Why was Chevy SS discontinued?
The Chevrolet SS, a high-performance sedan produced by General Motors, was discontinued in 2017 after a relatively short production run. The discontinuation of the Chevy SS was due to a combination of factors, including declining sales, a shift in consumer preferences, and changes in GM's product strategy.
Declining Sales
One of the primary reasons for the Chevy SS's discontinuation was its declining sales. The Chevy SS was introduced in 2013 as a high-performance variant of the Chevrolet Impala, but it never gained significant traction with consumers. In its four years of production, the Chevy SS sold fewer than 15,000 units, a relatively low number for a performance-oriented model.
The high price tag of the Chevy SS, which started at around $45,000, may have been a deterrent for some buyers. Additionally, the car's niche appeal and lack of widespread marketing and promotion likely contributed to its lackluster sales performance.
Shift in Consumer Preferences
The discontinuation of the Chevy SS also coincided with a broader shift in consumer preferences towards SUVs and crossovers. As the popularity of these larger, more practical vehicles continued to grow, the demand for high-performance sedans like the Chevy SS declined.
General Motors, like many other automakers, has been focusing more on developing and marketing SUVs and crossovers to meet the changing demands of the market. The decision to discontinue the Chevy SS was likely part of this broader strategic shift.
Changes in GM's Product Strategy
In addition to the declining sales and shifting consumer preferences, the discontinuation of the Chevy SS was also influenced by changes in General Motors' overall product strategy. The company has been streamlining its lineup and focusing on its core models, which may have made the Chevy SS, a relatively niche product, less of a priority.
Furthermore, the introduction of the Chevrolet Camaro, a high-performance sports car, may have also played a role in the decision to discontinue the Chevy SS, as the two models could have been seen as competing for the same segment of the market.
In conclusion, the discontinuation of the Chevy SS was primarily driven by a combination of declining sales, shifting consumer preferences, and changes in General Motors' product strategy. While the Chevy SS was a well-received and capable performance sedan, it ultimately failed to gain widespread appeal and was ultimately discontinued in 2017.
Why did Chevy stop making SS?
That's actually why they stopped selling this SS – it wasn't due to poor sales, but because the Holden Commodore wouldn't be around to import anymore. I mention this because the SS is on GM's rear-drive Zeta platform, and the Chevrolet Malibu (a front-wheel drive car) is on the Epsilon chassis.
Is the Chevrolet SS reliable?
The Chevy SS is generally considered a reliable car, with high consumer ratings for its reliability and performance. However, some owners report issues with performance upgrades and the availability of unique body panels and interior parts, as the car was produced in limited numbers from 2014 to 2017. The LS3 6.2L V8 engine is well-regarded for its power and dependability.
This video discusses the reasons why the Chevy SS was considered a failure, despite its positive attributes: 58sDoug DeMuroYouTube · Jan 16, 2018
Reliability strengths
- High consumer ratings: Owners consistently rate the SS's reliability very highly.
- Powerful and proven engine: The 6.2L V8 engine has a reputation for being one of the most powerful and reliable engines in the automotive world.
- Shared components: Many drivetrain parts are shared with other GM vehicles, which helps with availability for mechanical components.
Potential downsides and considerations
- Limited production: The Chevy SS was a limited-production vehicle, meaning specific body panels and some interior parts can be hard to find.
- Aftermarket part issues: Some owners have encountered problems with non-OEM parts, such as excessive vibration caused by aftermarket drive shafts.
- Maintenance history: As with any performance car, regular maintenance and a lack of severe modifications will contribute to better long-term reliability.
Will there be a 2026 Impala SS?
No, there will not be a 2026 Chevrolet Impala SS, as the model was officially discontinued by General Motors in 2020 to focus on electric vehicles. While there are many fan-made concepts and rumors online for a modern Impala SS, these are not official and Chevrolet has not confirmed any plans to revive the nameplate.
This video discusses the potential revival of the Impala SS: 1mNext-Gen CarYouTube · Jun 14, 2025
- Official discontinuation: The last Chevrolet Impala rolled off the production line in 2020.
- Company focus: General Motors discontinued the Impala to shift its focus and investments toward electric vehicles.
- Rumors and concepts: Online, you can find many speculative renderings and articles about a 2026 Impala SS, but these are fan-made concepts and not official information from Chevrolet.
You can watch this video to see a concept for the new Chevrolet Impala: 59sNext-Gen CarYouTube · Sep 19, 2025
When was the SS discontinued?
The Chevrolet SS is a performance full-size sedan sold by Chevrolet from 2013 to 2017, as a rebadge of the Holden Commodore exclusive to the United States. It was sold in the 2014-2017 model years.
