14 Cars Which Disappointed Public Expectations

Photo by Chad Horwedel

9. Chevrolet SSR

(2003–06)

The Chevrolet SSR really failed to live up to public expectations after following the company’s failure with the Plymouth Prowler prior to 2003. The SSR was marketed as a pickup, car, and convertible in one vehicle. Unfortunately, the SSR showed up on showroom floors looking strange, was overpriced, and was also underpowered. The SSR used the same platform as the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, and upgraded the engine to a more powerful 5.3 liter, V8, 300 horsepower engine. After initial complaints of owners of the SSR, the company then further upgraded the engine to a 6.0 liter, V8, 390 horsepower model with an option to get the transmission in manual. These efforts were not enough to improve sales, and the company canceled the SSR in 2006.