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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  Great Sportster - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By Dennis - February 6 - 10:43 pm

  I got mine in silver with all options. Has been simply great--the towing is great for a tandem waverunner combo. Wish it were quicker off the line. The weight plays a part--more power always a plus. Cant see what else would give me as much fun towing two waverunners down a two-lane road on the way to a lake!

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  Dream car - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By steve - January 11 - 11:23 pm

  My wife spotted this at the dealership and told me that was out next car. Of course, I didnt want her to think I really wanted it but too late she was in love. The SSR drives and rides like a dream. The first very cold morning the driver side window was frozen abd I could not open the door. I had to go to passenger side and crawl accoss not to easy for a 6ft 240 lb guy. I have since placed some silicon lubricant in the rubber door seal, keep your fingers crossed. Would not change it for the world right now!!

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  4 Broken Driveshafts 2 rear ends - 2006 Chevrolet SSR
  By BROKENALLTHETIME - October 11 - 1:47 am

  The truck is a blast to drive. However mine has had 4 driveshafts and numerous amounts of rear end problems. Transmission slips and rear end knocks and leaks fluid. Not what I expected for a $45+ truck. Motor is solid and fun to drive but rear ends and drive shaft cant handle extra output

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  SSR 6 speed - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By F Mitchell - October 4 - 11:13 am

  Drives and looks great. The six speed is fun to drive and has plenty of power in all six gears. It gets lots of looks everywhere I go.

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  Life in the Rod lane - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By Willy D - August 27 - 12:08 am

  We have had many performance vehicles, and none received the attention like the SSR. I first saw them at the 50th birthday party for Corvette in Nashville. As my high school vehicle was a 51 chev. pickup, I was impressed with the design. Now that we have a SSR we are not disappointed. I describe it as a Corvette that you can use everyday. With the cockpit feel of the Corvette, chopped top and wide body its got the Look. The LS2 is a sweet engine. The power and handling is amazing for such a heavy vehicle.(its about 1400lbs more than the C5)Cost seems to be the main concern, but a street rod is not for everyone. No way could you build one with this much content and reliability FOR 45K

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  Fun Ride - 2006 Chevrolet SSR
  By imHarley - August 3 - 6:19 pm

  This Little pickup is just as cool as my Chevy 1948 pro-street rod. I have owned a 2004 Vette and this truck feels better in the turns. Its just a blast to drive on winding roads. And the way it seems like GM put it together, upgrades should be a snap ( ram-air )

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  The Most Fun on the Road - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By Jenn - July 30 - 1:00 am

  This car is by far the fastest ride on the road. With the handling of a sports car, the speed of a Corvette, and style of a classic, you cant go wrong with this car. Minus the few design problems this car is by far the best out there. If youre one for fun, this car is the only choice. Caution: it is a police magnet, especially in black!

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  SSRn - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By wayne - July 20 - 7:05 pm

  Fun to drive, love the covertible hard top. Mileage has been 15.9 mpg for the 7,000 miles driven. Excellent quality, no problems so far.

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  SSR review - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By itsbish - July 17 - 3:58 am

  I have had this truck for 6 months and it has continued to be a blast to drive. The 6 speed is a must for the fun factor. People do want to know what it is, so be ready to answer their questions. I waited until the LS2 came out before buying. Now im looking at adding a supercharger.

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  First Impressions - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By RedDawg - July 6 - 4:49 am

  I love this truck, car, whatever. Thats the key for me its the sports car I always wanted, the truck I seem to need periodically, and a convertable to boot. It probably doesnt do any of these things as well as a respective dedicated vehicle, but, it does all-3, and it does it well! It has class, style, performance and ride, but most of all its a blast to drive. I will use it daily. Fit and finish are better than most, and the Blue Blur is a beautiful, green under flourescent lights. The chrome wheels look killer with little Chevy emblems.