17th Feb 2010, 17:40
It is true that the SSR seems quite useless and impractical.
But I believe that GM tried to go retro with this, by recalling the El-Camino. I guess the whole idea of a fun car didn't succeed with this one. I think GM lost their touch after the late 90's (compared to today's cars with a 97 Camaro Z-28/SS and Trans-Am WS-6, the 1996 Impala SS etc.)
22nd Jan 2011, 00:13
Sometimes I don't understand the mentality of these comments when they come across with comments that have nothing to do with a accurate critique of the product at hand. Example, the SSR is NOT meant to be a pickup in the definition a regular pickup. Your F150 cab do more for obvious reason, but then does the RAM 3500 Diesel dually Quadcab 2007 make the F150 look like LESS than a pickup? It's all in the application. The SSR has a truck bed which can be used to cart items not too heavy but bulky in nature. Not only that, it can become a convertible as well. It can also be sporty in handling better than any pick up. Was it a hot seller... no, because it is not cheap by any means. It is not meant for the masses, as you can see from the prices they ask.
20th Feb 2011, 23:51
I just bought a 2003 Black SSR and just love it. It's fun to drive around, and it is always a head turner indeed. NOT the quietest ride in town, as it has squeaks here and there. You will get used to it.
I see some of the comments as to its definition of not being a work truck. It could be, but it's not there to haul manure or 2x4's; maybe more akin to a set of blue prints or laser survey tools. Get my drift? You don't want to damage the wood inserts in the plush pile carpeting in the cargo bed right?
As I said, all in all.. it's a unique ride and great to pickup groceries, cruise around yard sales, go for a pick nick. I don't regret for a moment buying it. It leaves a little smile every time I hit the remote.
23rd Nov 2011, 21:59
The SSR is not for someone who has only one vehicle. It is a pleasure vehicle with some utility. It has cargo room like a mini truck, but it's not for any lumber or hay. It's for your 10 thousand dollar saddle, or a couple of Weatherby rifles, or some groceries from Walmart. Just nothing messy or dirty.
While you're at it, you can put the top down and put your picnic basket in the rear and some chairs. Ahhh.. the nice things of life.
You know if you need to haul something, you have your Dodge Dually for just that. If you want the open air experience, you have your SS Chev convertible for just that occasion. Just to let you know, I have all that and MORE... enjoy life... buddy.
25th Sep 2012, 17:49
The SSR will soon be a high price classic. You will never see that in a Toyota, Honda, Nissan; they are so overrated.
11th Feb 2013, 11:22
The SSR is a true blend of work and play. It's something between my Z28 Camaro and my RAM dually truck.
It's not a vehicle that you will haul some dirt and sod around with. More like (as someone said) a nice hand tooled saddle.
If you're in the mindset that you can't afford only one car, then this is not the vehicle for you.
12th Feb 2013, 15:19
I guess I just don't get the notion of buying a car to "turn heads". Yes, I wouldn't buy a vehicle that I considered "ugly" because I have to live with it and appreciate its styling, but I really don't care what anybody else thinks.
I also keep my cars immaculate and keep a good coat of wax on them, but that is my preference, and to protect the paint as best as I can.
What is most important to me is that the vehicle be dependable and meet my needs. I certainly don't need to turn heads.
2nd Feb 2015, 01:49
Then you probably don't care that the SSR wound up on Yahoo Autos "Most embarrassing vehicles to own" list, alongside the likes of the Pontiac Aztek, Subaru Baja, and Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. :{
19th Jun 2016, 15:45
I would rather do up a sedate looking Silverado with a standard 8 foot bed. My favorite is having a 2 door 1500 Artic White work truck. I totally de emblemed mine. Changed the bumpers, wheels, mirrors, suspension, race pedals, dash etc. Put on really nice rims and tires. I them put the Corvette nose emblem below the latch on the tailgate. Short angled dual chrome exhaust tips, with some engine mods. In the end you have a sharp looking, sanitary looking truck that you can carry and tow with. With some sharp upgrades. Working only with a base 2 door, no rear seat, work 8 foot standard bed, full size truck.
21st Jan 2010, 18:04
I guess I'm just the oddball, but strangely enough I sorta agree with all the comments. I own a 2005 SSR, but I have never considered that it is a "real" truck and wouldn't treat it as such. I knew that when I bought it. I have a F150 4x4 for truck duties. But, it is the most practical sports car/hard top convertible/two seater/6.0L V8 you could ever ask for. I liken it to a Corvette with a huge trunk. In the end, if ya get it, ya get it. If not, I understand that too.