From behind the wheel, the first thing you notice is the quiet authority of the engine. Press the throttle in a Chevy SS rear wheel drive sedan and the 6.2-liter V-8 does not need theatrics; it simply gathers speed with the calm force of a locomotive. That combination of a big engine, rear drive, four doors, and an understated shape made the SS one of the most unusual American performance cars of its era.
The Chevrolet SS was sold in the United States from 2014 through 2017. It was based on the Australian Holden Commodore, imported in limited numbers, and equipped with hardware rarely found in a family sedan. The formula was straightforward: a naturally aspirated LS3 V-8, rear-wheel drive, a sophisticated independent suspension, Brembo brakes, and room for five adults. It was not perfect, but it was refreshingly honest.
The V-8 and the driving experience
The centerpiece is the LS3, producing 415 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Chevrolet offered a six-speed automatic as well as a six-speed manual transmission, making the Chevy SS rear wheel drive setup particularly appealing to enthusiasts who wanted a genuine three-pedal sedan. The manual car included a limited-slip differential, and its clutch action was reasonably light for a performance vehicle.
Acceleration is strong enough to make modern sport sedans feel less special. Period testing generally placed the automatic SS at roughly 4.7 seconds from zero to 60 mph, with the manual only slightly behind when launched cleanly. The power delivery is linear, predictable, and gloriously free of turbo lag. A deep exhaust note arrives above 3,000 rpm, but the engine remains civilized at highway speeds.
Fuel economy is the unavoidable tradeoff. EPA ratings were in the mid-teens for city driving and around 20 or 21 mpg on the highway, depending on transmission and model year. My own mixed-use expectation would be about 17 to 19 mpg, assuming the driver occasionally enjoys the accelerator. That is not efficient by current standards, but it is the price of carrying an old-school V-8 under the hood.
Chassis balance and everyday comfort
The Chevy SS rear wheel drive chassis is more capable than its anonymous styling suggests. The suspension keeps body roll under control without turning every expansion joint into a punishment. On a winding road, the sedan feels composed and substantial, with enough steering weight to communicate what the front tires are doing. It is not as delicate as a BMW 3 Series, but it feels planted in a way that inspires confidence.
The Brembo brakes are another highlight. With properly maintained pads and quality tires, the SS can stop from 60 mph in approximately 108 to 112 feet in independent testing. The pedal remains firm under repeated use, which matters if you plan to visit a track day rather than merely pose outside one. Brake dust and replacement costs are less charming, so inspect the rotors and pad thickness before buying a used example.
Ride quality is one of the car's strongest arguments. The dampers absorb rough pavement better than many newer performance sedans, and the long wheelbase gives the cabin a settled feel on Interstate 5 or a cross-country trip. Rear-seat space is genuinely useful, while the trunk provides practical room for luggage. The SS is not merely a muscle car with extra doors; it is a credible daily driver.
Interior, equipment, and the compromises
Inside, the SS is functional rather than luxurious. The seats are supportive, the driving position is good, and the gauges are easy to read. Heated front seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a premium audio system were available, depending on year and package. Still, the cabin contains plenty of hard plastic, and the design lacks the visual richness of a comparable Cadillac or Audi.
The Chevy SS rear wheel drive sedan also carries a curious disconnect between its price and presentation. When new, it cost well above an ordinary Chevrolet Impala, yet the dashboard did not always communicate that premium. Today, that gap can work in the buyer's favor. The car's mechanical substance is stronger than its interior materials, and used shoppers can often find a well-kept example for substantially less than a newer German sport sedan.
Look carefully at the tires, clutch, differential, and cooling system. A modified car is not automatically a bad car, but poor tuning and aggressive launches can create expensive problems. Service records are more valuable than a shiny set of aftermarket wheels. A stock or lightly modified SS with consistent oil changes is the one to pursue.
How it compares with other performance sedans
On paper, it is the larger, louder alternative to a BMW M3 or Cadillac CTS-V. In practice, it is a different kind of performance car. The M3 offers sharper responses and a more sophisticated cabin, while the CTS-V delivers considerably more power in later generations. The Chevy SS rear wheel drive character is less polished than either, but its naturally aspirated engine and relaxed ride give it a distinctive appeal.
It also makes an interesting alternative to a Dodge Charger R/T or Scat Pack. The Charger has more aggressive styling and a broader model range, but the SS feels more balanced through corners and less bulky from the driver's seat. The manual transmission is another important advantage. Few full-size American sedans offered that combination of V-8 power, rear drive, and a stick shift.
Insurance, tires, and fuel should be included in the buying budget. A driver with a clean record might find reasonable coverage, but the SS's horsepower and replacement parts can influence premiums. A set of quality performance tires can cost $900 to $1,400, and a brake service can easily run several hundred dollars per axle. Those costs are manageable when anticipated and irritating when ignored.
Used-buying advice and final assessment
The best examples have complete maintenance histories, original equipment, and no evidence of repeated track abuse. Check for uneven tire wear, steering vibration, warning lights, and signs of accident repair. During a test drive, the automatic should shift decisively without harsh engagement, while the manual should select every gear cleanly and avoid clutch slip under full throttle.
The Chevy SS rear wheel drive sedan makes the most sense for a buyer who values mechanical character over badge prestige. It can commute quietly, carry adults, and still deliver a memorable back-road drive on Sunday morning. It is not the cheapest sedan to operate, and its cabin does not justify its original price by luxury-car standards. What it does offer is increasingly rare: a naturally aspirated V-8, rear-wheel drive, a manual option, and real four-season usefulness.
The Verdict: pros, cons, and whether you should actually buy one
The strengths are substantial: effortless V-8 torque, excellent braking, a comfortable ride, useful rear seats, and handling that rewards an experienced driver. The weaknesses are equally clear: mediocre fuel economy, ordinary interior materials, limited parts availability compared with mainstream Chevrolets, and rising prices for clean, unmodified cars.
My score is 8 out of 10. Buy one if you want a discreet performance sedan with genuine old-school hardware and can budget for tires, fuel, and careful maintenance. Skip it if you expect modern luxury, low running costs, or abundant dealer inventory. The Chevy SS rear wheel drive formula is no longer common, and that rarity is precisely why this sedan deserves serious consideration before the good examples disappear.