2006 Chevrolet SSR: Road Test
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2006 Chevrolet SSR ▼
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- MSRP: $39,240
- Invoice: $36,689
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Our road test for the 2006 Chevrolet SSR includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Chevrolet SSR from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Chevrolet SSR, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet SSR help you decide if a 2006 Chevrolet SSR is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base, auto. | Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8.2 |
A real muscle truck. Chevrolet pegs 0-60 mph at 5.3 sec with the manual transmission, 5.5 with automatic. Automatic-transmission models smooth from a stop, upshift sharply under aggressive throttle. Manual transmission has precise, hefty feel and provides quicker launches. Towing capacity is 2500 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base, auto. | Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.2 |
Test SSR with manual transmission averaged 15.0 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Chevrolet recommends premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base, auto. | Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
Soaks up minor pavement flaws with little harshness. Larger bumps, ridges register abruptly, making ride choppy. Body quivers over surface imperfections with top down; slightly less with top up.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base, auto. | Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 8.5 |
Steering is firm, but somewhat numb. Wide tires provide good grip in turns, and body lean is well-checked. But bumpy surfaces, especially corners, upset stability.
QUIETNESS
| Base, auto. | Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Throaty, prominent V8 exhaust note fits SSR's street-cruiser image. Test vehicles have suffered squeaks and rattles, mostly from the top when it's up, plus wind noise from rear pillars.
CONTROLS
| Base, auto. | Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6.3 |
Retro-style dashboard has clear gauges, keeps controls to useful minimum, but radio requires a stretch. Leather upholstery impresses, but mix of faux-metal plastic, many unpadded surfaces imparts low-budget feel. Optional accessory gauges provide additional information but are buried at leading edge of console, difficult to see from driver seat.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base, auto. | Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.7 |
Long doors complicate entry/exit in tight parking spaces. Limited hip and shoulder room due to narrow cabin. Short windows give closed-in top-up feel. Tall drivers get adequate seat travel, good top-up head clearance. Seat controls on outboard sides of cushions nearly impossible to access with doors closed, though driver-seat memory system available. Visibility hindered to front by thick roof pillars; to rear by roof, large headrests, and high tail.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base, auto. | Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | .7 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Base, auto. | Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 2 |
Cabin storage limited to skimpy glovebox; small, difficult-to-open center-console bin. Cargo bed has 22.5 cu ft under rigid tonneau that lifts from rear, though angle of opening limits access, load-carrying ability. Tonneau is removable, though, and SSR has standard-type tailgate.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base, auto. | Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.5 |
SSR is far from refined and has indifferent handling, though its covered bed offers a measure of utility not found in other 2-seat convertibles. It's really all about style, and SSR's brawny V8 gives it the horsepower to match its street-rod image.
Total Score
| Base, auto. | Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 37 | 37 | 48.5 |
Total Score: 37
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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