2004 Chevrolet SSR: Road Test
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2004 Chevrolet SSR ▼
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- MSRP: $41,620
- Invoice: $38,915
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Our road test for the 2004 Chevrolet SSR includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Chevrolet SSR from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Chevrolet SSR, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Chevrolet SSR help you decide if a 2004 Chevrolet SSR is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.1 |
V8 power offset by hefty 4760-lb curb weight. Adequate go, but this is no muscle truck. Chevrolet says 7.5 sec 0-60 mph.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 5.6 |
Averaged 15.3 mpg in test that included about 65 percent highway driving. Uses regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.6 |
Soaks up minor pavement flaws with little harshness. Larger bumps, ridges can register abruptly for choppy going. As with most any open-top vehicle, body quivers over surface imperfections. Some testers felt rigidity was subpar.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 8 |
Steering artificial and heavy, especially at parking speeds, and transmits little road feel. Wide tires provide good grip in turns, and body lean is well-checked. But bumpy surfaces, especially corners, upset stability.
QUIETNESS
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 3.1 |
Appropriately throaty V8 exhaust note, but less-pleasing engine drone at certain speeds. Test examples suffered squeaks and rattles, and intrusive wind noise with top up.
CONTROLS
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6.1 |
Retro-style dashboard has clear gauges, keeps controls to useful minimum, but radio is a long reach. Leather upholstery impresses, but most cabin panels are unpadded for an overall low-budget feel. Floor-mounted gearshift-lever movement particularly crude.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.9 |
Narrow cabin, sporty seats mean no excess shoulder room. Short windows give closed-in feeling with top up. Tall drivers get adequate seat travel, good roof-up head clearance. Seat controls mounted on outboard side of cushion; nearly impossible to access with doors closed, though memory power settings are optional. Visibility hindered to front corners by thick roof pillars, and over-the-shoulder by roof pillars.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 0 | 1.2 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2.8 |
In-cabin storage limited to owner-manual-sized dashboard glovebox; small, difficult-to-open center-console bin; and clip-on cupholders. Cargo bed has 23.7 cu ft under rigid tonneau that lifts from rear, though angle of opening limits access, load-carrying ability. Tonneau can be removed, and SSR has standard-type tailgate.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 6.2 |
This retro cruiser is high on style, low on refinement. It isn't really a pickup truck, though the cargo bed adds a measure of practicality other 2-seat convertibles lack. And it isn't a high-performance vehicle, though it has a throaty V8. Image is the SSR's primary draw.
Total Score
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 35 | 47.6 |
Total Score: 35
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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