Overview & Reviews

If you're a fan of classic muscle cars, you're probably going to love the Chevrolet SS. To create the SS, Chevy started with the rear-wheel-drive Holden Commodore large sedan produced by General Motors' Australian subsidiary (which was also the basis for the now defunct but still highly regarded Pontiac G8). From there it stuffed a rip-roaring 415-horsepower V8 engine from the previous-generation Corvette under the hood. Four-hundred horsepower? Rear-wheel drive? Yes, it's a formula that could bring back memories of smoky burnouts and doughnuts in your high school's parking lot.

Pleasingly, though, the SS delivers more than just straight-line muscle. Remarkably nimble handling and strong brakes perfectly complement the V8's brawn, while the attractive, comfortable and spacious interior boasts a truly adult-friendly backseat, a large trunk and a remarkably long list of standard comfort, convenience and safety features. Put it all together and you have a thoroughly modern large sedan that will haul your family in relative comfort or something else entirely when you hit the gas.

Current Chevrolet SS
The Chevrolet SS is a new full-size sedan debuting for 2014 that's offered in a single, loaded trim level. Powertrain details are equally straightforward. The 6.2-liter V8 engine, which produces 415 hp and 415 pound-feet of torque, is the only engine offered. It's connected to a six-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels. In our testing, we found the SS can accelerate to 60 mph in just under 5 seconds, which is an impressively quick time for a big sedan like this. Understandably, though, fuel economy isn't a priority here, and you can expect your mpg to hover in the mid-teens.

The SS's list of standard features includes 19-inch wheels, high-performance tires, a sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, xenon headlights, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated eight-way power front seats and leather upholstery. Standard technology features include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, an automated parallel parking system, blind spot and lane departure warning systems, frontal collision warning, a navigation system, a head-up display, a rearview camera, an 8-inch touchscreen electronics interface, OnStar, voice controls and a nine-speaker Bose sound system The only major option for the SS is a sunroof.

While the SS's most obvious draw is its V8 power, this sedan is also quite capable of confidently devouring curvy roads. The combination of an exceptionally rigid body structure, grippy tires and well-tuned sport suspension and steering systems give the SS uncommon athletic ability for a sedan of this size. It's so good that the SS can give pricier European sport sedans a run for their money on a winding stretch of asphalt. The only potential downside is a ride quality that may be a bit too firm for some folks' tastes.

Inside, the SS offers a roomy and surprisingly upscale interior thanks to leather upholstery with faux-suede inserts and contrasting stitching. The gauges are easy to read and the head-up display is multi-configurable and can project an impressive array of information onto the windshield. The central touchscreen display is also configurable. Its menus are straightforward, but it can be distractingly slow to respond to your inputs at times. Farther back, there's plenty of room for two adults or three in a pinch, while the large trunk should also please those family members who don't understand the meaning of traveling light.

Overall, the Chevy SS is a great choice for shoppers searching for a high-performance sedan that's upscale and reasonably priced. Having said that, Chevy's other full-size sedan, the Impala, is a better choice if hauling people and their stuff is a bigger priority than hauling, ah, going rather fast. Not only is it cheaper, but it's more efficient -- both in terms of interior space and fuel use.

Used Chevrolet SS Models
The SS is a new model, but the similar Pontiac G8 was briefly sold for 2008 and '09.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 18 of 18.00

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  My favorite car ever - 2016 Chevrolet SS
  By rob batey - November 24 - 8:13 pm

  I would change a few things about this car. First the cup holder can interfere with shifting with even a modestly tall cup. Next, since Im over 55 it sits a bit too low to the ground for me. That makes it hard to get out of the car at times, but the programmable seats can cure this a bit. Finally, the A-frame pillar occasionally obstructs the drivers view. Ive almost had 2 collisions due to this factor. Otherwise, its been my favorite car of all time. Its a real joy to drive. Great mix of power and its somewhat luxurious. Its a real shame that 2017 is the last year for this great ride. Oh well, at least Ill have mine for as long as I want. I still get fired up at that exhaust note when I crank her up.

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  What a Fun Car! - 2016 Chevrolet SS
  By KSB - October 31 - 3:08 pm

  I was searching for something that would meet up to my old car. I had a 2004 Chevy Monte Carlo - SS SC with all the bells and whistles, comforts and get up and go that I wanted in a car. I test drove 8 different vehicles within the price range I was willing to pay. Although the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 both came close - you see those cars at every turn - everyone owns one. I wanted something different than the rest on the road. I also had great luck with the Chevrolet, so decided to go back to the Chevrolet dealer to see what else they might have comparable to the Monte Carlo. I test drove an Impala - too big and not enough take off. I test drove a Cadillac - it was comfortable enough, had pretty good take off - but to get heated seats - it was going to cost approximately another $10,000 - not worth it. I had already test drove a Camaro - awesome power - but my gosh that thing was so cramped and uncomfortable to ride in - it was all about the engine and the great looking outside. So I decided I would try the Chevy SS - and am I glad I did - Oh what Fun!! The one I test drove was a manual and it was great, however, I have gotten lazy over the years, was used to an automatic and didnt want to shift gears anymore - besides it was an unattractive blue. If it had been that beautiful dark navy blue Ive seen in the Dodge - I might have considered it. However, I am partial to a black car. Since the closest dealer with a black automatic SS was an hour away in hell traffic, I bit the bullet to go and test drive one. It was worth the drive - although I didnt like the price they offered and left the dealership. But I couldnt stop thinking about that car. It took a couple of days for the dealership to call me and ask what I didnt like about the car. I explained that I liked the car but here is how I work - I offer them a price, they dont add on all of their extras that I dont want and then I will decide what I need to put down and borrow for a loan. I gave them an offer. They didnt take what I offered, but came back with a price I was willing to pay. No, there is nothing fancy about the car, it doesnt have the distinct look of a bad boy Camaro - yes, everyone thinks at first that its an Impala, but I dont mind. Its a tad smaller than my Monte Carlo, which I wanted. Yes, its a gas hog, but thats to be expected - I am hoping it will get better once I decide I am done testing its power. You might think it is a grandma car (and I am a grandma) however, when I go blasting passed them on the highway, they know by the sound and the speed that its not your ordinary grandma car. I was actually sad leaving my Monte Carlo at the dealership - but after two days - my SS and I are doing just fine!

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  Sedan version of the Dodo bird - 2016 Chevrolet SS
  By Bethany - December 17 - 5:48 pm

  We never owned a Chevy in the past but when I was forced back into the car market thanks to VW TDI scandal I decided I wanted a sedan with rear wheel drive and a MANUAL transmission something no longer offered in the Passat, Mazda M6, or Nissan Maxima all of which I would have seriously considered. Thanks to a google search I found the Chevy SS and do not regret this purchase. In fact, the more I drive the car, the more I love it. My husband and I are now fighting over driving the SS so we are considering purchasing a second as Chevy is still offering 20% off until the end of the October. This car becomes extinct in 2017 and, sadly, I fear a manual transmission sedan will go with it. Update 4/19/2017: I passed this Chevy SS to my husband and we found a red Chevy SS that still had the 20% off tag which we purchased in November 2016. No more fighting over the car! We both love it. I enjoy the car more now than when I first purchased. I understand that it is not for everyone, but it is perfect for me. October 2017 update: we still own both Chevy SS cars and absolutely still love them. I had an issue with my power steering which Chevy repaired as was still under warranty and my only gripe is the dealership which bumbled with the repair (ordering the wrong part then not ordering all the parts needed) causing a delay in the repair. My car was at the dealership for over a week and I was never offered a loaner car. Thankfully I own 4 vehicles but it would have been considerate to at least offer a vehicle.

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  Four Door Corvette - 2016 Chevrolet SS
  By John McNear - November 11 - 11:12 am

  Just like the Corvette, this car offers more performance per dollar than anything else out there. For those of us that like having more than one person come along for a fun ride, this is an amazingly capable car.

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  Verifiable Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2016 Chevrolet SS
  By Jason W - May 25 - 7:56 am

  Needed a new car, thanks to the VW TDI scandal and it just so happened to coincide with the elimination of my 110 mile round-trip commute. As a car enthusiast, I was looking for something fun to drive that also could haul the family in comfort. With fuel economy no longer a factor, I landed on the SS. My dealer couldnt locate a 6M in black, silver or blue within a 250 mile radius that also had the 20% off MSRP tag, so I ended up with an automatic. I was able to enjoy the summer tires for the first 800 miles before swapping them out for Michelin Ice Xi3 snow tires on 18" wheels. 1200 miles on the snow tires has been surprisingly good, and not all that different than my Passat TDI on the same tires. Of course the best part is firing up that big, throaty V8 and hitting the nearest on-ramp for a quick blast to 70+ mph. With the summer OEM tires back on, handling, braking, and acceleration instantly improved and I am enjoying this car every time I drive it. I have found the Performance setting to provide the best responsiveness for the automatic transmission and it handles excellent. Touring and Sport cause the auto to be very slow to respond on downshifts. With 2017 being the last model year for this modern day V8, RWD muscle car and fewer than 15,000 of these cars imported to the U.S. since the 2014s first came over, the opportunity to own a unique piece of Chevy history is running out. Im very happy that I was able to pick one up and use it as my daily driver.

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  Needs the Discount!!! - 2017 Chevrolet SS
  By Myron Mayberry - April 20 - 6:35 am

  This is a great car that was poorly marketed. GM put out a 20% discount on the car and at $40,000.00 it is a steal!

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  Red rocket - 2014 Chevrolet SS
  By Terry - December 24 - 6:30 am

  Bought our 2014 in April 2015 saw it at auto show in February went into Berger to buy LTZ Impala, couldnt get red hot red, wife not happy then we spotted the SS! Wife happy again. For the money, one of best sleeper buys out there. I think the gas mileage is pretty good for this car, average 22-24 on highway at 70 plus, 16-17 around town, unless foot accidentally slips on gas peddle fun car get looks and comments everywhere, custom tune, air raid cold air, dynoed at 360 hp. Chevy is crazy for not pushing this car or continuing to make it here in USA. Ran low 13s at 106mph at Martin 131. First time racing since 1969 what a blast. Working on getting into the 12s. Stored in winter never seen salt. Its almost 2018 now car is still fun to drive, and still gets the looks, might see headers this fall. When were cruising on highway still getting 20s. This car is a true sleeper. Might even put electronic exhaust cut outs on too.

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  Initial Thoughts on the Sleeper Sports Sedan - 2016 Chevrolet SS
  By JW - March 22 - 5:40 pm

  During the short time Ive owned my 2016 Chevrolet SS with the 6-speed automatic, I have been very pleased. The exhaust note in Sport, Performance or Track mode makes me smile every time I start the car and step on the gas. Its also nice to flip to touring to quiet it down a little and smooth out the bumps when cruising on the interstate. Highs include: handling; accelleration; engine/exhaust rumble; exclusivity of having one of only an estimated 10,000 Chevy SSs imported to the US for model years 2014-17 as the 2017s are the last ones being made; and the amazing amount of tech that comes standard. Lows include: no Homelink(!!) so you are stuck with a clunky garage door opener remote; and the 6-speed automatic is slow to downshift, sometimes clunks into gear, and overall not very responsive to the 415 hp and 415 lb/ft of torque begging to come out and play. Overall, finding this car with a 20% GM discount tag makes it the best performance sedan for the money, and one of the few rear wheel drive, naturally aspirated V8s left. The fuel economy is terrible, but people willing to buy this car arent looking for a Prius so I dont consider it to be a negative. *Update: 6 months later, my review hasnt changed. I put 245/45R18 Michelin X-Ice Xi3 winter tires mounted on all black wheels that looked great and so I could actually drive it during the winter. Tires did great, and I enjoyed having RWD in the snow. Its a lot of fun steering with your throttle. To be clear, this is not an AWD crossover or SUV. It has low ground clearance, RWD, and lots of power. Not the best combination for driving in deep snow. Depending on your winter weather driving needs and how severe the weather can get, the SS might be better hanging out in the garage, waiting for Spring to arrive.