Actually, that "flared" description seems to apply only to the rear; the front fenders simply hang out there over the tires, as they should to be truly retro, and they are nicely rounded, at least to their outside edges, where they are flattened. This is the current look, whose origins are unclear, but may trace to the Mitsubishi Endeavor, whose flattened and edged flares were designed purely to be noticed.
Speaking of the current look, the tail lamps are two round red vertical bulbs on each side. The big grille is chrome, every inch of it, and looks almost exactly like the '49 Suburban grille. The headlights, however, are modern glittering wedges, containing one big beam and the turn signal.
The front and rear bumpers are molded plastic, unlike the steel in the body. Technically, they may be part of the fascia, but because they take the conspicuous shape of bumpers, they are more like square lumps extending from the extremities of the vehicle.
The glass runs neatly uninterrupted all around the vehicle, with five rectangular windows from B-pillar around the rear to B-pillar. There's something about the simple shape of these windows that gives the HHR a low-rider look, although the roof itself is relatively high, as the name declares. Our test HHR was fitted with chrome roof rails, which we suggest saving $150 by not buying them. Roof rails are almost useless without crossbars, and we think this vehicle would look more appropriate with a functional black after-market rack anyhow.
The HHR was designed by the same man who designed the PT Cruiser; he left Chrysler for GM shortly afterward. We received quite a few comments on the HHR's looks, all of them favorable, some thinking it was the new PT Cruiser, and others simply asking what it was. "Wow, that looks terrific, just terrific," said one fellow. We asked what he liked about the styling. "Well, I've got a '23 dump truck," he replied, "which I wish I could drive on the street because it looks so cool. I like this because I could drive it on the street." One assumes that GM expects the market for the HHR to be extend beyond such arcane tastes.
Actually, the HHR will be appreciated by people who have the soul of a '50s California surfer."
