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- Highs Powerful V-8 engine, available manual transmission, spacious interior.
- Lows A bit pricey, poor fuel economy, outdated infotainment system.
- Verdict The Chevrolet SS is a rare large sedan with neck-snapping acceleration and an available manual transmission, making it the ideal sleeper.
Overview
Sporting a hearty 415-hp V-8 and rear-wheel drive, the Chevrolet SS harkens back to the big-sedan, big-power formula of yesteryear. While this four-door Super Sport is inherently old school, its incredibly balanced chassis and bountiful standard features are thoroughly modern. The Chevy’s exterior design is discreet on the street, but a snorty exhaust note and a 4.5-second sprint from zero to 60 mph lend credence to its sleeper status. Even better, the standard six-speed automatic transmission can be swapped for a six-speed manual at no cost. Too bad the SS is the opposite of fuel efficient and borders on expensive. Still, the Chevy SS is a seriously underrated sports sedan.
What's New for 2017?
The biggest news for 2017 is that this is the final model year for this underappreciated Chevrolet sedan. Despite steady sales, the Australia-built SS was doomed after GM decided to end production of its overseas counterpart, the Holden Commodore. First launched in 2014, the Chevy SS was an updated version of the long-dead Pontiac G8. Although the Super Sport is unchanged for its final year, the four-door sleeper has left a lasting impression on those lucky enough to experience it.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Base: $48,920
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
While 2017 is its swan song, the rear-wheel-drive SS rides off into the sunset playing a provocative tune from its old-school pushrod V-8. And unlike the Hemi-powered Dodge Charger or the twin-turbo Kia Stinger, the Chevy has an optional six-speed manual transmission that lets you play sweet music with its powerful 6.2-liter small-block, whose sinister sounds and neck-snapping acceleration are timeless. The SS is a wonderfully well-rounded sports sedan with a responsive, sharp-handling chassis. It captivates on virtually every surface by blending firmness and control in the turns with some suppleness over bumps. While its adaptive dampers adjust between compliant and composed based on the selected drive mode, the SS tilts toward the sportier end of the spectrum.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Shiny chrome trim and faux-suede accents decorate the SS's center console, dash, and doors. The miscues are minimal and mostly related to fit and finish. The SS deserves high marks for its spacious passenger room and plethora of standard features, such as a head-up display and 10-way power-adjustable front seats that are heated and cooled. The front sport seats look spectacular, with perforated leather, faux-suede accents, and red stitching. Too bad the interior is only available in black, and the stitching on our test car’s dash was uneven. The SS has competitive trunk volume and useful interior cubby space. Oddly, the back seat doesn’t fold, which limits the amount of cargo it can carry.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system is easy to use and has myriad features. While the SS also has straightforward controls and includes navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot as standard, it uses an older version of MyLink with a dated interface that has low-resolution graphics and lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard 8.0-inch touchscreen sits atop the center stack and can be operated by volume and tuning knobs and redundant buttons. A nine-speaker Bose audio system and a one-year subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio are standard. Unfortunately, there is only a single USB port, and no auxiliary audio input.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
For more information about the Chevrolet SS’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
