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Why was the Chevy SS discontinued?

The Chevrolet SS, a high-performance sedan produced by General Motors, was discontinued in 2017 after just four years on the market. The decision to end production of the Chevy SS was primarily driven by declining sales and a shift in consumer preferences towards SUVs and crossovers.


Declining Sales and Shifting Market Trends


The Chevy SS was introduced in 2013 as a high-performance variant of the Holden Commodore, a rear-wheel-drive sedan produced in Australia. Despite its impressive performance capabilities, the Chevy SS struggled to gain traction in the American market. Sales of the Chevy SS peaked in 2015 at just over 3,000 units, but declined sharply in the following years. This was largely due to the growing popularity of SUVs and crossovers, which have become the dominant vehicle segments in the United States.


General Motors made the decision to discontinue the Chevy SS in 2017, citing the need to focus on more profitable and in-demand vehicle models. The company's decision was also influenced by the impending closure of the Holden manufacturing plant in Australia, which was the source of the Chevy SS's platform.


Reasons for the Chevy SS's Lack of Success



  • High Price Point: The Chevy SS had a starting price of around $45,000, which was significantly higher than many of its competitors in the performance sedan segment.

  • Limited Availability: The Chevy SS was only available through a limited number of Chevrolet dealers, making it difficult for consumers to access and test drive the vehicle.

  • Lack of Marketing and Promotion: General Motors did not invest heavily in marketing and promoting the Chevy SS, which may have contributed to its lack of visibility and awareness among potential buyers.

  • Shift in Consumer Preferences: As mentioned earlier, the growing popularity of SUVs and crossovers in the American market made it increasingly challenging for the Chevy SS to gain traction.


Despite its relatively short lifespan, the Chevy SS has developed a loyal following among enthusiasts who appreciate its powerful V8 engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, and impressive performance capabilities. However, the combination of declining sales, shifting market trends, and the closure of the Holden manufacturing plant ultimately led to the discontinuation of the Chevy SS in 2017.

Why was the Chevy SS a failure?


The overall number of complaints are low (likely due to its lack of popularity), but it has 9 recalls under its belt. It struggled with steering problems and safety equipment issues.



Is the Chevy SS rare?


This car is rare, though, unlike the VehiCROSS, it's not because it was built in a manner that would naturally limit production numbers. Instead, just 12,924 examples of the Chevrolet SS exist and of those, only 2,645 were equipped with a manual transmission. The Chevy SS is sort of like a case study.



Why did they discontinue the Chevy SS?


The SS wasn't even supposed to be a thing in the US, but General Motors needed to fill production capacity at the Elizabeth plant in Australia before it pulled the plug on local manufacturing. The company knew it wouldn't sell many, but it kept production lines going to ship left-hand drive VF Commodores to the US.



What did Chevy SS stand for?


Super Sport
Super Sport, or SS, is the signature performance option package offered by the Chevrolet division of General Motors on a limited number of its vehicles. All SS models come with distinctive "SS" markings on their exterior. The SS package was first made available for the 1961 Impala.



Why is the Camaro ZL1 banned?


Camaro ZL1 Banned at the Nurburgring Because It Was Too Loud - autoevolution.



What replaced the Chevy SS?


While the discontinued Chevy SS was definitely one of the automaker's most stylish offerings last year, the 2018 Chevy Equinox is a truly worthy successor. The vehicle turns heads with its lean, muscular exterior and eye-catching chrome detailing across all trim levels.



How much horsepower does a 454 SS have?


230 horsepower
The venerable 454 SS nameplate denoted a 454-cubic-inch 7.4-liter V8 making 230 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. It spun the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission.



When did Chevy stop making the Silverado SS?


Modified with a rear spoiler and unique badging, an Intimidator SS model of the truck was offered in 2005 honoring late NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt. The final year of sale for the Chevrolet Silverado SS occurred in 2007 under the Classic banner.



Are Chevy SS illegal in the US?


Starting in 2021, the copper content in these Camaros' Brembo brakes becomes illegal. Chevy wouldn't say why the brakes didn't change prior to the rule change. Chevrolet won't be able to sell the Camaro SS, 1LE, and ZL1 in California and Washington beginning next year due to the copper content of the brake pads.



What is the rarest Chevy?


The 1969 Chevrolet Corvette ZL1 is the rarest series production car Chevrolet has ever manufactured. Today, ZL1 is regarded as one of the most significant and collectible Corvettes ever made.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.