Andre FINALLY Gets To Drive His Dream Classic Truck (Chevy SSR) - Does It Live Up To The Dream??

[@shekharmoona544]

The SSR was one of the very few times in automotive history where you could purchase a vehicle that was close to the concept car.

[@bobboal3492]

I drove one at a Car Chow in 2005. Wanted one ever since. It is amazing!!!!!!!!!

[@scottyellis3442]

The SSR always got a lot of hate, but for me, I always liked the look of them.

[@gman3563]

To each their own but that thing is hideous 😂

[@scottyellis3442]

@@gman3563 You're right, to each their own.

[@Stigz34]

They looked best in that dark purple color with the silver wheels

[@Floreypottery]

Don’t care for the top but once it’s down they look a lot better

[@fortheloveofnoise]

I wish more people hated them, because the prices are too high for me to ever get one.

[@SeanDuu]

What a cool ride. Dang I miss the 2000s, lots of bold and interesting designs back then.

[@ronhoover5516]

Totally agree

[@Browningate]

You'll never get interesting products like the XLR and SSR from GM ever again. No question.

[@ronhoover5516]

@@Browningate Not with Barra in charge unfortunately.

[@steverolfeca]

Recognizing that it’s body-on-frame is important when calibrating your expectations. It handles and rides pretty good for a compact short bed pickup with a chopped roof, which is what you’re really looking at.

[@jscifres100]

I was fortunate to find a pristine 2005 SSR with low miles and the 6speed a couple days ago. Love it.

[@_._B.]

❤

[@tjmoneybags]

so happy for you. i have an 04 but have highly considered a 6 speed truck!

[@marcmcphee]

I’ve always loved the looks of the SSR. With the 6.0 litre, they can sure move!

[@christophermorin9036]

Love this thing. The PT Cruiser. The Plymoth Prowler. The Chevy SSR. Love them all.

[@davehurbon]

Don't forget the Chevy HHR

[@christophermorin9036]

@@davehurbon That too! The Chevy version of the PT Cruiser lol.

[@ronhoover5516]

@@davehurbon The HHR was hated, as with most of the others on the list. We had 2 and for what they were, ours were good, zippy little cars. I wish GM had kept the HHR and continued to improve it. Of course it would probably be $35k by now.

[@redfox78330]

Agreed, Chrysler Crossfire Ford T-Bird Pontiac Solstice Jaguar XK Dodge Caliber The beetle, mustang, even the f150 jellybean. Especially with the sidestep bed. This generation of vehicles may not have been the most beautiful to many, but they are definitely artistic and iconic in their styling.

[@OSUCherokee1]

Owned a 5.3 SSR for a few years. Loved that truck. It’s the PERFECT road trip cruiser. Convertible? Check. Huge storage capacity? Check. V8 Merica sounds? Check. Things I didn’t like? GM’s old 4 speed is so slow to shift. Get the 6speed. Cup holders are brittle plastic. Pray you don’t break a windshield; they don’t make the factory curved glass anymore. All these shortfalls aside. One of my favorite vehicles I’ve owned over the years. Drove all across the US in it with luggage for days (happy wife).

[@justinkase1360]

So, aftermarket windshield?

[@OSUCherokee1]

@@justinkase1360 Unfortunately, the aftermarket windshield has a flat spot in the middle. It's not made the same way, and the wipers don't work as well. It also looks different from the side. You can see it.

[@75pontiac45]

It is my obtainable dream car, loved this thing since it came out!

[@1tylerproud]

I have always loved that truck. It’s ridiculous in all the best ways.

[@donwarner6925]

Wow! This is considered a classic. Time is flying.

[@Lane-jq3ed]

Right? 😅

[@kelvinhill9874]

It’s really the answer to a question no one asked. So in fact it’s quite ridiculous. But that’s also what makes it cool as well.

[@robertyoung8289]

I absolutely love them. I think I'll look for one.

[@tjmoneybags]

DO IT>>>>they are AWESOME!

[@Lane-jq3ed]

Only seen older people drive them😅

[@tjmoneybags]

@@Lane-jq3ed like everything else... expensive toys are usually most easily afforded by older people. So laugh it up, most likely you can't afford it as an extra car.

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

THANKS ANDRE AND NEW TFL CAMERA NINJA 😊....HAVE A GOOD DAY EVERYBODY ✌️

[@TFLtruck]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@Dreamweaver17]

Andre buy it!!! I love these trucks, always wanted one for myself!

[@TFLtruck]

This one is very tempting !

[@rondavis3232]

I have a 1990 dakota convertible that I've owned since it was new. True innovator.

[@Aaron.Crow512]

My family has a 2011 Nissan Murano cross cab convertible another great innovator and videos don't do that car justice

[@dalejones4322]

I never appreciated them when they were being made and I didn't know they came with a V8. That is a sharp looking vehicle. The price, back then, may have made my mind not give them a second look. Not sure. Great video Andre

[@williammodlin2621]

Interesting that Richard Hammond drove one of these in the new season of Grand Tour (episode 2). He also like it a lot and, I believe, kept it as his own vehicle after filming.

[@notsum1]

Should have made a Panel truck version, like a fulsize HHR. That would have been a cool.

[@Lupine.]

Definitely would have encouraged a much larger community of custom fab/modding.

[@GKMess42]

Agreed. I drove an HHR for a short while, and in retrospect my main complaint about it was it is too small (and underpowered).

[@tjmoneybags]

a guy I know near Ok city was going to build a woody panel truck from his, but once he got involved with a guy who could do it, he realized the wood would warp and create so many other problems. He spent a lot on it....and ended up just wood panelling the sides and rear. Its beautiful.

[@robertyoung8289]

Buy it. Slap a 5k trailer on it by next Saturday and hit the Ikester. 😂

[@TFLtruck]

Need a hitch!

[@Nickwillfixit]

I saw one of these with a huge supercharger sticking out the hood drag slicks on the rear skinnies up front hitting the drag strip.

[@bobboal3492]

I love my 2005 Chevy SSR supercharged heavily customized. It is Fun, fun, fun

[@josedumas7378]

Congratulations, I'm trying my best for one !!!

[@wesdoobner7521]

Never been a big fan of the SSR, but with the top down it looks like a decent 2 seat open top cruiser.

[@Joshua_Bee]

3+4=6?? My world has been rocked 😂😂

[@robertyoung8289]

It doesn't? 🤔

[@Eddie-yc5yd]

That's a head turner.

[@omarrodrig]

Buy it!!!! Live is one and the opportunities too

[@Camaro45th]

Many years ago I went to a test drive event that GM had here in NY and I loved this thing. I remember the bed had pieces of wood integrated into the floor which made it look like a beach vehicle. While it’s the not the nicest thing in the world to look at it was fun and eccentric for sure.

[@Longsnowsm]

Yes, those SSR's are gorgeous. They are absolutely a collectors item. Prowler same thing. Someone is going to be very lucky to buy that SSR for a collection. It was very expensive when it was new. If GM had any leadership they would absolutely re-introduce these mega retro vehicles with EV performance trim pieces. It sounds like that is what they plan to do with the Camaro. Time to give us future retro amazing stuff.

[@jamesonpace726]

Buy it man, buy it....

[@sergh8605]

I want one so so bad! Glad you found a good one

[@Zer0_336]

This is basically a corvette from that era. As long as you keep the top up the storage well for the top is huge. At least 1.5ft wide by 3.5 deep. Can fit a person in there.

[@Brette_Caldwell]

I hope Aundre gets the SSR. Maybe follow up videos?

[@Chunkiemerk]

I’ve always liked this truck and I see it as a future classic

[@Nikephorus]

I always wanted an SSR. Thought they were pretty cool. If they still made them now that I have the money I would buy one. Don't really wanna buy a used one that could have a lot of issues though.

[@tjmoneybags]

you can buy a low mileage one and have minimal problems. There is a very close community of owners across the US that get together locally and help anyone with tweeks and fixes as needed.

[@PKDesigns2011]

this is really one of those Smiles per gallon vehicles lol ... Liked them when they came out and still looking good so many years later ... Ty for sharing

[@peterlundskow4061]

I thought it was the best combo of Chevy's 50's trucks & early 2000 style, the best retro vehicle every. I really wanted one at time as well!

[@davidcolgan3268]

Our local Chevy dealer in Iowa has a 2005 silver SSR on the lot when I visited Thursday. Didn’t ask the details.

[@barrydraper]

Very cool, unique ride! 👍

[@JesseLJohnson]

I have always wanted one. The interior looks almost like a PT Cruiser lol. I was the high bidder on one at a car auction a few years ago for $16k but the dealer selling wanted more. I don't know what exactly he wanted but it was a 6 speed with I guess they were an LS2 in the newer ones think the first 2 years were 5.3 then the end of the run was LS2 I think. It had like 18k miles on it. I drove it around a bit at the auction. Should have offered a little more I guess but I figured what I bid was a decent buy. Maybe they are going for a lot more now since this was probably 6 years ago I bid on that one maybe even longer. At one point I had 2 neighbors with one and there is only around 20 houses in my neighborhood. One yellow one and the other red. The one that had the yellow one also had one of those Thunderbirds Ford was making 20 years ago

[@tjmoneybags]

youd have STOLEN it for 16k. i bot my 2004 6 years ago for 16.8k and thot I got a great deal. a year later a 6 speed 2005 sold locally for 25k. that same car is easily 30k now.

[@anthonyc1883]

Two hours after this video was posted the truck is not on the dealer website Andrey mentioned. Either already sold or still waiting to be posted.

[@RobiticDuck]

These are just so unique in every way! Reminds me of the Subaru Baja

[@JustinBurrichter]

I my be a bigger truck person but I like the fact that it's a convertible. I love the color .

[@pernell4351]

Nice truck one my friend dad have one just like that one but manual transmission he bring out for local Mardi Gras parades and car shows also Fourth of July parade.

[@kclefthanded427]

Closest thing to a modern El Camino as we're gonna get

[@tedadamgreen]

Great video of a cool vehicle!

[@TFLtruck]

Thank you.

[@javierjavier7291]

I love mine 2004 black

[@tjmoneybags]

mine is RED....love em too!

[@turbojunki]

For a unique cruiser these have always been interesting.

[@GKMess42]

Always loved the look, however I am a practical person, and could never find a practical reason to own one of these. I sat in one at the San Francisco auto show when these were first announced and remember how cool it felt even then. Car manufacturers need to bring back this retro styling again!

[@tjmoneybags]

haha....totally true...not totally practical, but thats the beauty! haha I live in Oklahoma and that is true truck country. And I don't get any respect as a truck....but everyone likes to look at this thing!

[@glen7201]

I remember these well,drove like a sheet of plywood on 2 beam axles with fat tires,and kind of slow as well,although it did have a redeemable engine that had potential.

[@tjmoneybags]

2 beam axles? the front is independent, no axles. unless you just meant thats what it felt like....lots of mods are available and I love mine! way more heads turn than any of my Vettes.

[@Isha048]

Absolutely cool! No f... digital screen, just as a car, truck or whatsoever should be. Love it, but I reckon, much better with the 6.0 liter. No manual transmission, thanks! Thanks for the video, Andre.

[@madsurgin]

I want one so bad those convertible useless trucks are so cool🥰

[@ongoingcoyote5601]

Get a 5/6 the 6.0L and extra 100 whp is a huge difference

[@tjmoneybags]

totally agree. i had to rebuild the whole top end on my 5.3 to get over 400.

[@markbradl8651]

I am a big fan!

[@IraqVet0608]

I’m not Okay with this being considered a Classic. Yes I realize it’s nearly 20yards old but that means that I’m old!

[@joebrito2066]

Surprised that you could fit Andre. The interior aged well.

[@lyubomirnoev1164]

Love this truck!

[@robertyoung8289]

I honestly think there is a market for a convertible truck today.

[@AHungryHunky]

There is and the Jeep Gladiator is having the whole pie to itself right now. I have to imagine at least some of its sales are people who wanted a bed, and open air but don't actually care if it's a Jeep or not.

[@aaronbritt2025]

I like the SSR, but prefer the Trailblazer SS. Same drivetrain, more room and not much more weight. The SSR is a bit heavier than it looks. I had a RWD TBSS with 400whp and loved it. The SSR is what the Prowler should have been. Andrey, there was one other convertible truck... the Dodge Dakota. Nice ones are hard to find though as most were daily driven and used like trucks. Also, if you're really looking for one, a dealer here in Vegas, Baja Motors, has 3 for sale. They have a 2006 with 47k miles and the 3SS pkg. It's and auto though and has 47k miles. It's overpriced at $35k, but you might be able to negotiate.

[@seanthornton726]

"The SSR is what the Prowler should have been." Nope! Performance: The Prowler is 2 tenths slower in the 0-60 and 3 tenths slower in the quarter mile with a so called wimpy V6 making a 144hp less than the 05-06 SSR. Not to mention both are (governor limited): 125 mph. The difference is 1270lbs. The Prowler purpose was a testbed for light weight design. Nearly 900 lbs of the 2,862-lb consist of aluminum--including body, frame, suspension, engine and wheels. Not to mention, die-cast magnesium instrument panel, composite brake rotors, rubber couplings in place of u-joints, and Kevlar body straps. As a result, the aluminum intensive Prowler weighs in 21%--roughly 600 lbs--lighter than a comparable vehicle with steel components. And unlike the TBSS in costume. The Prowler offered a lot of automotive first. Like The front wishbone suspension with inboard coilovers actuated by a pushrod. Being the first production car to use this assembly featured on Indy and Formula One cars. The first and only production car with body on aluminum frame and the first to run 20's...

[@aaronbritt2025]

@@seanthornton726 Remember those old TV ads... "I coulda had a V8"? That.

[@seanthornton726]

@@aaronbritt2025 Yea I always wondered why Grand Nationals never went up in value... missing 2 cylinders

[@aaronbritt2025]

@@seanthornton726 I always wondered why oranges don't taste like apples.

[@seanthornton726]

@@aaronbritt2025 Sir that's a medical issue or a mental one...Good try though :)

[@svpracer98]

I'd get one with the later LS based V8... It very much hearkens back to the 50s "advance design" trucks.

[@tjmoneybags]

both engines are LS engines. the 5.3 in mine is aluminum block as well. i've cammed mine and ported the heads and with headers is well over 400 hp. The 6.0 LS2 is just more cubes....no other difference. For the record, Id love the extra cubes, but ya run what you brung!

[@stevejohnson1321]

I remember looking and thinking "that would be a nice vehicle for the $26,000." I was off-target by almost $20,000. And it had a cheap OEM stereo.

[@SunnynPhilly]

To bad the dealer wouldn’t let ya do a towing test up Ike gauntlet 😂.

[@WayApp]

Wow, Andre!

[@erikthorstensen5185]

Their actually built on the then Chevy Trailblazer chassis.

[@ericvortecmax]

Get one with the 6 liter and manual transmission. Then put a supercharger on it

[@MDchaz]

Take this on the Ike Gauntlet 👍

[@boi7316]

Here from The Grand Tour's latest episode

[@thecookiedude85]

I wanted one when it came out. Granted i was 16yrs old.

[@steveam29]

Gotta respect the risk this vehicle was for GM.

[@doublebackagain4311]

Andre hold out for a straight-shift!

[@usmcplu]

Me Back Then: Heh, look at Chevy trying to be classic but all plastic. So dumb. Me Today: Holy Sh*t! That thing is awesome!!! It aged so well! So cool! What a classic!!!

[@kevinmiele5289]

well this is what happens when you own PT Cruiser conv , a 72 Chevelle SS and a F150 , threw in the washing machine and out came a SSR 2006 black over silver which I swapped for a 2015 challenger 392

[@JohnQuincy1776]

It is the TP Wagon of pickups.

[@pablos3563]

Great truck from my childhood and nice review! Where are you from?

[@holeshot1721]

Looks like a large pt cruiser !

[@regwilson7652]

Look good in your driveway.

[@KevinLaswiss-l6m]

The 1989 Dodge dakota convertible I thunk was the first to drop its top. This one is interesting, not really a true truck mor like the Lincoln you had on the early show with the cover door opening

[@danthompson1467]

Outstanding !!

[@joemattes8389]

I always thought these were a cool design study and was surprised they got built. Most of what GM was doing at the time was conservative badge engineering.

[@michaelmartin2276]

Can you see out the windshield ? It really serves no purpose except different and some say cool. I've driven one and at 6'3 230 lbs irt was very cramped. Bed isn't big enough for much. The owner told me the roof was leaking as well as the tonneau. It's unique but not a classic.

[@tjmoneybags]

Im 6"0. and you are correct that it might be short for you. Seats are adjustable down, but then you have a length issue. Still love it for me. It will be a classic for sure, maybe not quite yet, but soon. Everyone loves them compared to any vette i've owned.

[@luiz9118]

didn't it have a version with the same ls motor as the corvette

[@rickreese5794]

Had the 6.0, neat ride, Roof motors were problematic 😢

[@tjmoneybags]

very few probs. I have one and we have tech gatherings all the time. There are many other things you have to watch, but the motors are fine.

[@eircification]

Love it

[@danziger69]

Wouldn't buy one without the 6.0L. I have never seen one with a manual transmission. Not my cup of tea, but cool nonetheless...

[@raphaelvermin]

The SSR is just so hard to look at. I own a 69 El Camino so its not the mullet factor that throws me its just so fat and slow looking from the front like an old persons car. If i ever find one with a wrecked front end i'd make a tube subframe, make a flatter fascia, and paint it flat army green with matte black hood and tonneau cover. Be a cool madmax style autocross missile at that point.

[@cowboyjb1900]

Who cares how much hate! I love mine and it’s a head Turner. I’m thinking they are just jealous🤣

[@kevinbarry71]

Based on the trail blazer platform, GMT360. Literally not a great foundation. And then of course structural rigidity was a big problem. On top of that General Motors did their usual bad job by not giving the more powerful engine and six speed manual until it was way too late. And this thing was expensive, not sure what they were thinking given that the Plymouth prowler was a big sales disappointment

[@JesseLJohnson]

Those Thunderbirds were awesome I thought too and Ford didn't sell any of them either. I actually had a neighbor that had both an SSR and one of those Thunderbirds. That guy was something else lol. He moved out years ago now but he had a tiny yard one you could push mow in less then 30 min but he had a John Deere rider and he mowed like every 3-4 days and when done he would be out there with the power washer washing under the deck.

[@MurphyTheBandChild]

I sort of get the whole "here's a concept car that you can actually own" but I would have rather had a slightly more conventional car/pickup that was marketed as the return of the El Camino.

[@tjmoneybags]

I like the idea of the el camino as well and would love and aussie version we didn't get. But This has styling that it just does not have...and its more lovable for it. yes, i have one.

[@greathey1234]

No need for the moving top great design already

[@ruk2023--]

I think they are great. Totally pointless and crap at being a pick up or convertible or sports car but still awesome.

[@Georgejoseph74]

UTE??strange they are popular down under,but not anywhere else..!!!!

[@tjmoneybags]

well....its actually a truck...a ute is more car based. This is built to be a truck street rod.

[@JamesMJaime]

GM really choose making this over bringing back the El Camino lol

[@RonnN-gf8tm]

Iv only seen 60+ yrs people drive these... not sure they made alot of them

[@foellerd]

At least we know without a doubt they’re all garaged and low mileage 😂 probably with the original tires now dry rotted. Just watched the video, sure enough it only has 8000 miles. How did I know?! 😂

[@tjmoneybags]

made 25,000 of them. many owners are older but now are selling and younger people are buying them up. lots of fun and a tight community that actually work on each others rides.

[@scubatrucker6806]

❤️❤️❤️

[@reallyemptypockets6509]

Does it have cruise control?

[@TFLtruck]

Yes.

[@tjmoneybags]

thats the whole point. Street Rod styling with all the modern conveniences. heated seats, power mirrors...loads of FUN!

[@loganlovescarsandmotorcycles]

I don't dislike the Barbie truck. I would like to drive one someday but I don't know if I would own one.

[@inthemixwithleahbpodcast]

😂😂😂😂😂 at Barbie truck!

[@shadowswordairsofteast]

I was a GM tech when these came out and the only problems I remember them having was with the convertible top. And the battery is in a weird spot...under the car.

[@hcwbw3]

I did a test drive 2006 "corvette engine" bad azz. but Truck wise it is NOT. Got an F150 for truck aspect and boat towing. Recently revisited getting a used one. After careful consideration FB fanatic group and other research. The is an extraordinary example of the kind of "unthinking" or thinking KRAPE GM dose, (ABS brake module next to the CAT. heat damage, engine cooling fan bracket faulty, ignition switch unreliable most owner carry one in the truck not for if but when these will fail, there is a list, one whole page long). Either they are stupid, don't care, or wanted to continue to make $$ of your AZZ with constant repairs and part sales.

[@RyansuBike]

Its nice if you have 40K for a Sunday driver

[@tjmoneybags]

40K would buy you a collector version...you can get an 04 with 50k miles for 20 all day long!

[@brunoheggli2888]

All this material things arent that importend?