2005 Used Chevrolet SSR Buying Guide
The SSR is a limited-edition convertible pickup truck. That description alone, if you’ve never seen one of these eye-popping vehicles, should be enough to at least prick your interest. Throw in such features as a pumping V8 engine and a huge dose of style, and you can change the description to “must see.”
There is a wide assortment of upgrades to this newer model, but none is more potent than a big 90-horsepower jump in power. It gives the SSR even more muscle to match its decidedly unique style.
Some of the other changes for 2005 are as follows: a new “dead pedal” design, a self-supporting gas hood strut, an MP3-capable base stereo system, an embossed logo in place of the traction control button on manual transmission models and Aqua Blur replaces Ultra Violet in SSR’s exterior body palette.
Under the Hood
There’s no use skirting around the big change this year. It is the dropping of last year’s 300-horsepower motor in favor of a small-block 6.0-liter V8. Ratings for 2005 are 390 horsepower at 5400 rpm, while torque is 405 lb-ft at 4400 rpm. Impressive, to say the least.
Mated to this new engine is the standard Corvette’s Hydra-Matic 4L65-E 4-speed automatic transmission. This year, customers can also choose an optional Tremec M10 6-speed manual gearbox.
The SSR’s ride is nothing if not smooth. The front suspension uses upper and lower control arms for superior kinematics, damping and stability, and works with SSR’s rack-and-pinion steering to provide precise control. SSR’s rear five-link live axle suspension, which uses monotube shock absorbers with mountings outboard of the frame, also provides excellent control.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The key to the SSR is the retractable hardtop. The first ever on a pickup, it requires only a push of a button on the console and the entire system is down in less than 30 seconds. At the rear, there’s still a handy 5.3-ft cargo bed as well.
Cruising is the natural by-product of the SSR’s design. On the inside, the ride is accented by such standard features as air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry and the new AM/FM/CD/MP3 player.
Among new options are a cockpit wind blocker and an auxiliary-gauge package.
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