Chevrolet SS

Overview: Is the Chevy SS a Good Car?

As Chevrolet's first rear-wheel-drive performance sedan since 1996 (the Impala SS), the Australian-imported SS (a rebadged Holden Commodore) returned four-door V8 power to the bowtie brand from 20134 to 2017. The 415-horsepower 6.2-liter LS3 V8 came matched exclusively to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission powering the rear wheels. While the full-size, four-door body style favored comfortable cruising over maximum cornering grip, sub-five-second 0-60 acceleration proved seriously quick. Discrete exterior styling masked the potent powerplant. You'd be correct to think of the SS as the four door sedan version of the Chevrolet Corvette. However, limited marketing support and premium pricing hindered sales. Still, the SS commands respect as a rear-drive Chevrolet rarity.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Chevrolet SS cars for sale.

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Related: What Does "SS" Mean On A Car?

Key Features

The Chevy SS offers:

• Full-size sedan body style
• 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine
• 415 horsepower
• Manual transmission or automatic transmission
• Rear-wheel drive

Trims

Chevrolet sold just one well-equipped version of the SS in the U.S. for all four years the model was sold.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The interior of the Chevy SS skews towards function over form, although accommodations are generous for both rows. Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, a premium audio system, a fixed glass roof panel, and a rear camera. A 16.4 cubic-foot trunk is large by modern sedan standards.

How It Drives

The Chevy SS engine delivers tremendous straight-line acceleration for relaxed cruising or rapid highway merging. This power is managed by precise steering and a magnetic ride-control suspension, making aggressive cornering possible and enjoyable. Fans of German sports sedans will feel right at home behind the wheel of a Chevy SS.

Safety

Given the limited production run of the Chevy SS, it's unsurprising that the vehicle was not tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Reviews

Chevy SS reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Based on consumer feedback from Kelley Blue Book, owners rate these cars a near-perfect 4.9 out of 5.0. Complements are especially strong for reliability, performance, and comfort.

Learn More: 8 Cars Like Dodge Chargers: Similar Rides Worth Checking Out and The 5 Best Muscle Cars Of All Time: A Deep Dive

FAQs

Why is the Chevy SS so rare?

As an Australian import without conventional Chevrolet design cues, the SS remained unfamiliar to buyers in an already shrinking full-size sedan segment, limiting demand. Less than 13,000 sold in America. An earlier attempt, the Pontiac G8, was also based on the Holden Commodore.

Is a Chevy SS a V8?

Exclusively; all SS models came equipped with a 415-hp 6.2-liter V8 mated to a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox powering the rear wheels. No other engine was offered.

Is a Chevy SS a muscle car?

While more understated than traditional muscle cars (like the Camaro), the rear-drive Chevy SS offers full-size dimensions, a potent V8 engine, and rear-wheel horsepower just like its 1960s predecessors, thereby embracing the muscle car spirit.

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