If there's ever been a case of a picture of a so-called SUV being worth a thousand words, the HHR should be it. It looks like a 1949 panel delivery truck, with the edges smoothed over. Today we call such fenders flared, and they are sculpted for effect; back in those days, they were designed to be functional rather than for an edgy look.

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.

The tail lights 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, and we suggest not getting them. Roof rails are almost useless without crossbars. If you're planning to strap stuff to the roof, we think this vehicle would look more appropriate with a functional black aftermarket rack.

The Panel Van features smooth, windowless sides that give a cleaner, more retro, more hot rod look than the standard models. It features shaved rear door handles. The lack of windows adds security for valuables inside. This design also lends itself to wraps and customization.