Chevrolet SSR For Sale

Chevrolet SSR From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (July 2008) Chevrolet SSR Manufacturer General Motors Production 2003–2006 Assembly Lansing, Michigan, United States Class Sport pickup truck Body style(s) 2-door ute 2-door convertible Layout FR layout Platform GM GMT370 platform Engine(s) 5.3 L Vortec 5300 V8 6.0 L LS2 V8 Transmission(s) 6-speed Tremec T-56 manual 4-speed automatic Wheelbase 116.0 in (2946 mm) Length 2001–05: 191.4 in (4862 mm) 2006: 191.5 in (4864 mm) Width 78.6 in (1996 mm) Height 2000–05: 64.2 in (1631 mm) 2006: 63.8 in (1621 mm) Related Chevrolet TrailBlazer GMC Envoy Oldsmobile Bravada Buick Rainier Isuzu Ascender Saab 9-7X The Chevrolet SSR (Super Sport Roadster) is a retractable hardtop convertible pickup truck manufactured by Chevrolet between 2003 and 2006. The truck was based on the long-wheelbase Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT's platform, and featured "retro" styling and a steel retractable hardtop designed by ASC. The production model was based on the SuperSport Roadster concept car shown at the 2000 Detroit Auto Show. An early-production SSR was the pace car for the 2003 Indianapolis 500 auto race. The 2003 and 2004 models used General Motors' Vortec 5300 engine, a 5.3 L 300 hp V8. Performance was 7.7 s to 60 mph (97 km/h) with a 15.9 s/86.4 mph quarter mile run. The 2005 SSR used the 390 hp (291 kW) LS2 V8 also found in the C6 Corvette and Pontiac GTO, and also offered a manual transmission (the six-speed Tremec) for the first time, as an option. For the 2006 model year, the LS2 engine featured minor modifications that boosted its output to 395 hp (automatic transmission) and 400 hp (manual transmission), respectively. In addition, GM badges were added to the vehicle. Contents 1 Sales 2 Marketing 3 Motorsport 4 References 5 External links [edit] Sales The 2004 model sold below expectations with under 9,000 sales at US$42,000 each. Citing a 301-day supply of SSRs, General Motors in December of that year announced five weeks of layoffs at Lansing Craft Centre, the factory that made the SSR. On November 21, 2005, GM announced that it would close the Craft Centre in mid-2006, spelling the end for the SSR. The final SSR, a unique black-on-silver model (Highest VIN 1GCES14H06B124112), was built on March 17, 2006.[1] Analysts estimate that 24,150 SSRs were produced in total. Of the total production, 24,112 were available for sale to the public. [edit] Marketing The SSR was introduced for its market debut in a 60 second television advertisement [1] that first appeared on New Year's Eve 2003, created by the firm of Campbell-Ewald, directed by Michael Bay [2] and featuring the song Magic Carpet Ride by Steppenwolf. The advertisement was titled "An American Revolution, Car Carrier" and featured six yet to be introduced cars and trucks boarding a car carrier as it traversed the United States. It featured the Aveo descending the Twin Peaks of San Francisco and making an airborne leap highly reminiscent of Steve McQueen's Ford Mustang in the movie Bullitt, before boarding the car carrier, to the yellow SSR boarding the carrier in reverse while the carrier is traveling down a desert highway. [edit] Motorsport The SSR was used as the pace car for the 2003 Indianapolis 500. [edit] References ^ Barbara Wieland. "Tearful workers say goodbye Last SSR rolls off Craft Centre line". Lansing State Journal. http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060318/NEWS01/603180340/1001/NEWS. Retrieved March 20, 2006.  ^ "Critique: An American Evolution". http://www.adweek.com/aw/search/search_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=2061066.  [edit] External links Chevrolet SSR at the Open Directory Project v • d • e « previous – Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, light truck timeline, United States market, 1980s–present Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 Mid-size crossover Equinox Equinox Full-size crossover Traverse Compact SUV Tracker Tracker Mid-size SUV S-10 Blazer Blazer TrailBlazer TrailBlazer Full-size SUV K5 Blazer Blazer Tahoe Tahoe Tahoe Suburban Suburban Suburban Suburban SUT Avalanche Avalanche Coupe utility El Camino Sports pickup SSR Compact pickup LUV S-10 S-10 Mid-size pickup Colorado Full-size pickup C/K C/K Silverado Silverado Minivan Lumina APV Venture Uplander Van Astro Astro Van Express Beauville || Acarplace Menu: Home | Articles | Cars | Minivans | Pickups | SUVs | Asian | European | SSR | GM SSR home | engines | frame | Design Team | Vette | Q&A | Review/road test | Development | Photos The SSR was dropped in 2006 and was not available as a 2007 model. Though undoubtedly fun to drive, it never recovered from the introductory price shock and relatively unexciting performance of the original engine. Some dealers could not even sell one SSR, though at first it looked as though people would have to wait for years to get one. They are a good deal - in 2005-2006 form especially - and are worth pursuing. 2005 Changes 2005 saw many changes, the most notable of which are the optional Tremec M10 or T56 (it's reported both ways) six-speed manual transmission and the new Generation IV 6 liter LS2 V8, with 390 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. With those changes, 0-60 times dropped from a four-cylinder-style 7.6 seconds to a blistering 5.5 seconds (with automatic; 5.3 with stick). The quarter mile comes in under 14 seconds. There's also a retuned steering system for better on-center feel and lower low-speed effort, a quasi-dual exhaust, dead pedal, new engine cover, self-supporting gas hood struts, and MP3 playback ability. New options include an auxiliary gauge package, windbreak, and body color paint on various internal surfaces. The new steering tuning includes retuned valves and torsion bars, a new bearing, and a low friction steering sealing package. Finally, the driver's side floor mat has been revised and Aqua Blur replaces Ultra Violet. the automatic is now the 4L65-E. More effective and less restrictive catalytic converters are mounted closer to the exhaust manifold for quicker “lightoff” and reduced cold-start emissions. SSR’s exhaust has been retuned to maintain its throaty sound. Production Retail production began in early 2003, ramping up eventually to 10,000 to 12,000 units per year. However, the first model year (2003) will see only 2,500 units at most (possibly only 1,500), with 5,000 more being produced in calendar year 2003 as 2004 models. The first 25 saleable Chevy SSRs were used in a unique launch program that will create one-of-a-kind "pedigrees" for each vehicle. Both the vehicles and the program carry the name "Signature Series." Only one first-model-year (2003) SSR will be given to any particular dealer, and only dealers who sold at least 500 retail Chevrolet cars and trucks in calendar year 2001 (a figure which may be modified based on actual production) will get a single 2003 model year SSR. Only 250 retail sales will need to have been made to get a 2004 model (also made in 2003), and dealers will be able to receive more than one vehicle - again, based on sales. By the 2004 calendar year, dealers can receive up to nine SSRs each (a mix of 2004 and 2005 model years), depending on sales, and every Chevrolet dealer will have received at least one 2004 or 2005 SSR. The 2004 calendar year sales chart is sell 500 vehicles, get two SSRs; sell 750, get three; sell 1,250, get five; sell 1,750, get six; sell 2,000, get eight; sell 2,500, get nine. GM's official dealer communication states "As our production schedule becomes solidified near the end of this year, Chevrolet will provide more definitive and specific numbers and timing on SSR distribution. While we understand this information is not specific, we felt we should provide this initial distribution plan to you so that you can handle customer relationships appropriately." Options Some interesting options include a windbreak, running boards - which really help the appearance - a soft cargo compartment with customized wood, aluminum, or body-color strips, and an auxiliary gauge pack mounted in the dashboard by the shifter, which both provides additional information and boosts the "hot rod" feel. GM will also sell custom vehicle colors. All these options are regular production options or regular production accessories, meaning they will be included in the window label and vehicle invoice, and come with the GM vehicle warranty if installed prior to delivery by the factory or the dealer. About the Chevy SSR The SSR builds on Chevrolet's semi-forgotten tradition of curvy trucks, so it is not just an imitation of the PT Cruiser or Plymouth Prowler. The Chevy SSR combines the open air of a sports roadster with a pickup bed. A retractable hardtop - which remains in the production version - makes it a practical street machine. The two-piece power retractable hardtop stows vertically between the seat and the rear storage bed. The original engine was a modified aluminum version of the 5.3 liter V8 engine with an expected 300 horsepower or more, and a TORSEN axle differential for added grip. It was replaced after a year with the Corvette engine. The transmission was the 4L60E GM automatic, with a conventional shifter. Derik Price, who predicted its use, wrote that the 4L60E ("an electronically controlled, updated turbo 350") is used in many GM cars and pickups, often behind the 6 liter V8. Like the Trailblazer, which it is based on, the SSR featured a hydroformed steel frame with eight crossmembers for stiffness and handling. The engine crossmember was modified to fit the SSR's V-8. Due to its superior stiffness, hydroforming is becoming the new standard, having been adopted in the heavy-duty Dodge Rams and Dodge Durangos as well. The production version has somewhat larger headlights and smaller turn signals than the concept, with small changes to the fenders and grille. A 5'3" x 4'7" covered, lockable pickup box is included with the Chevy SSR concept for hauling. A button on the key fob of the SSR concept can operate the tailgate remotely; a latch on the inside of the tailgate can operate the gate manually. The SSR will conceal controls for temperature, sound, navigation, weather information, Internet/e-mail access, and OnStar behind a dashboard-mounted panel door. The interior plays off a twin cockpit theme, presenting a clean, simple, comfortable environment. The storage area between the seats can be stowed away to provide seating for a third person or a child seat, or it can act as an armrest with cupholders that slide out from inside. The production model, unlike the concept, will have bucket seats, a center console, and, most likely, a conventional shifter. However, it will retain the large (19" and 20") wheels and performance tires. Load capacity is expected to be light. Cornering should be very good, with a Camaro-like short-long-arm front suspension and a five-link solid rear axle. Large four-wheel disk brakes will give the SSR strong stopping power. A heavy duty rear axle will help keep the SSR on the road despite abuse. ASC Vehicle Technologies will do most of the construction of the SSR. While GM will do the final assembly in their Lansing "Craft Shop," ASC will handle quite a bit of the SSR's design and engineering, as well as its construction. ASC did the first sketches for the vehicle, and have worked with Lansing on the Cavalier/Sunfire convertibles and Hummer H2 (a modified Suburban). Corvette Click here for our Corvette Z-06 page. Camaro and Firebird The Camaro will be brought back as a rear wheel drive, V-8 powered, affordable high-performance sports car, sharing a rear wheel drive chassis with other GM vehicles. While we await a new Camaro page, check out this review at acarplace.com. Trailblazer The SSR is based on the Trailblazer. Positioned between the Blazer and Suburban (think Durango), the Trailblazer's base straight-six engine produces the power and torque of a V8 but with better gas mileage. It has good handling and a smooth ride, making it seem more like a minivan than a truck - and far better than its competitors at Ford, Dodge, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, and Toyota. Advances on the SSR and Trailblazer should be complementary - learning from one vehicle should translate to the other, and higher production of components will help keep prices down. Follow this link for a review. The shape of things to come As General Motors works feverishly to reinvent itself, a number of new platforms are become formed. Click here for details on current and future GM platforms and where they are made. SSR home | engines | frame | Design Team | Vette | Q&A | Review/road test | Development | Photos || edmunds.com Welcome, | | | | Mobile | Help New Cars Calculators Car Finder Compare Cars Find a Dealer Incentives & Rebates Search Inventory True Cost to Own® Used Cars Appraise Your Car Certified Cars Selling Tips True Cost to Own® Used Car Finder Car Reviews Car Reviews and Road Tests Industry Car News Best Cars Lists Awards Blogs Tips & Advice Buying and Leasing a Car Selling a Car Family and Car Safety Fuel Economy Car Technology Auto Financing Auto Insurance Auto Warranty Driving Tips Maintenance Maintenance Costs and Recalls True Cost to Own® Find a Repair Shop How-To Articles Maintenance Articles Forums Answers Browse Discussions Search Forums Home> Used Cars> Chevrolet> SSR Review Save | Email | Share | RSS | Newsletter You have saved this page | See all saved pages Chevrolet SSR Review To appraise a vehicle, please select a model below: Used Models View photos 2006 Chevrolet SSR Used TMV from $23,097 View photos 2005 Chevrolet SSR Used TMV from $21,723 View photos 2004 Chevrolet SSR Used TMV from $19,031 View photos 2003 Chevrolet SSR Used TMV from $16,603 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. However, 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. It was discontinued after 2006.What the Chevrolet SSR did offer was a healthy dose of individuality. It looked like no other new vehicle on the road and was a pure automotive style statement. Between the larger rear wheels, low hood and 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 while minimizing the room typically lost when a top is lowered. For a shopper looking to fill some extra space in his garage with something that boasts 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 three-year lifespan, including build quality problems, so-so performance due to excessive curb weight, and a breathtaking sticker price. Subsequently, Chevy sold only about 25,000 SSRs, which makes used examples a rare find.Most Recent Chevrolet SSRThe Chevrolet SSR is a two-passenger convertible truck that was produced from 2004-'06. Buyers interested in a used SSR should make note of a few changes that occurred during its production. For its first year, the SSR came with a 350-horsepower, 5.7-liter V8 that struggled to get the 4,700-pound SSR moving with any authority. The 6.0-liter unit installed in 2005 made around 400 hp and was more adept at moving 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 are 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.Past Chevrolet SSR ModelsThe SSR was an all-new model in 2004, lasting for three years only. There was only one generation. Advertisement Research Models go Advertisement Advertisement Tips and Advice Recently Viewed Select your vehicles COMPARE Explore Edmunds Site Map | Glossary | Inside Line | Auto Shows | About Mobile © Edmunds Inc. '); } })(); } '); } })(); } '); } })(); } '); } })(); } '); } })(); } '); } })(); } || Skip to Content Search Reviews News Features Subscriptions Backfires Newsletters Mobile Store Car and Driver Home › Reviews › Chevrolet SSR - Road Test Shopping Tools Advertisement Chevrolet SSR - Road Test Baseball, apple pie, and one flamboyant convertible pickup. BY RON KIINO September 2003 Pages: 1 2 3 Photos Photos (13) Highs, Lows, and Verdict Highs: Retro-radical styling, nifty retractable top, unmatched attention. Lows: Heavy on price and weight, light on performance and structure. The Verdict: A bombshell for the boulevard, but not the back road. Visit Our Buyer's Guide » Chevrolet News & Reviews Chevrolet SSR - Short Take Road Test Chevrolet SSR - First Drive Review 2003 Chevrolet SSR - Car News Chevrolet SSR - Road Test Chevrolet SSR - Auto Shows Downloads Spec Sheet The Chevrolet SSR has a knack for attracting attention. Some things just do. A bear cuddling with a deer. Anything fluorescent orange. Car and Driver poetry. (Oh, wait, we actually have that in Upfront this month — in case you missed it.)Extraordinary things seem to get extraordinary reactions.Chevrolet's all-new Super Sport Roadster is one of those extraordinary things. Part roadster, part truck, and part Van Halen, it's a retro Yankee wrapped in concept-car spandex.The bow-tie bunch unveiled the SSR concept three-and-a-half years ago at the 2000 Detroit auto show, where reaction to the truck was beyond positive. Us car guys even liked it so much that we put it on our April 2000 cover. Chevy quickly got the hint: Build it, and they will come. For 2003, Chevy hopes 3500 Americans will come, followed by 14,000 to 15,000 in '04.We give Chevy its due props for keeping the SSR's final design very close to the concept's, maintaining the show truck's wild edginess as well as its heritage to 1947-53 Chevy trucks. Designed entirely on computer, the neoclassic SSR features the concept's huge flared fenders, rakish windshield, and 19- and 20-inch wheels front and rear, respectively, all of which make it hard to distinguish the show and street versions. There are minor differences, of course, such as the relocation of the side mirrors from the concept's upper A-pillars to the production's doors, the addition of side markers, and the removal of the sweeping metallic band from the concept's tailgate. But otherwise, it's as if Chevy designers were afforded the luxury of telling the engineers, "All done — gone fishin'!"Although it's not surprising to see the big wheels on the production vehicle — after all, many cars roll on dubs these days—it is surprising, impressive really, that the gargantuan fenders made it to the assembly line. Developed by Fuji Dietec Corporation, the fenders are made using deep-draw Grade 5 steel in a process called "inverted toggle draw," which stamps the fenders with as much as 18 inches of "draw," or depth, of the formed area. Chevy claims the process is cost-effective, although we have our doubts, considering the SSR opens at $41,995 while using cost-cutting corporate underpinnings. Pricey or not, we like the fenders' steroidal effect, and that they can be used for picnics, tanning hides, and even demonstrating Ginsu knives.Chevy opted to use steel sheetmetal rather than composite panels like the ones on the Corvette because they're easier to paint-match and they make for a stiffer structure. And like the Vette, the SSR uses hydroformed steel side rails to anchor its frame. For the SSR's frame, Chevy started with a TrailBlazer EXT boxed unit, cut 13 inches from the midsection and about four inches from the front end, and then welded it back together and added enough crossmembers to total eight. But whereas a Corvette convertible feels as solid as granite, the SSR resides more on the pumice end of the spectrum and as a result suffers more shakes and shimmies over cratered Michigan roads. The structure feels stiffer than a T-Bird's and noticeably tauter than a Prowler's, but it trails the best convertibles' by a fair margin. The SSR borrows much more than just its frame from the TrailBlazer. Chevy's mid-size sport-ute also donates its 5.3-liter V-8 engine, four-speed automatic, rack-and-pinion steering system, four-wheel disc brakes, and unequal-length control-arm front and five-link solid-axle rear suspensions. Compared with the TrailBlazer EXT, the SSR presses the pavement with 300 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque (versus 290 and 325), a faster 16.0:1 steering ratio (versus 18.5:1), and a suspension tuned for boulevard cruising. We mention boulevard cruising because Chevy did—over and over again. And for good reason. The SSR does indeed cruise with the best of them, be it at Vero or Venice Beach. At a 60-second stoplight, you have enough time to raise and lower the ASC-built power-retractable hardtop, which makes for a great icebreaker with any bikini babe who happens to be blading by. It drops via a center-console-mounted button, stacking neatly between the cab and cargo bed. The process is relatively quick, if a bit noisy, and allows enough time to feed the booming Bose stereo some Meat Loaf. Cruising never came so good. Continued... Subscribe to Car and Driver magazine Pages: 1 2 3 Photos Stumble It Yahoo! Buzz Comments Join the Discussion Car and Driver Video » This Month in Car and Driver » Reviews News Features Sitemap Contact Us Used Cars Subscriptions/Customer Service Website Feedback Best Cars Luxury Cars Sports Cars Trucks Hybrid Cars YouTube Twitter Facebook HFMU.S. Mens Network Visit other Hachette Filipacchi sites: Cycle World ELLE ELLEgirl ELLE DECOR Glo Premiere Road & Track Woman's Day Copyright ©2010 Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S., Inc., Terms & Conditions Privacy-Your Privacy Rights || Sports Vehicles Concept Cars Strange Vehicles Home > Concept cars > Chevrolet SSR Concept Cars: Chevrolet SSR Make Chevrolet Model SSR Concept year 2000 Production year 2003 Engine 5.3 litre V8 The Chevrolet SSR concept was well received when it was introduced at the 2000 North American International Auto show. The SSR brought Chevrolets' truck design philosophy into the new millennium. The retro design is reminiscent of the trucks of the 1950s with flared, exaggerated wheel arches which hide 19" wheels up front and 20" wheels at the back. Power for the Chevrolet SSR comes from a 5.3 L 285 hp V8. Similar and related vehicles: Chevrolet Volt Chevrolet WTCC Ultra Chevrolet Camaro Camaro Convertible Chevrolet Bel Air Chevrolet SS Chevrolet Nomad Chevrolet Trax Motorbikes sports cars Jetskis Submersibles power boats Modified cars | Luxury cars | Rare and Classic cars | Rare and Classic Motorbikes | Scooters | Vehicle Videos Home page | Contact | about | site map