One of the happier results of a new spurt of special-purpose cars and trucks is the Chevrolet SSR, a truck with almost universal appeal, thanks to its attractive design, formidable performance, and pleasant ride. While the Plymouth Prowler and PT Cruiser are more love-hate designs, most people at least enjoy the SSR; and, unlike the Audi TT, Volkswagen New Beetle, or Ford Thunderbird, the SSR can back up its looks with both performance and function.

Unlike actual old Chevy pickups, the 2005 and newer SSR is powered by a high-performance V8, putting out around 340 horses more than in days of old - that is, 390 horsepower altogether, with a whopping 405 lb-ft of torque. The V8 makes the SSR feel and sound more like a Corvette than a Silverado, since that's where it's used (a version is supplied with some pickups and has a similar, though much more muted, sound).

Thanks to ample low-rpm power, this engine provides sudden acceleration whenever it's demanded, with kick limited only by the traction control (which can be shut off rather easily from the center console). The burbling muscle-car exhaust instantly turns into a full modified-muscle roar on heavy throttle, as the transmission immediately downshifts. There's no cushioning in the transmission - when it shifts, it does so quickly and often with a jolt, as it should in a car like this. No matter how fast or slow the SSR is going, it can instantly be flung forward at will or whim. The power is unlike that of most modern cars; you don't have to worry about revving, you don't have to wait for the transmission to catch up, and you don't have to deal with "torque management" as the engine cuts its own power for smooth, transmission-saving shifts. Instead, you get a nice, beefy automatic tuned for instant results.

When the pedal is floored, a tremendous boost comes in - or, if you're already moving, you start to accelerate, the engine slams into a lower gear, and then the boost comes, coupled with an umistakeable and well-tuned roar from the engine. When the transmission shifts again, accompanied by a squeal of drive belts, acceleration dips slightly but doesn't fall as much as it would in most vehicles with a four-speed automatic. It takes almost no time or effort to get to quite illegal speeds, and quite a bit of restraint to obey GM's safe driving policy.