front airbags and a driver's knee airbag are standard. Side-impact airbags for the front seats are optional. Antilock brakes are available on other trim levels. Three-point safety harnesses are provided at all positions, including the rear center position.  The front belts have pre-tensioners, just like in luxury cars, to tighten the belts for the initial stages of an impact. The rear bench is equipped with child-seat tethers.

2009 Chevrolet HHR

The 2009 Chevy HHR is a wagon whose heritage dates to the 1949 GMC Suburban panel delivery truck. HHR stands for Heritage High Roof, and the roof of the HHR is truly high.  The HHR is fun to drive, but a far cry from a sports car; it also gets good fuel economy.   The HHR is meant to compete against the Chrysler PT Cruiser, as well as the Honda Element. It also serves as an alternative to a Jeep Liberty or Ford Escape. The Chevrolet HHR was launched as a new model in 2006.  The HHR small wagon gains a number of incremental improvements for the 2009 model year, and the performance-oriented SS trim level, which was new last year, is now available for the HHR Panel wagon as well. The HHR flaunts a tall stance, like Chrysler's PT Cruiser, and it's built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Cobalt sedan. In addition to the PT Cruiser, competitors include hatchbacks like the Dodge Caliber and Scion xB.

Driving the HHR

 There are some changes under the hood for 2009; the base 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine makes slightly more power and, along with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, can run on E85 ethanol. The Chevy HHR's 2.4-liter Ecotec is a great engine, and it has a slight boost in horsepower and torque numbers for 2007. It's an aluminum four-cylinder, with 16 valves, electronic fuel injection and variable valve timing. The pulling power of the HHR 2LT is excellent. Chevrolet's automatic transmission operates gently, and except for a whirring sound while accelerating, the HHR is impressively quiet.

Chevy HHR Interior

Maximum cargo volume is 63.1 cubic feet. The rear split 60/40 seat folds flat very easily, as does the front passenger seat.   Up to five occupants fit inside the HHR. A high roof promises appealing headroom and an airy environment. The front passenger seats fold completely flat.  The rear cargo floor flips up to reveal a five-inch-deep tray useful for storage. When raised, the primary load floor can act as a shelf. The rear liftgate is one piece, and rises easily.

2009 Chevy HHR Design

The 2009 HHR has a touch-pad rear liftgate and flared taillamps. The HHR flaunts deep-draw flared fenders that tuck in at the rocker panels. The Chevy HHR's front grille features a prominent Chevrolet bow tie logo. Built on a 103.1-inch wheelbase, the HHR is 176.2 inches long overall, 68.1 inches wide and 61.5 inches tall.

HHR Safety

The Chevrolet HHR receives upgraded safety features for 2009, with stability and traction control, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes and overhead curtain airbags becoming standard equipment on all trim levels.  Traction control is available only with the automatic transmission.



Conclusions

There can are many comparisons between the Chevy HHR and the Chrysler PT Cruiser because they are both vehicles designed to resemble a vehicle from the past. Yet, they both have their own unique design.  The HHR is a nostalgic hauler for people who want something different, and who appreciate the classic looks of the 1949 Chevy Suburban. It's available with three different Ecotec engines, depending upon the model. Although the HHR's driving situations are limited to basic cruising and its interior is not the biggest, it is all about style for the vehicle.  The Chrysler PT Cruiser combines a retro with modern performance, efficiency and features. The PT Cruiser comes in two body styles, a versatile five-door model and a not-so-versatile two-door convertible. The 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser remains relatively the same from 2006, with a few trim changes and additions to colors and features.  The 2009 Chevy HHR has a starting MSRP of $18,720 - $24,815; the PT Cruiser comes in at $18,000 - $24,510.  The HHR has a slight advantage in fuel efficiency: it gets 22/32 mpg (city/highway), and the PT Cruiser gets 18/24 mpg.