QUICK FACTS
Why the Chevy SS is a Rare Gem?
Produced for a mere four years with only 12,860 units, the Chevrolet SS is indeed a rare find. This model was born from the Holden Commodore platform, essentially an Australian Chevrolet, stepping in after the Pontiac G8’s demise. A prior agreement between Holden and GM for the G8 paved the way for the SS to be imported to the U.S. When the G8 project concluded and GM restructured, they honored their commitment to Holden, leading to the creation of the Chevrolet SS to fulfill this agreement.
Chevy SS Discontinuation: The Untold Story
The Chevrolet SS shared its underpinnings with the Australian Holden Commodore, and when Commodore production ceased in 2017, so did the SS. Its niche sales volume provided insufficient justification to continue the model, leading GM to discontinue the SS alongside its Australian sibling.
Decoding Chevy SS: What Does Super Sport Mean?
SS stands for Super Sport. This badge of honor dates back to 1956, initially adorning the C1 Corvette designed for racing. By 1961, Chevrolet introduced an “SS” package for its Impala sedan, the spiritual predecessor to the Chevrolet Ss Sedan we’re discussing today.
Is the Chevrolet SS Truly Rare?
Rarity is relative. The Holden Commodore, virtually identical to the Chevy SS but exclusive to Australia, saw production from 2013 to 2019, with over 127,000 units manufactured. However, direct import to the U.S. is not yet possible due to age restrictions.
The Chevrolet SS, sold in the U.S. from 2014 to 2017, saw just over 12,000 units imported. Considering its target market, the Chevrolet SS is undeniably a rare car, especially within the mainstream automotive landscape.
2016 Chevrolet SS: An In-Depth Overview
Image of a Chevrolet SS sedan in blue, showcasing its understated yet sporty front design.
What defines the perfect sports sedan? A balanced chassis that’s both agile and comfortable? A satisfying manual transmission? Understated yet appealing aesthetics? And, crucially, a potent engine delivering abundant power?
The Chevrolet SS sedan checks all these boxes, and then some. Yet, it was largely overlooked by the market, with a mere 12,000 units sold throughout its five-year production run. Priced around $44,000 MSRP when new, this Australian import (essentially a Holden Commodore) marked Chevrolet’s return to the V-8 powered, rear-wheel-drive sedan segment after a 15-year hiatus.
Remember the collective automotive cry? “Oh, please, Big Car Company, give us an affordable performance sedan akin to the E39 M5, and we’ll buy it!” Turns out, that was a bit of a fib.
Dodge Charger’s sales success begs the question – why, when the Chevrolet SS sedan is arguably superior in many respects?
Now, the secret is out. Used Chevrolet SS sedans are fetching prices similar to their original MSRP from a decade ago, and even at that price, they represent a significant bargain for discerning enthusiasts.
Can this review convince you why a Chevrolet SS sedan deserves a spot in your garage, perhaps even over a celebrated BMW M car? Let’s delve deeper.
Performance Score: 9/10 – Dreams Realized
Image highlighting the Chevrolet SS sedan’s sporty stance and proportions from a side view, emphasizing its performance-oriented design.
Upon its release, automotive publications were quick to pit the Chevrolet SS against icons like the E39 M5 – a comparison some deemed almost insulting.
“Keep that Chevy away from the Bimmer,” some purists might have scoffed from their leather-clad armchairs.
However, these comparisons were justified. The Chevrolet SS transcends its seemingly ordinary components. It’s more than just a “small-block” or “pushrod” engine; it’s arguably the closest you can get to a four-door Corvette experience.
Engine: The Heart of the Beast
A naturally aspirated masterpiece, the LS3 engine delivers 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque with an exhaust note that’s pure auditory bliss, free from artificial enhancements. This powerplant exposes what some consider shortcomings in engines like the BMW S65 (and arguably even the S62).
The Chevrolet SS sedan offers an engine that roars with authority straight from the factory, arguably louder and more characterful than many M cars. The torque curve is generous, matching the horsepower figure without resorting to forced induction or stratospheric redlines.
Don’t mistake its tractability for laziness; peak power arrives just shy of the 6,000 RPM redline. The throttle response is razor-sharp, ensuring smooth launches and allowing for full exploitation of the power band.
Detailed image of the Chevrolet SS sedan’s engine bay, emphasizing the powerful LS3 V8 engine.
The exhaust note is a glorious, throaty rumble that enhances the driving experience. If you feel the Chevrolet SS sedan might lack outright speed, consider the engine experience akin to savoring a fine wine – it’s about enjoying the journey, not just the destination. In contrast, cars like the Dodge Hellcat deliver explosive power that’s often overwhelming and fleeting.
Still craving more power? Supercharger kits for the LS3 start at surprisingly affordable prices, offering a straightforward path to even greater performance.
Transmission: A Driver’s Delight
The short-throw shifter is incredibly satisfying to operate, making gear changes a tactile pleasure. This particular Chevrolet SS example featured an aftermarket clutch with a slightly heavier feel than stock, but the overall experience is exceptional. You’ll find yourself wanting to engage with the engine and transmission constantly, as the shifter is precise and rewarding. It’s the kind of manual gearbox that makes you feel like a driving hero.
Chevrolet did offer an automatic transmission option for the SS sedan, but opting for it in this performance sedan should be considered a missed opportunity. The manual gearbox is integral to the car’s character and driver engagement.
Steering and Chassis: Australian Precision
Steering wheel and dashboard of a Chevrolet SS sedan
If GM channeled this level of engineering into their mainstream sedans, we might be reviewing a truly exceptional 2024 Malibu. It took the expertise of their Australian division, Holden, to create a sedan this dynamically accomplished.
Behind the wheel, the steering offers a slight dead spot at dead center, but as you initiate a turn, feedback progressively builds, revealing the chassis’ inherent balance and responsiveness. It’s a testament to Australian engineering prowess. The steering wheel design itself might be the only minor point of critique – a sportier design and feel would perfectly complement the car’s capabilities.
The ride height is also spot-on, contributing to both the car’s aesthetics and handling. GM’s acclaimed Magnetic Ride Control, standard from the 2015 model year onwards, offers Tour, Sport, and Performance driving modes. Sport mode delivers a superb balance of ride comfort and body control, typical of these advanced adaptive dampers. In this aspect, the Chevrolet SS sedan shares DNA with Cadillac’s Blackwing models, offering similar levels of chassis sophistication.
Close-up image of the drive mode selector in the Chevrolet SS sedan, emphasizing the car’s customizable driving experience.
Even in wet conditions, the Chevrolet SS sedan remained composed and confidence-inspiring. Turn-in is remarkably crisp, defying its nearly 4,000-pound curb weight, and body roll is minimal. The suspension effectively absorbs bumps, offering a ride quality that surpasses even the lauded BMW G80 M3.
Perhaps the ride height is slightly taller than some might prefer, a common trait in modern sedans. Beyond this minor point, the chassis is exceptionally well-tuned and balanced.
Brakes: Confident Stopping Power
The Chevrolet SS sedan features four-piston Brembo brakes up front, gripping slotted and vented discs, providing ample stopping power. The brake pedal feel is perhaps softer than some performance enthusiasts might prefer, though this could be partially attributed to the aftermarket track brake pads fitted to this particular test car. Nevertheless, the brakes are effective and inspire confidence, capable of handling spirited driving without feeling inadequate.
Front Brembo brakes on a Chevrolet SS sedan
Due to wet road conditions during the test drive, pushing the Chevrolet SS sedan to its absolute limit wasn’t feasible. However, the car’s immediate wet-weather composure speaks volumes about its chassis balance and inherent grip. The Chevrolet SS sedan’s chassis rivals cars nearly a decade newer, underscoring the tragedy that a modern equivalent isn’t readily available without venturing into the realm of six-figure Cadillac models.
Lifestyle Score: 7/10 – Practical Performance
Rear passenger seats in a Chevrolet SS sedan showcasing interior space
The Chevrolet SS sedan is undeniably a large car, mirroring the dimensions of a BMW 5 Series in length. While not inherently nimble in tight urban environments, its size translates to a spacious cabin, comfortably accommodating four adults.
Trunk space is slightly less generous than a 5 Series, but still offers practical utility. In essence, the Chevrolet SS sedan is entirely suitable for daily driving duties, blending performance with everyday usability.
Fuel Economy: 4/10 – A Thirsty Beast
Rear three-quarter view of the Chevrolet SS sedan, showcasing its rear styling, including taillights and quad exhaust pipes.
Fuel economy is not a strong suit. EPA estimates suggest 14 MPG combined with the manual transmission. Spirited driving will likely result in even lower figures.
While more modern, turbocharged V-8 engines often offer better fuel efficiency, consider the Chevrolet SS sedan’s direct competitor, the Lexus IS-F (with an automatic transmission), which achieves only 16 MPG combined. Given their similar used market price points, the Chevrolet SS sedan emerges as the more engaging and rewarding driving experience.
Interior & Technology: 7/10 – Chevy’s Surprise
The Chevrolet SS sedan boasts an interior that surpasses expectations for an American car, rivaling even some Cadillac models in terms of material quality and design execution. The cabin, featuring Alcantara trim and a functional infotainment system with a heads-up display, feels surprisingly contemporary and well-appointed.
Externally, its styling is understated, perhaps even easily mistaken for a Malibu at a glance. It’s a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” aesthetic – a performance powerhouse wrapped in a subtle sedan body.
Darth Couch Comfort
Dashboard and infotainment system of a Chevrolet SS sedan
The all-black interior creates a surprisingly comfortable and inviting ambiance. The seats are supportive and well-bolstered, though a slightly longer bottom cushion would be a welcome improvement. The leather upholstery, while durable, lacks the supple feel of premium materials like Merino leather (a point relevant even for Cadillac).
The infotainment system, though featuring a smaller screen and somewhat dated graphics, remains functional. Dual-zone climate controls cater to passenger comfort, and physical dials for essential functions are a welcome touch compared to overly digitized interfaces. Gloss black trim accents on the doors elevate the perceived quality, and drilled pedals add a sporty detail (though sadly not floor-mounted).
Chevrolet leaves no doubt about the car’s identity, with “SS” badges liberally applied throughout the interior.
Close-up of the “SS” badging embroidered on the seats of the Chevrolet SS sedan, emphasizing the car’s performance identity.
Criticisms that the Chevrolet SS sedan’s interior doesn’t match its price point likely stem from those unfamiliar with competitors like the BMW F30 3 Series, which often feature interiors of comparable or even lesser quality.
Holden Heritage
Front detail image of the Chevrolet SS sedan, emphasizing the aggressive front fascia and design elements.
GM’s ownership of Holden until 2020, when the 164-year-old Australian brand was shuttered, directly impacted the Chevrolet SS sedan’s fate. Its discontinuation wasn’t due to poor sales, but rather the cessation of Holden Commodore production in Australia, making import impossible.
The Chevrolet SS sedan rides on GM’s rear-drive Zeta platform, distinct from the front-wheel-drive Epsilon platform underpinning the Chevrolet Malibu, despite their visual similarities. This is akin to making a BMW M3 resemble a 2 Series Gran Coupe superficially.
The Chevrolet SS sedan’s styling is subtly aggressive. Choosing a vibrant color like Perfect Blue enhances its visual presence. Quad exhaust outlets hint at its performance capabilities. Enthusiasts often swap Chevrolet badges for Holden emblems, creating a unique import vibe that resonates with car aficionados.
While not overtly attention-grabbing, the Chevrolet SS sedan’s styling is purposeful and appealing to those in the know. It’s a car that rewards those who appreciate understated performance and subtle aggression.
Alternatives to Consider in the Sports Sedan Market
This section would typically list competitors, but the original article directly transitions to the conclusion, so we will follow suit.
The Chevrolet SS Sedan: Proof That Car Enthusiasts Don’t Always Know What They Want
Following the Chevrolet SS sedan’s discontinuation, a Kia Stinger was briefly considered as a replacement vehicle. While it drove well, long-term ownership proved less satisfying, leading to its departure after a mere three weeks.
While Chevrolet’s reputation for quality isn’t always stellar, modern models have shown improvement. The Chevrolet SS sedan, in particular, is a relatively straightforward and mechanically sound car by modern standards, with few widespread reliability issues reported.
So why was the Chevrolet SS sedan largely ignored by the market? Perhaps the Chevrolet badge itself was a limiting factor. However, automotive maturity involves recognizing that brand snobbery is increasingly irrelevant. Even BMW’s prestige has diminished somewhat in recent years. While the Chevrolet SS sedan is no longer in production, Cadillac’s Blackwing models carry the performance sedan torch, yet even these exceptional cars aren’t flying off dealer lots. The automotive landscape is rapidly changing, and the days of traditional performance sedans may be numbered.
Let the record stand: the Chevrolet SS sedan is one of the finest modern performance sedans ever produced. Before placing a bid on a potentially overrated E39 M5, consider a serious look at a Chevrolet SS sedan.
The automotive world isn’t quite at the pearly gates yet, but time is running short for cars like the Chevrolet SS sedan.
Special thanks to Tom for sharing his fantastic Chevrolet SS sedan for this review!
Rear view of a blue Chevrolet SS sedan, highlighting its quad exhaust pipes and sporty rear diffuser.
2016 Chevrolet SS Sedan Specifications
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, four-door, five-passenger sedan.
PRICE
Base: $48,920
POWERTRAIN
Engine: 6.2 liter naturally aspirated V-8
Horsepower: 415 hp @ 5,900 rpm
Torque: 415 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 114.8 in
Length: 195.5 in
Width: 74.7 in
Height: 57.9 in
Curb Weight: 3,997 lbs
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 16 / 14 / 22 MPG
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