2006 Chevrolet HHR LT

The HHR is Chevrolet's retro-styled compact wagon, a nod to the 1949 Suburban that's roomier than it looks. It's easy to drive and park, with a light steering feel that makes city errands a breeze. Fold the rear seats flat and you get a surprisingly large cargo area that swallows bikes, furniture, even an 8-foot Christmas tree. Some owners report the air conditioning struggling in hot weather and the ignition key sticking, so check those on a test drive. The LT is the base HHR, so you skip the LS's optional upgrades but keep the same 2.2L I4 and the same retro wagon shape for a lower starting price. Its 2.2L I4 makes 143 horsepower and pairs with a five-speed automatic, which is fine for puttering around town but needs a heavy foot to merge onto the highway. The LT's standard steel wheels and basic cloth interior keep costs down, though the ride is still composed and the cargo bay holds 63.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded.