posted 04-30-2004 05:58 AM         

Looks like their are quite a few changes coming down the road... Here's the summary...

2004 Chevrolet SSR

• What is it? Two-seat, retractable-top, rear-drive, midsize pickup based on the chassis of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer sport-utility vehicle; styled to recall 1947-53 Chevy pickups; manufactured at General Motors' Lansing (Mich.) Craft Centre.

• How soon? A short run of 2003 models was manufactured October-December last year. Regular production began with '04 models in January, and those are on sale now.

• How much? Starts at $41,995, including $625 destination charge. Test truck was $43,910. With every available option: $48,340. Buyers are paying an average $560 more than full sticker price, Edmunds.com says. No, it's typically $2,500 more than sticker, CarsDirect.com says — though dealers with several in stock are selling at close to sticker price.

Sticker price notwithstanding, the Power Information Network says average transaction price nationwide is $47,188, ranging from an average $46,297 in the Midwest to $48,359 in the West.

• How many? Chevy reported 1,664 2003 sales, another 3,690 through April 22 this year, and forecasts 12,000 to 14,000 a year.

• What's the drivetrain? Aluminum-alloy version of General Motors' 5.3-liter V-8, rated 300 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, 331 pounds-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm; four-speed automatic transmission; Torsen limited-slip differential; traction control.

• What's the safety gear? The expected bags and belts, plus on-off switch for passenger-side air bag; side-impact air bags; anti-lock brakes.

• What's the rest? Climate control; leather upholstery; AM/FM/CD stereo; power steering, brakes, windows, locks, seats, mirrors; cruise control; outside mirror defrosters; P255/45R-19 front tires on alloy wheels, P295/40R-20 rear tires on alloy wheels; no spare, but a tire repair kit is provided.

• How big? 191.4 inches long, 78.6 inches wide, 64.2 inches tall on a 116-inch wheelbase. Weight is listed as 4,760 pounds. Passenger volume is listed as 39.9 cubic feet; cargo-bed volume is listed as 23.7 cubic feet. Rated to tow 2,500 pounds. Maximum payload of people and cargo is 1,290 pounds, but Chevy recommends no more than 1,100 pounds to maintain SSR's handling properties.

• How thirsty? Rated 16 miles per gallon in town, 19 on the highway on regular unleaded. Test truck's trip computer showed 13 mpg in spirited suburban driving.

• Overall: Gorgeous enough to forgive the faults, but wait for the '05 or '06 to get planned improvements.

Here's some pics of Tony's SSR with some pin stripping done by Kal...
http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum8/HTML/004814.html