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Acceleration
"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."
Value
"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. "
Ride
"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."
Economy
Test SSR with manual transmission averaged 15.0 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Chevrolet recommends premium-grade fuel.
Noise
"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."
Comfort - Front
"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."
Comfort - Rear
(No rear seating.)
Controls
"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."
Cargo Room
"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."
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