The Chevrolet SSR is a retractable hardtop convertible pick-up truck produced and marketed by the Chevrolet division of General Motors from 2003 to 2006.
History of the Chevrolet SSR
The SSR officially started in 1999 when Wayne Cherry, the GM Design Centers' vice president at the time, started creating concept images for it. Cherry wanted to design a Halo vehicle that would honor the company's history while pointing to its future. In search of ideas, he perused Chevrolet's truck history. The SSR was developed in 2001 and had its public debut on a casual drive the evening before the Woodward Dream Cruise in Michigan. The car was driven by Rick Wagoner, GM's president and CEO at the time, along with other guests on a nighttime trip. On the night of the new year in 2002, the SSR was unveiled as a 2003 model. Despite marketing efforts, including serving as the lead vehicle for the 2003 Indianapolis 500, the SSR failed to meet expectations, selling for less than 9,000 units at $42,000 each. The Craft Center would be shut down by GM in the middle of 2006, according to a November 21, 2005 announcement, thereby ending the SSR.
According to analysts, 24,150 SSRs were made in total. Chevrolet offered 24,112 of the total production for purchase.
Price
In 2003, Chevrolet retailed the 2003 Chevrolet SSR at an MSRP of $42,000, which is around $67,604 in 2022.
Features of the Chevrolet SSR
The SSR's body-on-frame construction was based on the Chevrolet TrailBlazer's hydroformed-steel basis. The platform's other dimensions remained unchanged. However, it was shrunk by 13 inches. The SSR, which took inspiration from the Chevrolet pick-ups of the 1940s, expertly combined the fun of a roadster with the muscle of an automobile to create a retro-modern vehicle. Due to the limited production, Chevrolet had to find a way to keep costs in check. Therefore, the quality of the materials utilized throughout the interior was not the best. The most admired aspect of the cockpit was the leather-wrapped sport seats since they were firm and strong. The SSR had a 5.3L V8 aluminum engine that produced 300 horsepower. A 4-speed automatic transmission connected to the engine delivered power to the vehicle's rear wheels. Thick anti-roll bars, powerful brakes, and rebound shock absorbers were different characteristics that assisted the SSR in delivering a sporting feel. The SSR's retractable hard top and fully functional cargo bed gave it the usefulness of an actual pick-up.
Release Date
From 2003 to 2006, Chevrolet released the Chevrolet SSR. GM discontinued the production of the SSR after closing the Craft Center in mid-2006.