Vehicle Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV / Retro-styled compact wagon
Design Philosophy:
Retro styling inspired by the Chevrolet HHR Panel Delivery concept and the Chevrolet Advance Design trucks of the 1940s.
Direct Competitors:
Scion xB, Kia Soul (later generations), MINI Countryman (less direct)
Body Style:
Distinctive retro-modern styling, available as a standard wagon or a panel van variant (for commercial use, though covered by general repair procedures).
Practicality:
Spacious and versatile interior for its class, particularly with the folding rear seats, offering ample cargo room.
Performance Variant:
The SS (Super Sport) model offers significantly enhanced performance with a more powerful turbocharged engine.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emissions control, engine electrical, engine diagnostics, engine performance tuning
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (4T45-E/4T65-E), manual transmission (Getrag F23), clutch system, driveline
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion
Suspension:
Front suspension (independent MacPherson strut), rear suspension (torsion beam axle), shocks, struts, springs, bushings
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument panel, gauges, warning indicators, power accessories, body control module (BCM), comfort and convenience systems
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, controls, blower motor, evaporator, condenser
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, mirrors, roof panel, bumpers, seals
Chassis:
Frame, subframes, wheels, tires, alignment
Restraint Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) components
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool procedures, troubleshooting flowcharts
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, brake inspections, tune-ups
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Installation:
Component replacement, accessory installation, aftermarket part integration
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed instructions for removing and reinstalling major and minor components
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, pressure readings, electrical resistance values
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to in-depth diagnostics and major component overhaul
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:
5 Stars (2007 models)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:
5 Stars (2007 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Rating Front Seat:
4 Stars (2007 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Rating Rear Seat:
4 Stars (2007 models)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset Rating:
Good (2007-2009 models)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Acceptable (2007-2009 models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, optional side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval Synthetic:
7,500 miles or 12 months (using synthetic oil)
Oil Change Interval Conventional:
3,000 miles or 3 months (using conventional oil, severe service)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement L61:
100,000 miles (iridium plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement Lnf:
100,000 miles (iridium plugs)
Engine Oil Type L61:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Type Lnf:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified - Dexos1 or equivalent)
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 10-238 (Orange) or equivalent OAT (Organic Acid Technology)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Performance Lnf:
Potential for carbon buildup on intake valves in the turbocharged LNF engine, requiring periodic cleaning.
Electrical Issues:
Reports of intermittent electrical gremlins, often related to body control module (BCM) or ground issues. Water intrusion in taillight housings can cause electrical problems.
Suspension Noise:
Some owners report premature wear or noise from suspension components like sway bar links or control arm bushings.
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Occasional reports of fuel pump failures.