I am in the market for a 2009-2011 HHR, right now I am researching all I can to make sure there are no surprises.

I will be carrying 50-100 pounds in the rear hatch every day. Driving 60-100 miles a day with about 30/70 city/hwy.

From what I see 9 out of 10 have the 2.2 and from what I see those have 150 horsepower. The 2.4 has about 20 more HP but very rare in my area. I know at this weight level 20 HP could be huge but is it worth the wait and higher miles to find one?

Also seeing a few upgrades to give the 2.2 a little more HP but I don't know which are good ideas and what is a waste of money. Need to research that a lot more.

I would really like to get a SS but I can only find 1 with in 300 miles of me.

Thinking maybe buy the 2.2 and put HP plugs, exhaust, or air intakes on for a 15-20 HP upgrade.

 

Test drove a 07 2.2 with a manual and a 06 2.4 auto.

The 2.4 had a bit more power but it could have been manual vs auto.

 

There's nothing aftermarket to get anything more out of the 2.2L Ecotec (LE8) that's in the 2009+ HHR. The same goes for the 2.4L (LE5) which I have in my Malibu. There are those who buy junk CAIs off eBay and then come to forums like this asking why their malfunction indicator is on (running too lean). Oh, by the way, you test-drove the older version of the 2.2L (L61) that was slightly less capable than the current generation.

The only concern I'd have about getting a HHR is that they still haven't done anything about the A/C condensate out the drain tube getting wicked into the cabin and the tendency for the BCM connectors to develop high resistances and cause electrical gremlins. Granted not all of them, not even a majority of them, are afflicted but they haven't made any design changes.

 

I have a 2010 HHR Panel with the 2.2 engine. I haul my mobile DJ equipment in it all over southern Wisconsin to DJ car shows. I'm sure the gear weighs over 150 pounds and I'm heavy myself. I have no issues hauling the gear and the car does very well. It's no Corvette, but it's no slouch.

 

I have a 2009 2.2. It's not a race car but I bought it for economy and looks. It looks decent and gets decent gas mileage. I'm happy so far.