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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  Gregs yellow SSR - 2006 Chevrolet SSR
  By Greg Gilmer - July 5 - 1:35 pm

  The only item I would improve is the paint quality. My SSR has a lot of orange peel look. To me, a vehicle of this price range and style should have a very high quality and showcar finish.

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  Mcrdstr - 2006 Chevrolet SSR
  By Mcrdstr - June 27 - 6:52 pm

  Top rattles at the hint of a bump in the road. Body metal is so thin you could dent it while polishing. Cab is too small for my six foot two 250 pound body . Air screen blocks rear vision. Cannot see front fenders when parking. The only way to see them is get out of truck.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By L.A. - June 15 - 11:02 am

  I have always enjoyed convertibles, however, this one tops all of them. It is exciting to drive, draws attention, and performs like a dream. The design is especially one of my favorites things about the SSR, not to mention the engine. And, you have the entire trunk to haul items around in. This one I will keep for more than three years.

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  SSR is Awesome - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By Debbie - June 9 - 11:24 pm

  The SSR is an awesome car. My daughter and I take off in it on the weekends and we get more people stopping us to see the car. It handles great, you hardly ever see them being driven on the road. We actually bought this car to use only on the weekends I know it sounds weird, but its a car that you want to keep special.

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  Chevy SSR - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By Susie - May 28 - 8:33 pm

  We love the car - Fun, sporty, great ride.

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  What a riot. - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By Wingnuts - May 24 - 2:45 pm

  I traded in an F-150 FX4 for this ride and love every second of it! Talk about a fun drive, but if you are an introvert youll hate it because everybody wants to talk to you about it. Top down is the absolute best especially @60mph or less. The only issue Ive had is cavitating with the windows down and the top up over 40mph. Im glad I waited on it though as the dealer knocked off $15k from the sticker.

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  Sunday Driver - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By D. Billingsley - May 15 - 12:15 pm

  My Slingshot Yellow SSR combines three characteristics that Ive always wanted. It is a cross between a hot rod, a sports car and a pickup truck. It is incredibly fun to drive and attracts attention like nothing I have ever driven. I see people taking pictures of it on their cell phone cameras as Im cruising down the freeway. With more than enough power, it runs out nicely and still has more to give above 60 MPH.

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  2005 SSR - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By Dennis - May 14 - 4:30 pm

  Went looking at the Vette, came home with the SSR. I trailer waverunners, and run back and forth to our boat. Perfect sport (not just cars) enthusiast car.

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  Super Truck - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By bobz2 - April 19 - 5:13 pm

  Got rid of a new T-Bird and Silverado Lt. This car/truck (A Corvette with a big trunk)is three in one. Sports car,truck, convertible. A real blast to drive, comfortable, fast, safe and useful. I havent been able to think of ways to personalize or improve other than needing some more interior storage. I love this truck.

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  SSR - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By cali rocket - April 13 - 11:40 pm

  Awesome vehicle, great handling, exellent pickup and speed. Awesome braking. A head turner, and a classy looking vehicle. GM to stay into the market needs to modify and swoop up their vehicles.