2006 Chevy SSR Review
2006 Chevy SSR Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Quick-folding convertible hardtop, street rod style, aggressive exhaust note, comfortable seats.
Cons
- Seats only two yet weighs nearly 5,000 pounds, costs almost as much as a Corvette.
What’s new
Apparently last year's big power increase wasn't quite enough; the Chevy SSR gets another horsepower increase for 2006, though this time it's only a minor 10-hp blip for a total of 400 hp. The rest of the truck remains unchanged, save for a new two-tone exterior paint option, a new chrome trim package and expanded dealer-sourced accessories.
Edmunds says
Combining the styling elements of a late-'40s Chevy pickup, the attitude of a muscle car and the fun of a roadster, the 2006 Chevrolet SSR is an entertaining answer to a question nobody asked.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Chevrolet SSR 2dr Regular Cab Convertible SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$277/mo for SSR Base
SSR Base
vs
$240/mo
Avg. Compact Truck
Vehicle overview
It's a roadster and a pickup truck all in one. Combining the open-air excitement of a roadster with the utility of a pickup, the Chevy SSR (Super Sport Roadster) features a two-piece power-retractable hardtop that stows 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.
Exterior styling features a front end that echoes the facade of a 1947 Chevy pickup along with pontoon-style fenders that do the same. Five-spoke alloy sport wheels measure 19 inches in front, 20 inches in the rear and wear 255/45 and 295/40 Goodyears, respectively. The lockable pickup box boasts more load capacity (22.5 cubic feet under the hard tonneau cover) than you'll find in a typical drop-top two-seater. Inside you'll find a symmetrical dash and body-color trim that also recall the "good old days," along with modern touches such as a trip computer and steering wheel-mounted controls for the sound system.
Generous amounts of metallic plastic trim abound, though one could easily mistake it for real aluminum. Under the old-school hood is a 400-horsepower V8 driving the rear wheels through either a heavy-duty four-speed automatic or a six-speed Tremec manual transmission. Built on a 116-inch wheelbase and weighing a chunky 4,760 pounds, the SSR is rear-wheel-drive only. Based loosely on the TrailBlazer platform, the truck features a hydroformed frame (meaning the rails are one piece -- no joints or welds), rack and pinion steering and vented disc brakes all around. While we think a near 5,000-pound two-seater is a bit excessive, we appreciate the unique design of the 2006 Chevrolet SSR and its open-air appeal. And even though it's priced within a couple grand of a base Corvette, the SSR's relative rarity, head-turning style and fun personality should appeal to those who want to drive something different.
Performance & mpg
The sole powertrain for the Chevy SSR is a 6.0-liter aluminum V8 rated at 400 hp and 400 pound-feet of torque. The big V8 sends the power to the limited-slip rear axle via either a heavy-duty four-speed automatic gearbox or a six-speed manual transmission. The V8's horsepower rating drops slightly to 395 when the automatic is specified. Despite the SSR's truck-based origins, its towing capacity is rated at a relatively meager 2,500 pounds.
Safety
Side airbags, antilock brakes and traction control highlight the safety features list, but stability control is not available. Crash test data is unavailable, as the Chevrolet SSR has not been evaluated by the NHTSA and the IIHS.
Driving
Accompanied by an exhaust note that would do an old Chevelle SS proud, the SSR's brawny V8 does an admirable job of motivating a vehicle that weighs 700 pounds more than a Caddy DeVille. When hustled along curvy roads, the Super Sport Roadster holds its own, feeling composed if not exactly agile. With an agreeable combination of handling, ride and performance, the 2006 Chevrolet SSR should satisfy anyone looking for a comfortable and stylish cruiser.
Interior
Leather seating and tasteful aluminum-look trim offer modern-day comfort and visual appeal, as does the four-spoke steering wheel that features controls for the trip computer and audio system functions. Touches of nostalgia abound; the automatic's gear selector looks like it could have come from a 1968 Corvette, while an optional row of small gauges mounted down on the console remind one of a Camaro of similar vintage. Passenger space is a bit snug, however; the power seat controls are so close to the door that only child-size hands can operate them without opening the door first.
2006 Chevrolet SSR models
All Chevrolet SSR models come as retractable-hardtop roadsters, offering the security and comfort of a coupe when the roof is raised along with the alfresco experience of a convertible when the top is dropped. There is just a single well-equipped version of the SSR, though an LS Preferred Equipment option package is available for those who desire heated seats, upgraded Bose sound (including an in-dash CD changer) and auto-dimming mirrors. Also available is wood trim for the cargo bed, another tip of the hat to the pickups of the late 1940s.
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Chevrolet SSR.
5 star(68%)
4 star(28%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
54 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
Final Production Run - 6 Speed - SSR
KenOfAZ, 11/29/2008
2006 Chevrolet SSR 2dr Regular Cab Convertible SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
This red hotrod turns heads. I am always getting compliments on it. The six speed manual shifts very smooth with 5th & 6th gear both overdrives. It takes a lot of revs to get this heavy truck off the line with the 3.73 axle ratio. It needs a lower first gear, or lower rear axle ratio. Gets about 20 MPG at freeway speeds in 6th gear. About 13 MPG in the city. The 400 HP LS2 6 liter engine … has great power, but has a lot of weight to pull. So it is pretty quick, almost as fast as my old 345 HP 1998 LS1 Corvette. The truck handles great for a truck, but nothing like a true sports car. It is a lot easier to get in and out of than a Corvette. A future classic.
4.75 out of 5 stars
The coolest car ever .
shams, 05/05/2010
2005 Chevrolet SSR 2dr Regular Cab Convertible LS Rwd SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I have driven almost every exotic car being in the car business for many years, there is none as fun and as cool as the six speed SSR i bought from Freehold Pontiac. GM made the mistake of introducing the SSR with a weak engine initially, what a mistake! that is why this magnificent did not do well, they should remake the car with some upgrades and a 600 HP engine. and you will see that … it will outsell any convertible sport car out there, this work of art turns more heads than Ferrari and Lambo. It is such fun to drive that when you get home , you feel like going out again for another ride, now that is cool, how many other cars can you say that for? I hope GM is reading our comments.
4.88 out of 5 stars
SSR'n
wayne, 07/21/2005
2005 Chevrolet SSR 2dr Regular Cab Convertible LS Rwd SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Fun to drive, love the covertible hard top. Mileage has been 15.9 mpg for the 7,000 miles driven. Excellent quality, no problems so far.
4.38 out of 5 stars
SSR Fun
Z6603, 10/12/2004
2005 Chevrolet SSR 2dr Regular Cab Convertible LS Rwd SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
The Interior is a bit stuffy, forget
about adjusting the driver seat with
the door closed. Cheap center console
lid, will redo in walnut.
Other than the above this thing is a
blast. Normal driving (if you can)
gets good results in miles per gallon.
Love the exhaust note, I should charge
chevrolet for advertising being I have
to show people of all ages the vehicle …
whenever I stop. So for I am pleased
with this vehicle.
If you buy this vehicle when you are
over 40 like me, get ready for the mid
life jokes there are coming.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2006 Chevrolet SSR, so we've included reviews for other years of the SSR since its last redesign.
2006 SSR Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $39,240 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $277/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 2,500 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the SSR include:
- Alarm
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