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Winston Churchill first spoke the phrase "A riddle wrapped in mystery inside an enigma" 65 years ago as he pondered the complexities and intentions of Russia before the Second World War. Does this quote accurately describe my feelings toward the Chevrolet SSR? Well it did, until I really experienced the new 2005 version of this limited production hot rod. After driving it a week, I can finally say, "I get it." First drawings of the SSR concept revealed during the 2000 auto show seasons excited me to a point I could hardly contain my enthusiasm. My earliest automotive memory was of my father's 1950 GMC Pickup, so I am an unabashed fan of General Motors "Advanced Design" which ruled the road from 1947 till 1952. Truly a work of art the bulbous nose and bulging fenders are unlike anything in the automotive world. The concept of a retro styled open-air roadster with retractable hardtop was a stroke of genius. Avoiding Chrysler's mistake with the PT Cruiser, Chevrolet debuted the SSR with V8 power and exhaust rumble resembling the late 60's Camaro SS. Yet the actual production vehicle left me disappointed and confused as my childhood memory felt somewhat violated. I was unconvinced that everything worked together in a package. Hanging a price tag north of $40,000 assured this would be a limited production "halo" vehicle instead of a truck for the great middle class. Whatever you think of the Chevrolet SSR, you can't ignore the audacious design. Unlike any other vehicle on the planet it really is "a riddle wrapped in mystery inside an enigma". Two seat open-air roadster? Sure, with the coolest retractable hardtop ever. Retro Styled hot-rod with a huge engine and big fat tires? Yes, and this year it has a Corvette engine that will rocket from zero to sixty in less than 5.3 seconds with the available 6-speed manual transmission. Is this a sport truck with built-in hard tonneau cover? Not only is the pickup bed covered; there is almost 24 cubic feet of airtight carpeted storage. Chevrolet calls this a Super Sport Roadster or SSR for short. This year it really claims the title "Super Sport. Bumping the engine 90 horsepower to a tire shredding 390 horsepower certainly places super power into the already sporty appearance. Retaining the classic rumble of the muscle car era my test vehicle was an automatic but I believe the six-speed would have been even more fun. This is not a vehicle for everybody. In my last review published February 2, 2004, I was complementary of the vehicle but not yet overwhelmed. An afternoon with the previous model simply left me with the feeling that this attempted much but excelled at little. I have changed my mind. The 2005 Chevrolet SSR hits on all eight cylinders. I now believe it has the power, looks and technology to put it into the highest echelons of modern automotive art. I would absolutely own this vehicle. The 2005 Chevrolet SSR is not a nimble sports car styled roadster like the Chevrolet Corvette. The unibody on a modified Trailblazer frame gives necessary rigidity to the roadster/pickup design. In turn the Chevrolet SSR drives more like a 1970's muscle car than a modern sports car. If you love the custom hotrods and muscle cars the SSR will transport you back to the days of drive-in theaters and cruising the strip. It's a difficult vehicle to explain and many younger drivers won't understand the passion the 2005 Chevrolet SSR can provide. It is "a riddle wrapped in mystery inside an enigma" and only those with a true passion for hot rods, convertibles, muscle cars, and pickups will be able to appreciate this vehicle. Some have complained about the $42,430 base but how many 390 horsepower cars are priced below the SSR? How many retractable hardtop vehicles can be purchased for less than the SSR? And what other vehicle, at any price, will get as much attention as the SSR? This is a bargain! My time with the 2005 Chevrolet SSR has come to an end, but I will not soon forget the experience.
2005 Chevrolet SSR
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©2003 - Stan Risener