Overview & Reviews

An anomaly in the automotive world, the Chevrolet SSR (Super Sport Roadster) convertible combined the look of a customized 1950s pickup with the rear-wheel-drive powertrain of a sports car. Based on General Motors' midsize SUV platform, the SSR had a high seating position and a trucklike ride. Yet this muscular Chevy truck was no workhorse. It had just two seats, a narrow pickup bed with a tonneau cover and a meager towing capacity. Other packaging and ergonomic compromises made it less than ideal as primary transportation.

What the Chevrolet SSR did offer was a healthy dose of individuality. It looked like nothing else on the road and was a pure automotive style statement. Between the '40s-style fat fenders, the low hood and its dominant rear proportions (greatly enhanced by the hard bed cover), this Chevy looks as speed-crazed as any muscle car from the '60s or '70s. Its two-piece power-retractable hardtop stowed vertically between the seats and the rear storage bed, thus allowing open-air motoring. For a car enthusiast looking to fill some extra space in his garage with something that combines postwar cruiser image with modern-day hardware and reliability, the SSR could be a fun choice.

However, the SSR was plagued by issues throughout its four-year lifespan, including build quality problems, so-so performance of earlier models due to the smaller V8's struggle with the excessive curb weight, and a breathtaking sticker price. Subsequently, it was discontinued after 2006. Chevy sold only about 25,000 SSRs, which makes used examples a rare find.

Used Chevrolet SSR Models
The Chevrolet SSR is a two-passenger convertible truck that was produced in a single generation from late 2003 through 2006. Buyers interested in a used SSR should make note of a few changes that occurred during its production. For its first two years, the SSR came with a 5.3-liter, 300-horsepower V8 that struggled to get the 4,700-pound SSR moving with any authority. The 6.0-liter unit installed in 2005 made 390 hp and was a better match to move the heavy Chevy. Interior assembly quality improved somewhat during the 2005 model year, which also was the first year the six-speed manual transmission became available.

There was only one trim level. Standard features included a power-operated convertible hardtop, leather upholstery, power accessories, keyless entry and cruise control. An upgraded audio system, heated seats and auto-dimming mirrors were optional. Further customization could be had thanks to some strictly cosmetic options such as color-keyed bed strips, chrome interior and exterior trim, chrome wheels and two-tone paint.

In terms of safety, the Chevrolet SSR was modestly equipped. Front and side torso airbags were standard, but curtain airbags were not available due to the folding roof. Traction control and antilock brakes were standard, but stability control was unavailable. Every SSR came with 19-inch wheels up front and 20-inch wheels in back.

In reviews, our editors commented that the Chevy SSR possessed an agreeable combination of handling, ride and performance. The suspension was reasonably capable of keeping body roll under control and the exhaust note would do an old Chevelle SS proud. On the downside, the vehicle wasn't particularly useful for daily use, and some of the interior materials were a bit cheap-looking.

User Reviews:

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  No Spare - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By Nanuke - December 21 - 2:37 pm

  I’ll just start by saying…I love my vehicle, and plan on having it till the day I die. It handles very well in the turns, but because of U.S. law, it has a governor to limit your top speed… bummer, but it will still get up and go. I have the 5.3 V8, and love the sound it makes when you romp on it. I also love the fact that it looks like nothing else on the road, and that people still stop and stare when I drive by…priceless.

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  Chevy SSR 2004 - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By S. NIELEN - October 10 - 2:57 pm

  Vehicle is equiped with 5.3 l /auto trans /seating is kind of tight on outboard sides for a big guy like me (250lbs)and hard to get hand to seat controls with door closed. It could have more acceleration which was addressed in 2005-2006 models with 6.0 400 h.p engine however I have driven all three models 5.3 w/auto and 6.0 w/auto feel near the same but 6.0 w/5- spd is a real rocketship. Braking and handling are excellent reminding me of a Corvette except for the seating position which is more upright. This is a sunny day car and its curb appeal is excellent

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  What a Thrill! - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By SSR from NC - May 14 - 4:09 pm

  Purchased a 2004 SSR because I wanted a roadster. Was all set to get a used Mercedes SL500, when I saw this. Im tall, 65, and the Mercedes was the only roadster with enough headroom etc for me. The SSR has 40" of headroom! Kinda tight interior quarters but overall far more fun, style, and room for cargo etc than the benz plus no hardtop/softop but a retractable steel hardtop, the ultimate! Build quality surprized me as to how good it was and it is a blast to drive. Being a Benz driver I was also surprized at all the luxury goodies this SSR had, heated seats, lumbar, Bose high radio/CD, power everything etc. Outrageous styling, fun, and some practicality to for a roadster, Im hooked!

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  2006 Chevrolet SSR - 2006 Chevrolet SSR
  By John Scudiero - April 21 - 7:29 am

  I have had no problems with my SSR 10 months owned. The SSR is very stylish, peppy, and fun to drive. Mine is yellow and very easy to clean. I can wash, dry and complete the entire interior in about 1-1/2 hrs. The cost of new tires is not as expensive as most think. There are so many gadgets and settings that I have yet to get the full use out of the electronic features, and must spend more time to understand full use. I refuse to put a front license plate on the SSR, as it takes away from the look, even though its law here in IL. Replacement parts are not readily available, as I have been waiting for a chrome seat ring since purchase. I worry about parts replacement, if an accident occurs.

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  Wow Factor - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By Peter Nielsen - March 1 - 12:15 pm

  I have never owned a more fun vehicle to drive, the ride is great, handling is impressive, fuel economy is around 19 combined, and the WOW factor is incredible. I think I will keep this one for ever.

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  My 2004 SSR experience - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By Gary - January 13 - 9:42 am

  I have been driving vehicles for almost 40 years and this is the neatest, most exciting and fun vehicle I have ever had the pleasure to drive. It turns heads and gives a driving experience that no vehicle has ever given me.

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  2006 SSR - 2006 Chevrolet SSR
  By Tom James - November 15 - 8:51 pm

  Great drive. Like it much better that our 2005 BMW M-3 convertible. Handles great, holds the road like its glued on even in heaq\vy Florida rains. Got rid of M-3 now looking for 2nd SSR!

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  Sweet street rod - 2006 Chevrolet SSR
  By Beach potato - October 25 - 10:23 am

  Lots of smiling driving in Fla. with the top down. The exhaust is throaty and has a neat gurgle. Fast as I need. Only problem is Goodyear quit making the tire and the wheel and it wont accept a lot of other makes due to profile. Aqua Blur paint job gets a lot of compliments.

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  Silver Streak - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By SilverStreak - October 15 - 9:02 am

  Biggest complaints: Road noise in the cabin. Also miss the temp/direction mirror like in my TrailBlazer LXT. My first sportcar and its a head turner. Can be a nice docile little putt putt going to the grocery store, but stand on the pedal and youre rocking at 85 without a thought. Love the top, but I do have a paint wear spot on the passenger side.

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  SSR Super Stinky Roadster - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By kajunteddy - October 12 - 3:11 am

  It looks real good sitting beside the road while you wait for the tow truck. It looks good in the dealership repair shop. It would even look good in your garage if you could get it from the dealer to your garage. This is the worst made GM product and least stood behind. Forget the three year/ 36 K mile roadside towing assistance,(Which you will need) because GM will not honor it. If you want a quality built $50K vehicle, buy foreign.