Interesting that there is no way that I would put the HHR and PT as competitors. The PT is a neo-retro car. The HHR is a downsized, mini-Hummer-looking crossover. Just because they are similar in size doesn't mean they are competitors, imho.

My .16 bit.

Zip

 

I'm platinum on Continental, and Diamond with Hampton Inn... so I get to drive a LOT of rental cars. Seems whatever's NOT selling is being rented.

LOTS of HHRs. Not a bad chassis and interior, really but... (to steal a C&D quote about the Hummer) "it's like driving while looking through the mail slot in the front door". Did anybody THINK before putting this thing out? Execution is actually OK, but for some very real (and kind of dangerous) visibility flaws.

Oh - and why does every GM car have "interior by Rubbermaid?" They have nice engines, decent transmissions, jello suspensions and cheap tires.

Fords have mouse-fur interiors.

Chryslers.... well... the 300M is a really nice big car. I feel like a gangster driving one.

I wonder if GM, Ford, and Chrysler folks are driving Kias. (I've been to Detroit many times - they aren't). They need to. Check the panel gaps, interior materials, and how they're made. It's not even cost, it's DESIGN and ENGINEERING. Not "design" as in "how it looks", but "how it's assembled" and what the sightlines are, etc.

Oh I could go on, but tomorrow I fly home and drive my Mini again. Yum.

 

I think this has to be one of the ugliest things I've seen.

http://www.dodgeforum.com/models/nit...odge-Nitro.jpg

They don't look to bad on TV. There's one that I see driving around here, and I cringe every time I see it. It's absolutely hideous IMO. Of course, there are people who hate MINIs. My Dad's ex-gf told me that she wouldn't be caught dead in my MINI. She thought they were ugly. A week later she cheated on my Dad, and they broke up. ...Like she was worthy of riding in my MINI anyway. To each his/her own.

 

Ya want ugly? Here's ugly! (sorry, I had to do it. ):



Zip

 

How about an ugly MINI. This is from my local dealer's new inventory. It is a 2007. And I am one who has no problem with the 2007 but this one is yuck in my opinion.

 

That's the Hammer & Coop graphic. They're not gonna offer that as an option, are they? :impatient

Zip

 

Ive driven quite a few HHR's as well as pt cruisers and definately think that they are aimed at the same market. While the PT is built on the neon chassis the HHR is on Chevy's cobalt chassis and both are using 4bangers. The drive behind their sales is that retro look and the HHR's main drawback is the visibility given up by its stying apointments and it being underpowered. There is talk of an HHR SS that will probably be an improvment but as it stands I have frequently heard it referred to as the 'Half a Hot Rod'. This was another case of chevy having a good idea but not following through. Not even close to MINI territory IMO.

 

Really nice MINI, but just a little overkill on the sides, I saw that same exact MINI over at Prestige MINI here in NJ on Friday. I like the lightning bolts on the hood, now my gears are turning because I need to put new stripes back on my 06 since I removed them for clear bra installaagtion the otherday. I wonder how those black lightning bolts would look on the bonnet of a BRG MCS with black roof hmmm?

 

As a designer at GM, I watched the HHR develope and had serious doubts about it's future but guess what...it's selling very well and they're not giving away any incentives

As for the Mini as their target, GM wasn't shooting for the HHR to be a competitor...they couldn't careless what a Mini is doing so don't worry...

 

I think after driving an HHR, I think the Dark Silver HHR 5 speed at the dealer will be a suitable replacement for my MINI.

Its a realy neat car, I just wish I could wait for the panel to come out...