In a rapidly changing automotive landscape, where the roar of the internal combustion engine is gradually fading, cars like the Chevrolet SS are becoming cherished relics. It’s a testament to a bygone era of raw power and driving engagement. As we look towards an electric future, appreciating these machines becomes even more crucial. The Chevrolet SS, especially in its automatic guise, represents a fantastic blend of muscle car thrills and sedan practicality, yet it was often overlooked by the masses.
And perhaps, that’s on you, the car enthusiast.
Why You Should Consider a Chevrolet SS Automatic
- Potent LS3 V8 engine paired with a smooth automatic transmission
- Well-balanced chassis offering both comfort and handling
- A sleeper sedan capable of surprising many
Drawbacks to Consider
- Badge perception might deter some buyers
- Some may find the styling too understated
- Infotainment system is dated by today’s standards
Soul Score
9/10
A true performance bargain with a V8 soundtrack and automatic ease.
Quick Facts about the Chevrolet SS Automatic
Why is the Chevy SS Automatic so uncommon?
The Chevrolet SS, in general, was produced for a limited run of only four years, with a total of just 12,860 units. Within this limited production, the automatic transmission models were arguably even less common than their manual counterparts, adding to their relative rarity. Born from the Holden Commodore platform in Australia, the SS was initially conceived to fulfill a prior agreement between Holden and GM after the Pontiac G8’s demise. The automatic transmission was offered to broaden its appeal, yet sales remained modest.
What led to the Chevy SS being discontinued?
The Chevrolet SS’s fate was tied to the Holden Commodore, its Australian sibling. When Holden ceased production in 2017, the supply chain for the SS vanished. Despite its merits, the relatively low sales volume didn’t justify sourcing a replacement, leading to the SS’s discontinuation. The automatic transmission option, while appreciated by some, couldn’t boost sales sufficiently to keep it alive.
What does Chevy SS stand for?
SS is an abbreviation for Super Sport, a designation Chevrolet has used since 1956 to denote high-performance versions of their vehicles. The “SS” badge signifies Chevrolet’s commitment to performance, dating back to racing Corvettes and performance-oriented Impalas. The Chevrolet Ss Automatic carries this legacy forward, offering accessible V8 performance.
Is the Chevy SS Automatic a rare car?
While over 127,000 Holden Commodores were produced in Australia from 2013-2019, the Chevrolet SS, specifically imported to the US from 2014 to 2017, is significantly rarer with only around 12,000 units. Automatic transmission models within this number are even scarcer. For the American market, the Chevrolet SS Automatic is indeed a rare find, particularly considering its mainstream market positioning.
The 2016 Chevrolet SS Automatic Overview
Alt text: Front profile of a blue Chevrolet SS automatic sedan parked on wet pavement, showcasing its subtle yet sporty design.
What defines the ideal sports sedan for many? A balanced chassis that’s both responsive and comfortable. While purists often clamor for a manual, a well-tuned automatic can broaden the appeal. And of course, substantial power is a must.
The Chevrolet SS Automatic delivers on all these fronts and more. Yet, during its production years, sales were limited, with only approximately 12,000 finding homes. Priced around $44,000 when new, it was an accessible performance bargain. Imported from Australia and based on the Holden Commodore, the SS marked Chevrolet’s return to the V-8 powered, rear-wheel-drive sedan segment after a 15-year hiatus. The inclusion of an automatic transmission made it even more user-friendly for daily driving without sacrificing performance.
The automotive world seemingly cried out for an affordable performance sedan akin to the E39 M5. Chevrolet answered with the SS Automatic, a car arguably superior to the Dodge Charger in terms of driving dynamics. However, the market response was lukewarm.
Now, the secret is starting to spread. Used Chevrolet SS models, including automatics, are appreciating in value, often selling for their original MSRP from a decade ago. Despite this, they still represent a compelling value proposition in the performance sedan market.
Can this article sway you towards considering a Chevrolet SS Automatic over, say, a BMW M car? Let’s delve deeper.
Performance Score: 9. Automatic Thrills and V8 Roar
Alt text: Angled shot of a blue Chevrolet SS automatic showing its rear and side profile, highlighting its quad exhaust pipes and sporty stance.
When the Chevrolet SS debuted, comparisons to the E39 M5 were inevitable. While some purists might have scoffed at the Chevrolet badge, those who drove it realized the comparison was apt. The SS Automatic is more than just its components; it’s a near four-door Corvette experience.
Engine and Automatic Transmission
The heart of the SS Automatic is the magnificent LS3 V8 engine, delivering 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a responsive and smooth automatic transmission. This powertrain combination offers a driving experience that rivals, and in some ways surpasses, European competitors. Unlike some modern performance engines that rely on artificial sound enhancement, the LS3’s natural V8 rumble is genuinely glorious, arguably more sonorous than many M cars.
The torque curve is broad and accessible, providing ample power throughout the rev range. Peak power arrives just shy of the 6,000 RPM redline, offering both low-end grunt and top-end excitement. The automatic transmission is well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, providing quick shifts when demanded and smooth transitions in everyday driving. Throttle response is excellent, making it easy to modulate power and maintain chassis balance, even with the automatic.
Alt text: Close-up of the quad exhaust pipes of a Chevrolet SS automatic, emphasizing its powerful V8 engine and performance-oriented design.
The exhaust note is a deep, satisfying roar that perfectly complements the V8 engine. Driving the SS Automatic is an experience to savor, much like a fine wine. While it may not offer the brutal, instant acceleration of a supercharged Hellcat, the SS Automatic provides a more nuanced and engaging driving experience, usable and enjoyable across a wider range of conditions.
For those seeking even more power, supercharger kits are readily available for the LS3, offering a straightforward path to significantly increased performance.
Steering and Chassis Dynamics with Automatic Ease
Alt text: Interior view of a Chevrolet SS automatic, focusing on the steering wheel and dashboard, highlighting the driver-centric cockpit.
The Chevrolet SS chassis is a revelation, particularly for a large sedan. The steering, while perhaps not the sportiest in terms of wheel design, provides excellent feedback and a natural build-up of resistance through corners. There’s a slight dead spot on-center, but it quickly becomes communicative and precise as you turn in. The Australian engineering shines through in the chassis tuning, delivering a level of composure and handling prowess that belies its size.
GM’s Magnetic Ride Control, standard from 2015 onwards, further enhances the SS Automatic’s dynamic capabilities. With Tour, Sport, and Performance modes, the suspension adapts to various driving conditions. Sport mode strikes an excellent balance, offering a comfortable ride without sacrificing body control. It’s a characteristic reminiscent of Cadillac’s Blackwing models, showcasing the shared DNA of GM’s performance sedans. The automatic transmission seamlessly integrates with these drive modes, offering different shift patterns and responsiveness.
Alt text: Drive mode selector in a Chevrolet SS automatic, showing the different settings for suspension and engine performance customization.
Despite its nearly 4,000-pound weight, the SS Automatic feels remarkably agile and responsive in corners. Turn-in is sharp, and body roll is minimal. The suspension effectively absorbs bumps, providing a ride quality that is arguably superior to even newer performance sedans like the BMW G80 M3. The ride height is well-judged, contributing to its balanced handling.
Brakes – Confident Stopping Power for the Automatic SS
The braking system on the Chevrolet SS Automatic is robust, featuring four-piston Brembo calipers and slotted, vented discs up front. While the brake pedal feel might be slightly softer than some enthusiasts prefer, the overall braking performance is more than adequate. The brakes inspire confidence and provide strong, consistent stopping power, even in spirited driving. The automatic transmission, with its ability to downshift under braking, further enhances control and stability.
Alt text: Close-up of the Brembo brakes on a Chevrolet SS automatic, highlighting the performance braking components.
Even in wet conditions, the Chevrolet SS Automatic remains composed and confidence-inspiring. Its chassis and powertrain work in harmony to provide a driving experience that is both thrilling and secure. It’s a testament to the engineering excellence that went into this often-underappreciated performance sedan. The fact that a modern equivalent level of chassis refinement and V8 power costs significantly more today underscores the SS Automatic’s value.
Lifestyle Score: 7. A Practical Performance Sedan
The Chevrolet SS is a substantial car, mirroring the size of a BMW 5 Series in length. While not a nimble sports car in the purest sense, its size translates into a spacious cabin, comfortably accommodating four adults. This practicality makes the SS Automatic a viable daily driver, blending performance with everyday usability.
Trunk space is ample, though slightly less than some competitors, but still practical for daily needs. Overall, the SS Automatic’s size and comfortable interior make it a versatile choice for those seeking a performance sedan that can also handle family duties or daily commutes.
Fuel Economy: 4. V8 Thirst, Even with Automatic
Alt text: Side vent detail on a blue Chevrolet SS automatic, emphasizing the subtle sporty design elements.
Fuel economy is not a strong suit of the Chevrolet SS Automatic. The EPA estimates around 14 MPG combined for the manual version, and while the automatic might slightly improve this figure, expect similar numbers in real-world driving. Driving the SS Automatic enthusiastically will likely result in even lower fuel economy.
While more modern, turbocharged V8s can offer better fuel efficiency, the naturally aspirated LS3 delivers a more engaging and linear power delivery. Compared to other performance sedans of its era, like the Lexus IS-F (which achieves only 16 MPG combined with an automatic), the SS Automatic’s fuel consumption is in the same ballpark. For the level of performance and driving enjoyment it offers, many owners find the fuel consumption a worthwhile trade-off.
Features and Comfort: 7. A Comfortable and Well-Equipped Cabin
The interior of the Chevrolet SS is surprisingly well-appointed, especially for an American car in its price range. It rivals, and in some ways surpasses, interiors found in competitors from the same era, excluding luxury brands like Cadillac. With Alcantara trim accents, a functional infotainment system, and even a heads-up display, the SS Automatic’s cabin feels contemporary and comfortable.
The exterior styling is understated, perhaps even blending in with more mundane sedans at first glance. This subtlety contributes to its sleeper car appeal – a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Alt text: Interior detail of a Chevrolet SS automatic, showcasing the dashboard, infotainment screen, and red stitching accents.
Stepping into the all-black interior of the SS Automatic creates a comfortable and purposeful ambiance. The seats are supportive and well-bolstered, providing excellent comfort for both daily driving and spirited cornering. While some might find the leather upholstery a bit firm, the overall seating comfort is commendable.
The infotainment system, though featuring a smaller screen and somewhat dated interface compared to current standards, remains functional and user-friendly. Dual-zone climate control adds to passenger comfort. Physical dials for essential controls are a welcome touch, offering intuitive operation. Gloss black trim and drilled pedals elevate the interior’s perceived quality.
Chevrolet subtly reminds you of the car’s performance pedigree with SS badges placed throughout the interior, reinforcing its sporty character.
Never forget what car you’re in.
Alt text: Front seats of a Chevrolet SS automatic, highlighting the supportive bolstering and SS badging on the headrests.
Criticisms that the SS interior didn’t match its price point seem unfounded, especially when compared to contemporaries like the F30 3 Series BMW, where interior quality was also a point of contention for some.
Holden Heritage and Understated Style
The Chevrolet SS’s lineage traces back to the Holden Commodore, a now-defunct Australian brand under the GM umbrella. The SS was a product of this global collaboration, riding on GM’s rear-drive Zeta platform, distinct from the front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Malibu. Despite their mechanical differences, visual similarities existed, contributing to the SS’s understated aesthetic.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of a blue Chevrolet SS automatic, emphasizing its aggressive front fascia and subtle sporty styling.
The styling of the SS Automatic is subtly aggressive, appealing to those who prefer performance without ostentation. Choosing a bolder color like Perfect Blue helps it stand out slightly more. Quad exhaust pipes hint at its performance capabilities, while overall, it maintains a low-key presence. Enthusiasts might appreciate swapping Chevrolet badges for Holden emblems, adding a touch of unique flair and acknowledging its Australian roots.
While it may not draw attention at casual car shows, the Chevrolet SS Automatic’s appeal lies in its substance over flash, appreciated by those who understand its true capabilities.
Other Sports Sedans to Consider
While the Chevrolet SS Automatic offers a unique blend of V8 power, automatic convenience, and understated style, other performance sedans in the used market deserve consideration. Models like the Dodge Charger R/T (for more overt muscle car appeal), Chrysler 300C (for similar V8 and automatic experience but with different styling), or even earlier BMW M5 models (for European performance pedigree, though often at a higher price point and maintenance cost) could be alternatives depending on individual preferences and priorities.
The Chevrolet SS Automatic is Proof that the Car Community Missed a Gem
The Chevrolet SS, particularly in its automatic configuration, is a testament to Chevrolet’s ability to create a truly exceptional performance sedan. It’s a car that deserved more recognition and sales success than it achieved. Its combination of a potent V8 engine, a well-tuned chassis, comfortable interior, and automatic transmission makes it a compelling package for driving enthusiasts seeking both thrills and practicality.
While Chevrolet’s overall reputation for quality might be mixed, the SS is generally considered a reliable and well-engineered car, especially in terms of its powertrain and chassis. It’s a relatively straightforward machine in modern car terms, minimizing potential complexity and maintenance concerns.
So why was it overlooked? Perhaps the badge played a role for some buyers. However, in a mature automotive landscape, badge snobbery should take a backseat to genuine driving enjoyment and value. While owning a BMW might not carry the same prestige it once did, the Chevrolet SS Automatic offers a driving experience that can rival and even surpass many of its European counterparts at a more accessible price point. Even Cadillac Blackwing models, the spiritual successors to the SS, haven’t seen overwhelming demand, suggesting a broader market trend of undervaluing traditional performance sedans.
Before you consider bidding on a classic E39 M5, take a serious look at a Chevrolet SS Automatic. It represents one of the best modern performance sedans ever made, offering a blend of V8 muscle, automatic ease, and understated charm that is increasingly rare in today’s automotive world. The automotive pearly gates aren’t quite upon us yet, and there’s still time to appreciate and enjoy cars like the Chevrolet SS Automatic.
Special thanks to Tom for allowing the review of his fantastic Chevrolet SS!
Alt text: Rear view of a blue Chevrolet SS automatic parked on a wet road, showcasing its quad exhaust and subtle rear spoiler.
2016 Chevrolet SS Automatic Specifications
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, four-door, five-passenger sedan.
PRICE
Base: $48,920 (for automatic transmission model, when new)
POWERTRAIN
6.2 liter naturally aspirated V-8: 415 hp @ 5,900 rpm, 415 lb-ft of torque @ 4,600 rpm, Six-speed automatic transmission
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 114.8 in
Length: 195.5 in
Width: 74.7 in
Height: 57.9 in
Curb Weight: 4,000 lbs (approx. for automatic model)
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (estimated for automatic)
Combined/city/highway: 16 / 14 / 24 MPG (estimated)
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