Why the Chevy SSR Was Discontinued
The Chevrolet SSR, or Super Sport Roadster, was a unique vehicle that combined retro styling, V-8 sports car performance, and custom truck attributes. However, it was ultimately discontinued due to several factors:
1. Low Sales: The SSR experienced low sales numbers, with only 24,112 units sold during its production years from 2003 to 2006. General Motors never sold more than 9,000 units in a single year, leading to its discontinuation.
2. Design and Practicality: The SSR’s design was considered too radical, combining elements of a retro-styled convertible, a V8 muscle car, and a Chevy pickup truck. Some potential buyers found it unattractive, and it was also criticized for its impracticality, as it weighed 4,760 lbs but could only tow up to 2,500 lbs, which was less than the average pickup towing capacity.
3. High Price: The SSR started at $42,000 new, with the 390-hp model in 2005 priced over $43,000. With additional add-ons, the price could quickly reach around $50,000. This high price for a slow, unwieldy, and heavy pickup truck contributed to its failure.
4. Performance and Handling: The SSR was criticized for its performance, handling, and cramped interior. It was not particularly fast, didn’t handle well, and was considered cramped, which further contributed to its lack of appeal.
5. Cultural Shift: While the SSR may not have been popular during its production years, it has gained a cult-like following in recent years, similar to other unusual vehicles like the Buick Roadmaster and the Plymouth Prowler. This shift in cultural tastes has led to increased interest in the SSR, but it came too late to save its production.
In summary, the Chevrolet SSR was discontinued due to low sales, its radical design, high price, and performance and handling issues. Despite its initial lack of popularity, it has garnered a following in recent years, but this was not enough to sustain its production.
Contents
- How much is a Chevy SSR worth today?
- What happened to the Chevy SSR?
- What is the most popular color Chevy SSR?
- Why did the Chevy SSR fail?
- What was the best year for the SSR?
- Is the Chevy SSR fast?
- What was the point of the Chevy SSR?
- Did the Chevy SSR have a Corvette engine?
- How much horsepower did the Chevy SSR have?
- Does the Chevy SSR have a Corvette engine?
How much is a Chevy SSR worth today?
Prices for a used Chevrolet SSR currently range from $15,785 to $37,995, with vehicle mileage ranging from 4,100 to 157,862. Find used Chevrolet SSR inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.
What happened to the Chevy SSR?
On November 21, 2005, GM announced that it would close the Craft Center in mid-2006, implying the production ending for the SSR. The final SSR, a unique black-on-silver model (Highest VIN 1GCES14H06B126138), was built on March 17, 2006. Analysts estimate that 24,150 SSRs were produced in total.
What is the most popular color Chevy SSR?
The most common solid SSR color was Redline Red with 6,695 built, followed by Smokin’ Asphalt with 5,612, and Slingshot Yellow with 5,181. For the price of a run-of-the-mill late-model SUV you could step into an SSR and likely not suffer a depreciation hit. Who knows?
Why did the Chevy SSR fail?
Even with its powerful engine, it had underwhelming performance stats. Its 7.7-second 0-60 mph time wasn’t great. It wasn’t a particularly great handling car, weighing an enormous 4,700 lbs, and it wasn’t spacious inside, despite its looks.
What was the best year for the SSR?
Final note: ’05 and ’06 are the best years to get, HP was increased from 300 to 390.
Is the Chevy SSR fast?
The SSR we tested in September 2003 took a leisurely seven seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. This 2005 tester, with the six-speed manual, performed that task in 5.5 seconds. The 0-to-100-mph time was even more impressive.
What was the point of the Chevy SSR?
The SSR was a nostalgia trip that Chevrolet took too far. They wanted to release a modern truck inspired by their Advance Design trucks from the late 1940s. That all sounds good until you realize that they also wanted to make it a hot rod, a convertible, and an SUV.
Did the Chevy SSR have a Corvette engine?
The SSR got a version of the new 6.0-liter LS-2 V-8 engine that came in the redesigned Corvette for 2005. In the SSR, it is rated at 390 horsepower and 405 foot-pounds of torque.
How much horsepower did the Chevy SSR have?
Used 2006 Chevrolet SSR – Specs & Features
Engine | |
---|---|
Base engine size | 6.0 L |
Cylinders | V8 |
Base engine type | Gas |
Horsepower | 395 hp @ 5,700 rpm |
Does the Chevy SSR have a Corvette engine?
The lack of impressive power probably hurt the SSR from the start, and GM fixed the problem by changing to a Corvette engine for model year 2005.