Chevy SSR - Any one have/had one?

svassh · #1 (**permalink**) 12-21-06, 03:54 PM

My father is thinking of getting one, anybody had any experiences good or bad with them?

He wants a Vette but has back and neck issues that preclude that. He wants something sporty but not ordinary. He also likes Allante but can't find a decent one.

nikon · #2 (**permalink**) 12-21-06, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svassh

My father is thinking of getting one, anybody had any experiences good or bad with them?

He wants a Vette but has back and neck issues that preclude that. He wants something sporty but not ordinary. He also likes Allante but can't find a decent one.

I almost got one, its nice, its different...dont expect to haul anything because the bed has colormatch rails...and as for towing capicity...I think it was 2-2500lbs...so basically a vette is more useful, as for comfort wise...it was comfortable, gauges and stuff were down by where the shifter was....the only thing it had going for it for me was the hard top drop...My boat was on a trailer at the time which is why I almost bought it, but then found out the towing capicity.....my vote is no on the SSR

Kadonny · #3 (**permalink**) 12-21-06, 04:40 PM

Honestly here? I think that was one of the ugliest vehicles GM has produced in the past 10 years........maybe more.

**The Tony Show** · #4 (**permalink**) 12-21-06, 06:11 PM

The '06 with the chrome interior trim option has a neat, hot-rod look to inside. I think they're cool- definitely unique. It's useless as a truck, as the rear wheel wells jut way into the bed making it extremely narrow, but if he's looking for something with a better ride than a 'Vette that'll smoke the rear tires and turn some heads, I say go for it!

OzarksHillbilly · #5 (**permalink**) 12-21-06, 06:56 PM

I wasn't a fan of the looks of the thing until a friend got an '06 with a two-tone silver and black paint job. Accents the positive aspects of its retro look, to my eye.

Then I got to ride in it and drive it, too. His has the manual transmission (kind of a rare bird, I understand). It was much fun.

Not nearly as solid feeling as our CTS-V, and certainly not as spacious or luxurious. But quite enjoyable -- at least for the 15-minute duration of my experience in it.

Poopie D · #6 (**permalink**) 12-21-06, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kadonny

Honestly here? I think that was one of the ugliest vehicles GM has produced in the past 10 years........maybe more.

Don't forget the Aztec!

ctsvflorida · #7 (**permalink**) 12-21-06, 07:23 PM

My friend had two, the original one with the auto was a pig and completely horrible! He then got the stick 400hp one and it was almost as horrible! I personally hate it and think it is useless, ugly, etc. You will get many different opinions so he needs to check it out himself, that's all I can say! It looks like it belongs on a Hot Wheels track or like a match box car or truck or whatever that POS is! Just my opinion...you asked!

Razorback_CTS · #8 (**permalink**) 12-21-06, 08:12 PM

My grandpa, ya my grandpa, had one when they first came out. I wrecked my tahoe a couple of years ago and I drove it for 2 or 3 months. It's pretty fun to drive, and sounds good too. I'm not real big on the look of it but its a nice truck.

HiTechRV · #9 (**permalink**) 12-21-06, 11:14 PM

I got to try the 5.3 one when they first came out - pass. The later one (was it the 5.7 or 6.0?) was supposed to be a fun ride. The price was getting up there though. I'd be thinking GTO at that price point unless it is too low or he wants a drop top.

Has he tried your V yet???

svassh · #10 (**permalink**) 12-22-06, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HiTechRV

I got to try the 5.3 one when they first came out - pass. The later one (was it the 5.7 or 6.0?) was supposed to be a fun ride. The price was getting up there though. I'd be thinking GTO at that price point unless it is too low or he wants a drop top.

Has he tried your V yet???

GTO is too low, like the Vette. He likes the V but doesn't want the stick that comes with it. The SSR's are really reasonably priced used.

BLACK_CTSV · #11 (**permalink**) 12-22-06, 12:17 AM

If you like the looks [or can tolerate them], then it's probably a nice rig. Otherwise, if you're like me - it's heinous!

I'd rather have a Grand Cherokee SRT8 or something similar. Just me, though.

SullenClothing · #12 (**permalink**) 12-22-06, 01:28 AM

I heard there is not that much head room and they have a roof leaking problem.

commander112 · #13 (**permalink**) 12-22-06, 07:22 AM

What about a Trailblazer SS? 400hp, automatic and useful as a SUV. Plus, even with AWD it still tows 6600lbs. Cool truck for less than $40K.

http://www.chevrolet.com/trailblazer/

Mark

HiTechRV · #14 (**permalink**) 12-22-06, 07:34 AM

I have to agree on The Trailblazer SS. It looks and pulls like a truck, goes forward and around corners like a Camaro in the 2 wheel drive one I tried out. I still cannot figure out how they got it to feel so car like.

Also the FWD 5.3 V-8 cars like Gran Prix GXP, Impalla SS...etc might all be good choices. They run 0-60 in the 5's and are easy to get in and out of. If he can keep his foot out of it (cruise is great on level ground) they can get 28-29 mpg in 4 cylinder mode on the highway.

P-Funk · #15 (**permalink**) 12-22-06, 12:00 PM

Personally, I like the look of the SSR. I've only driven it at the GM Auto Show In Motion thing but it was fun to drive then. Not a bad choice in my opinion but I would say the Trailblazer SS would be a better choice.