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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  BillyBsSSR - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By billyb48439 - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I really love the attention I get when I drive My SSR. Every place I go people young & old ask questions about it. People think it has been custimized by Me. They dont know it is a prodution vehicle made in a factory & a 04 model.I am glad it is made in the USA, in Lansing MI. I would not have bought it, if was not made in USA.

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  SSR - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By BrenGardner - April 4 - 3:00 am

  Tonneau remains a problem. It wont open all the way when activated, and a latch came apart on one side - separate issues. The glove compartment adjustment required two visits to adjust. Dealer doesnt seem to know much about the vehicle.

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  SSR - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By john krelow - April 2 - 2:00 am

  EXCELENT HANDLING, GREAT HORSE POWER, VANTASTIC LOOKS--A REAL EYE-CATCHER. GOOD SOUND SYSTEM, VERY COMFORTABLE AND A UNIQUE SOUNDING DEEP HORSEPOWERD RUMBLE.

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  HOT HOT HOT - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By Mike123@aol.com - April 1 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive and fun to show off. It is beefy and it is bold. This truck turns EVERYONES head and gets you noticed.

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  Incredible! - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By UPS-er - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the black SSR adding only running boards and ghost flame graphics with underneath red LED lights! This truck is the most fun Ive had in years! Even more fun to show than my custom motorcycles. Handles great! Love the corvette feel and rumble!

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  Our new SSR - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By Lewis Moore - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This truck runs exellent. It is fast on take off to be so heavy. Out on the highway it is like going 60 mph when your going 120 mph. It holds the road and drives like a dream, better than anything I have ever driven before. The ride is smooth and sure. Chevrolet has once again out done themselves.

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  Cant Stop Smiling - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By drgb - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Okay, okay, I waited and waited for this car, and worried that it would never meet my expectations. The first wait was concept to production, then Chevys production problems, and lastly couldnt get a ship and build date--BUT- -now that its here, I CANT STOP SMILING!! The SSr is gorgeous. Sure, the trucks not a rocket, but on crowded roads,who needs speed, anyways? The truck cant tow, but this isnt a workhorse, its for stylin. And, with that throaty rumble when you step on the gas, its all about stylin. Think Ill buy another color...

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  What A Ride - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By Twelve_v_man - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I just picked up my Slingshot Yellow SSR today and have already driven over 100 miles. I cant wait to get thru the break in period so I can drive it the way it is meant to be driven

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  MY RED SSR - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By JAYDEE - March 11 - 2:00 am

  FROM THE MOMENT I SAT IN THE SSR I WAS HOOKED. I COULDNT WAIT TO START IT UP AND HEAR THE NOTE OF THE EXHAUST. IT PERFORMS AS WELL AS EXPECTED AND THEN SOME. FUEL ECONOMY IS POOR, BUT EXPECTED CONSIDERING THE WEIGHT OF THE SSR. CONTROLS ARE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS AND THE BOSE SOUND SYSTEM WILL DROWN OUT ANY UNWANTED NOISE. THE SSR IS VERY QUICK ON THE TAKE OFF AND HAS PLENTY OF PEDAL LEFT EVEN WHEN CRUISING AT HWY SPEEDS. FUN TO DRIVE, BUT DRAWS A CROWD EVERY TIME YOU STOP FOR A BREAK. I LOVE IT, MORE FUN THAN MY LIMITED EDITION DAYTONA 500 TRANSAM

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  Back in the Fifties - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By Dawagonman - March 4 - 2:00 am

  I havent seen a vehicle get this kind of attention since I did burnouts with my new Roadrunner in 68. Everywhere I go it attracts people,stops traffic and causes drowling. I drove down Duval St in Key West with the top down and all I could hear was "DID YOU SEE THAT?". Its fun to drive, takes you back in time and makes you want to drive around 24-7.