Why the El Camino Succeeded Where the SSR Couldn't

The Chevy El Camino is one of the most iconic cars of all time, a car-based utility vehicle that sold well for years. Let's dig into the history of the El Camino to discover why the SSR couldn't replicate its success.

[@darwinskeeper421]

The main reason why the utes eventually fizzled out is that pickup trucks became desirable. Back when the original Austrailian utes came out the basic concept is that people wanted a car but needed a pickup, and a car with a bed on the back was a good compromise. This as back when pickup trucks were generally owned by farmers, ranchers and tradesmen and the few pickups owned by suburbanites usually belonged to outdoorsmen.
Then, for reasons, the pickup and off road vehicles started becoming popular with the general populace in the 1970s. The main reason that the El Camino remained popular was that trucks of that era were still rough riding and somewhat clumsy to drive. Thus, people who occasionally used a truck for light hauling had a reason to own a ute. Then, over time their ride and handling qualities were refined until the point where there was little reason to really own something like an El Camino. Pickups were considered cool and were almost as easy to drive as a car so that's what people bought.
Its curious that the new car based Ford Maverick, actually looks like a pickup. This kind of suggests that modern Americans actually want a truck but want one that's less expensive and has less fuel consumption.

[@fightingwolf18]

I love the SSR for it's weirdness alone, and I appreciate they added a nice V8, but I can easily see its issues. One, the top. I think it's neat, but would've worked better as a solid roof or removable hardtop. Two, that bed. It's a decent size, but the high side and narrow dimensions likely make it a pain in the ass for daily use. I still want it.

[@rickss69]

The El Camino could actually be used to haul something.

[@pontiacmaniac7772]

The El Camino had styling, handling, and power. The SSR just had power and was late with the LS2 offering.

[@Rafedial1]

@@pontiacmaniac7772 all/most SSRs got "l33" rpo code 5.3l with aluminum block. Very rare!

[@Rafedial1]

The reason the SSR didnt sell? Its hideous! Bulbous conceot car that shouldn't exist. As a big Gm guy, its embarrassing moment within great automotive history

[@user-sh8ep5le2s]

what the small truck guys wanted was a v8 s10 not this abortion.