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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SSR Fun - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
By Z6603 - October 12 - 2:00 amThe Interior is a bit stuffy, forget about adjusting the driver seat with the door closed. Cheap center console lid, will redo in walnut. Other than the above this thing is a blast. Normal driving (if you can) gets good results in miles per gallon. Love the exhaust note, I should charge chevrolet for advertising being I have to show people of all ages the vehicle whenever I stop. So for I am pleased with this vehicle. If you buy this vehicle when you are over 40 like me, get ready for the mid life jokes there are coming.
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Ten days of sheer joy so far - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
By Gentlespirit - October 4 - 2:00 amI bought my 2004 SSR 10 days ago. It is Slingshot Yellow and has all of the trimmings except the chrome wheels. I got an incredible deal from the dealer: 8% discount AND 72 months at 0% financing. Some of the salesmen suggested I might have "stolen" it (heh heh). Well certainly not. But I can certainly say I couldnt have afforded it any other way. An MSRP of nearly $47K put it out of reach until the magic of discount + 0% came around. I have been driving it all around for the past 10 days. It has been pure unadulterated joy. I get thumbs up, "OK" hand signs, rolled down windows with big smiles and every other kind of admiration everywhere I go. A huge boost to my self esteem. I adore it!
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What a thrill - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
By kenny andrus - October 3 - 2:00 amWhat a thrill to drive. Every time you get behind the wheel, its like being 15 years old and first experiencing driving. A real head turner. Hopefully it will hold its value as predicted as mine is an investment. Has plenty of pep yet not hard on gas.
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yahoo - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
By DDD - August 26 - 2:00 amI love this car it is the coolest car and I think everyone should have one and I cant wait to get mine customized in hot pink. Its going to look so cool and it will be the only one like it!
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Great Ride - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
By Balloons - August 2 - 2:00 amGreat Ride super look!
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Feels like a 1940... - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
By Ezekiel_Ramirez - July 8 - 2:00 amJust got done with a employee test drive, very nice if you dont mind driving a floating brick. It weighs too much, the road feel is super detached, brakes are too grippy until you get used to them. Interior is great, love the body colored rim, and aluminum accents. And the GMC Sierra Crew Cab felt like it had better performance, even though it weighs more and hp is (rated) less
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best in years - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
By candace - July 4 - 2:00 amthis is the best truck i have seent in years i have had a truck my whole life and i have never been more satisfied as i am now!!!!
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ssr - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
By lm` - May 25 - 2:00 amthe most different and fun to drive vehicle to come out in a long time
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FUN SSR - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
By hotssr - May 8 - 2:00 ammost exciting fun vechicle I,ve ever driven. I dont ever want o drive a boring car again.
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The Smile and thumbs up car - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
By Ron Cox - May 1 - 2:00 amI bought this as a second car, but got rid of my Mercedes CL500 after two weeks of driving this SSR because it is so much fun. I just didnt want to drive anything else. EVERYONE seems to love this car. The only problem, if you want to call it that, is that it attracts an extraordinary amount of attention everywhere you go, fun though. Fun is what it is all about. As for the one complaint... not enough power, (is there ever enough ?) well Im supercharging it next week and that will bring it up to about 460 hp. That should help offset the 4700 lbs.
