When did the Chevy SSR come out?
The Chevy SSR was released as a 2003 model-year vehicle, with production beginning in 2002 and sales extending through 2006.
The Chevrolet SSR began life as a late-1990s concept that blended retro roadster styling with pickup practicality. It then moved into production at GM’s Wilmington Assembly Plant in Delaware, delivering a four-year run from 2003 to 2006 before the program ended.
Release timeline
These milestones outline how the SSR progressed from concept to market and its eventual retirement.
- Concept revealed to the public in the late 1990s, signaling Chevrolet’s plan for a retro-styled roadster pickup (public previews around 1999–2000).
- Production version confirmed for the 2003 model year; manufacturing began in 2002; first customer deliveries occurred in early 2003.
- Production ended after the 2006 model year, completing a four-year run.
In short, the SSR’s market entry was for the 2003 model year, with initial production in 2002 and final units produced in 2006.
Model-year timeline
To help readers quickly grasp the four-year span, here is a concise year-by-year outline of the SSR’s production run.
- 2003 model year: SSR goes on sale as Chevrolet’s retro-styled roadster-pickup, built at Wilmington, Delaware.
- 2004 model year: Continued production with the same basic package and style.
- 2005 model year: Production persists with minor equipment adjustments; design footprint remains largely unchanged.
- 2006 model year: Final year of production before the SSR was retired.
The vehicle’s four-year run remained relatively compact, reflecting GM’s changing priorities in the mid-2000s.
Summary
The Chevy SSR debuted to consumers as a 2003 model-year vehicle, following a late-1990s concept and a production start in 2002. Its four-year production run ended with the 2006 model year, after which Chevrolet retired the model.
What is the best year for a Chevy SSR?
Final note: '05 and '06 are the best years to get, HP was increased from 300 to 390. If you use it as a weekend fun car I say go for it.
Why was Chevy SSR discontinued?
The Chevy SSR was discontinued due to low sales, high price, and a combination of impractical design and underperforming features. The vehicle's high starting price of around $42,000 for a two-seater retro-styled pickup that was not a capable work truck, along with poor performance (particularly in early models), contributed to its failure to meet sales targets. Ultimately, GM discontinued the SSR in 2006 because the Lansing Craft Center where it was built was being closed down.
This video explains why the Chevy SSR was discontinued, discussing its high price, impracticality, and poor performance: 57sDust Runners Automotive JournalYouTube · May 29, 2023
- Low sales and high price: GM failed to sell the number of SSRs they had hoped for, selling only about 24,000 in total between 2003 and 2006. The starting price of around $42,000 was considered too high for the vehicle's value and practicality.
- Impractical design: The SSR was a two-seater with a truck bed that was not suitable for heavy work, making it impractical for many buyers. Its unique retro styling, while a major selling point for some, was also polarizing and did not appeal to everyone.
- Underwhelming performance: Early models were criticized for having an underpowered 5.3L5.3 cap L5.3𝐿 V8 engine and no manual transmission option, leading to sluggish performance. While a more powerful 6.0L6.0 cap L6.0𝐿 LS2 engine was added in 2005, it was too late to significantly boost sales.
- Production plant closure: The final decision to discontinue the SSR was made when GM announced the closure of the Lansing Craft Center in 2006, the factory where it was built.
Does the Chevy SSR have a Corvette engine?
Seriously, this thing actually does have a Corvette engine from the factory. The early SSRs only had the 5. 3 liter Vortec. It was still an LS engine but it was a pickup truck motor.
Is the Chevy SSR rare?
Analysts estimate that 24,150 SSRs were produced in total. Of the total production, 24,112 were available for sale to the public.
