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:

• 

  Love My SSR - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By Bob Jones - October 27 - 1:43 pm

  I wanted one when they were new but couldnt afford one. Recently began searching for a classic truck and found an SSR. Now they are less money than classic trucks and way more reliable. I think Ill love it!

• 

  paid for finally - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By graveygrabber - August 2 - 12:19 pm

  I bought it new and still love it! People still ask what kind of car is that? do you believe its 6 years old, and they want to know how much it is ."they dont make them any more. Why not?" "$52 grand when it was new, thats why!"

• 

  SSR fun - 2003 Chevrolet SSR
  By SSR FUN - September 15 - 3:02 pm

  I first saw the concept car in a newspaper write-up in early 2002. After attending 3 car shows across the US, I knew I wanted one. I ordered Yellow. Took delivery in November 2003 and have been loving the truck ever since. Folks around still ask questions about it as there are not too many on the road. A certain kick to drive and be seen in!

• 

  I had an SSR - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By wayne - July 2 - 7:36 pm

  Overheated numerous times, fan quit at 20k miles, transmission leak at 30k miles, electronics when out 3 times, broken inside door handles got stuck in car once when they broke. GM is just selling cheap parts, no electric fan should break down that many times in 25K miles.

• 

  Shells SSR 2004 - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By ShellsSSR - February 29 - 10:50 pm

  I purchased my 04 SSR on 7/30/04 brand new. I used to watch the commercial on TV where the yellow SSR would turn around and be the last vehicle to get on the new car carrier. My hairs would stand straight up on my arms! I never in my wildest dreams that I would ever own one. Well I do! And I am so glad to be a owner of an SSR. After almost 4 yrs. of having my SSR, it is like the day I bought it. I also own a 2000 Pontiac Trans Am Ram Air and 2007 Chevy Avalanche. I personally would never buy a foreign vehicle in my life. All I can say is the people who have bad things to say about the SSR are jealous because they want one, cant get one, don,t have one! I love my SSR and the experience

• 

  No Spare - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By Nanuke - December 21 - 2:37 pm

  I’ll just start by saying…I love my vehicle, and plan on having it till the day I die. It handles very well in the turns, but because of U.S. law, it has a governor to limit your top speed… bummer, but it will still get up and go. I have the 5.3 V8, and love the sound it makes when you romp on it. I also love the fact that it looks like nothing else on the road, and that people still stop and stare when I drive by…priceless.

• 

  Chevy SSR 2004 - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By S. NIELEN - October 10 - 2:57 pm

  Vehicle is equiped with 5.3 l /auto trans /seating is kind of tight on outboard sides for a big guy like me (250lbs)and hard to get hand to seat controls with door closed. It could have more acceleration which was addressed in 2005-2006 models with 6.0 400 h.p engine however I have driven all three models 5.3 w/auto and 6.0 w/auto feel near the same but 6.0 w/5- spd is a real rocketship. Braking and handling are excellent reminding me of a Corvette except for the seating position which is more upright. This is a sunny day car and its curb appeal is excellent

• 

  Sweet street rod - 2006 Chevrolet SSR
  By Beach potato - October 25 - 10:23 am

  Lots of smiling driving in Fla. with the top down. The exhaust is throaty and has a neat gurgle. Fast as I need. Only problem is Goodyear quit making the tire and the wheel and it wont accept a lot of other makes due to profile. Aqua Blur paint job gets a lot of compliments.

• 

  Shes So Sweet - 2006 Chevrolet SSR
  By Patricia Perry - August 7 - 10:05 am

  Ive only had my little red roadster for a few days but Im totally entranced by her. She purrs like a kitten and gallops like a thoroughbred.

• 

  Marks Black Magic - 2005 Chevrolet SSR
  By Mark Steed - April 12 - 3:00 am

  I had no intention on buying the SSR but once I test drove it, I was hooked! My former hot rod was a 67 Chevelle SS. It doesnt have the pull of the 396, but its just as quick in the 1/8th & its a little more fun actually with its handling. You must pay attention in turns & parking due to the pontoon fenders. Its quite the head turner & have had nothing but bad things said about it cause lets face it...Its phat! Paint & finish could be a lot better quality. It looks good with & w/o the running boards, but for $1600.00 they look good on mine. Extras are outragous, but comes w/the territory. The tops compartment bonnet rattles a little when its windy & when my speed is up. All in all its my heartskip in America