When the Chevrolet SSR was debuted in 2000 at the Detroit auto show, many people were confused about Chevy's retro-hot-rod-convertible-truck, whatever you want to call it, concept.
Matt Stone said it best in a road test in 2003, "Is it a truck? Is it a street rod? Is it a sporty convertible? Is it retro or modern? Does it matter? Irrespective of where you think it fits, two important questions come to mind as the production SSR comes to market: How does it drive? And will people line up to buy it? The first we can now answer; the second is up to you."
The SSR was one of the first vehicles to come back as a "retro" vehicle, helping to start the whole "lets bring back" craze that seems to be one of the biggest trends at the latest auto shows. Since then, the HHR, Chevy Camaro, Dodge Charger, Dodge Avenger, MINI, and countless others have jumped on the new but retro bandwagon.
Although SSR production ceased in 2006, it's still a favorite amongst the older classic car enthusiast groups. An SSR can be spotted at just about any classic car show or cruise night. While first plagued with a few less-than-desirable issues (especially given a base price of $41,995), SSR problem areas were quickly attended to. Chevrolet even added a C6 Corvette motor to give the truck more power - and appeal - to consumers.
No matter what you call this hot-rod-truck thing, it still catches the eye of every one on the open road.
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