In case you wondered, HHR stands for “Heritage High Roof,” and this retro-modern Chevrolet compact wagon combines the 1949 Suburban with the more-recent SSR roadster and shrinks them both. Built on the same frame as the Cobalt, the HHR shows up in 2009 with multiple trims in both regular and “panel” versions. Panel versions have no rear windows and are intended for use as delivery vehicles. Both panel and regular HHRs come in LS, 1LT, 2LT, and SS trims. 2009 is the first year a panel SS is available, which means your pizza delivery can get to your house quicker with help from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and 260 hp.

In accordance with Chevrolet’s transition to ethanol, all HHR models can use E85 Ethanol flex fuel. The LS and 1LT have a 155-hp 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, and the 2LT packs a little more punch with a 172-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (both trims have 7 more hp than last year), which is available as an upgrade for the 1LT as well. All models come with a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. The SS has sporty exterior trim along with 18-inch aluminum wheels and electronic stability control. Its interior seating features deep cloth bolsters and color accents, giving it added comfort and a race-car image.

Like a growing number of compact wagons, the HHR has 60/40 fold-down seats to create a more spacious cargo area in the rear, but the rear headrests can catch in the folding process if the front seat is not pushed forward far enough. The HHR can comfortably seat four full-size adults, but taller drivers may have issues with interior headroom.

The HHR protects passengers with dual-stage frontal and head curtain side airbags. Stopping power is provided by the HHR’s four-wheel antilock, front disc/rear drum brakes.

New available features for 2009 are a cell-phone link and a rearview camera.