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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It rules the ROAD - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
By Superman01992 - February 13 - 2:00 amI only need to say about four words to describe it: IT RULES THE ROAD!!!
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The Best Yet - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
By ibereb - February 7 - 2:00 amWhat a head turner. Just a real fun vehicle and a great ride.
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SSR lovers - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
By hotdhs - January 9 - 2:00 amI bought a Tundra pickup 2 months ago and I bought a SSR today. Not because I need another car but because I need a SSR. Driving home 120 miles after purchase probably cured all my adult onset ds. Not for everyone, may be great for business promotional campaign. Wait patiently until you find a dealer who will sell it to you for MSRP or less. Too many gouging dealers out there.
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SSR Not for the shy person - 2003 Chevrolet SSR
By rhobbel - January 8 - 2:00 amThis truck is by far way ahead of its time. Like the PT Cruiser by Chrysler it has a nostalgic look about it. Reminds me of what a concept vehicle of the 50s would look like. Only they would have never been able to dream up that convertable hard top that stacks up and lays neatly between the seat and the bed of the truck. Turns heads everywhere it goes. If your shy dont buy this truck as every time you stop people want to talk to you about it
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Its all that AND a party hat !!! - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
By DocFooFoo - January 4 - 2:00 amA W E S O M E !!!!!!!!!!!!
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Class by itself! - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
By aimsbrown - January 3 - 2:00 amA friend of mine took it for a test drive, stopped by a store and was returning home when he was pulled over by the police. Eventhough this is really a fast vehicle, the friend was not speeding, the officer just wanted to know what kind of car it was and if it was a concept car or production model. The first time I took it out, I fell in love with it! It is the new muscle truck for the true enthusiast. It drives almost like a vette without being as expensive nor sitting so low.
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a looker not a truck - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
By bill hatcher - December 27 - 2:00 amits a great truck/retro theam what ever it is its fun!
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LONG TIME COMING - 2003 Chevrolet SSR
By SUAGEE - December 18 - 2:00 amWONDERFUL DRIVING VEHICLE. IT IS VERY FUN TO JUST BE ABLE TO SIT BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A VEHICLE THAT LOOKS GOOD AND HAS THE MUSCLE TO BACK UP THAT MEAN , BUT SWEET LOOK
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WOW - 2003 Chevrolet SSR
By xvietnam - October 22 - 2:00 amSure beats Chrysler PT Cruiser
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The hottest car on the road - 2003 Chevrolet SSR
By mariosbunny - October 8 - 2:00 amThis car is HOT!!!!!! It is the best car Chevy has come out with since the Camaro! It is definitely worth the $$$ that you will spend! Chevys are the best cars and last a long time!
