Couldn't agree more. Picked up a 2017 SS in march during a 20% off sale. Window sticker was $49.5k I walked out at $38.5k. Straight piped it and now everyone is wondering, "Why that Malibu so loud?!"
Great review. One point I sincerely disagree with is the exterior styling. I understand styling is subjective. I purchased a 2017 Chevy SS/Phantom Black Metallic/6MT. I have received so many compliments from people on how they like the looks. Actually, had quite a few tell me they think it has an aggressive look. IMO, the Chevy SS has a presence to it. The front end with the bulging fenders, sculpted lines on the bumper and the air inlets. The rear end looks so good. From the side profile, the red Brembo brake calipers and large rotors are clues this isn't your average sedan. Walking to the rear, you notice the bulging fenders, quad exhaust and rear diffuser. I honestly think the car is quite sharp looking. The whole Impala/Malibu/SS comparison. If you actually park the SS next to those other two models and take a sincere look to compare, you will definitely notice the differences and the SS has a look of it's own.
Have had more SS for almost a year now. Best car I've driven. I like the looks. Understated, then you hear the sound and see the car move. Yup always catching folks just reading the cover.
As an Australian who sees these cars all around me every day, I'm amazed that the car is considered a bit bland over there in the States. Actually, they're a very pretty car and quite a large car here. The reason they are spacious is that Australians like big spacious machines that can lope the vast distances in this country along with well delivered torque and good driving dynamics. Cannot understand how the VFII as we know it is mixed up with the Malibu which was also sold here. I was able to tell the two cars apart easily. Good to see the cars are stirring interest over there. Goes to show that Australians can build a nice vehicle. Pity that's all ending not just for Holden, but Ford and Toyota too. Nissan and Mitsubishi built cars here once too.
I agree with you mate I'm from Sydney and the Holden Commodore any of its class is a very nice original car these yanks just like to ? what's the old saying """"""there s*** don't stink"""""" boo to yo yank review but this car is a beast
The reason the SS will no longer be is because Holden in Australia is shutting the manufacturing plant down. The reason that the SS was not marketed very well in the US was the fact that GM were only allowed to import very few of them in the US and so no point in spending millions on marketing when they would not have received any benefit from it.
Exactly!!! Being pissed that the SS is no longer being made is being pissed because you don't know the entire story. But, it makes good RU-vid clips to shout about stuff in front of a camera so carry on, I guess.
These vids are absolutely awesome, I'm a recent buyer of a 2018 ATS-V and you were the influential factor in me getting the 6MT. Keep up the great vids!!
Looks terrible? The car is absolutely beautiful! Especially in white in my opinion, may not look fast but that's the best part! Gotta love the sleeper effect!
Dude, you are absolutely KILLING IT!!! This was a hilarious and entertaining truthful review!!! Like legit I was laughing out loud at the "no it's a chevy ss" "oh like the camaro?" "no, god, just go away" like that is so true! As for the car they seem amazing, and I wish I could drive one at some point! I wish these things were advertised more and just a tad cheaper MSRP they would have been a lot more popular I bet!
FYI Mr Wicks - I pulled the trigger on a 2017 SS based on your entertaining and informative review...couldn't be happier - GM owes you a commission for certain
America's general opinion of the blandness of the SS design seems to be due to the similar looking and rather common Malibu. The Commodore in Australia (Same car body as SS) does not have other car models that look too similar, it has it's "look" all to itself and is distinctive. Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon 4 door sedans are the most common cars on Australian streets and anyone with any car interest knows what they are looking at. Ford Mustangs are now being imported since 2017 and these are still quite rare on the streets and these stand out.
I totally agree with you. GM makes a rear wheel drive 4 door sports sedan with damn good V8 and they decide to pull the plug on it. Hey GM, this is the car that will sale if you advertise it a little more.
It's original MSRP didn't help it, but when they go 20% off, ppl jumped on it, at least that's how I heard of it when my buddy bought one, he was originally there for a Camaro SS lol
The Zeta platform has been around since '06. I'd say thats a pretty good run. I love my G8, built from the Zeta as well. But it is definitely outdated when compared to the Alpha platform.
Awesome car, got one as a daily driver and enjoy my commute to work and back everyday. Id agree on the review, however looks are quite subjective - I love the shape and styling. For what it is it looks the part, its a 4 door sedan not a 2 door sports car - looks the way a 4 door sports car should look..
Andrew Theodos and being 6'4" I can kick it in the back sest with my kido and let the woman drive in comfort. Not to mention the sound of heaven in that back seat! Ohhh that sound brings smiles from anyone with a soul!
This video brings me back to my street racing days driving my 1976 Vette (Chevette) with a stump-pulling 48 horsepower and 3-speed automatic transmission. Look out, punks! Remembering the DREAM!
Hi wicks way, greetings from Australia the real truth behind the SS that you have is that big brother GM USA had to help out little brother GM Australia Holden in taking the excess Holden Commodore which it is called and built here in Australia, the Australian government agreed six years ago to end manufacturing of cars in Australia in 2017 and to keep the GM Australia plants running until then GM USA agreed to take up the excess cars Under the SS name and because GM USA knew that GM Australia would be not making cars anymore in Australia after October 2017 there was no point in promoting your SS big time in the USA ,, GM USA was just helping out iñ taking the cars ,. It has been a big mistake here in Australia to stop making cars as Holden now brings in German made Commodores which aren't selling as the replacement is totally useless and no one wants it here in Australia, no more V8 totally different looking car, and it is like dodge replacing the challenger hellcat with Chinese four cylinder naturally aspirated four cylinder camary with a dodge badge and then wondering why no one in North America wants one .,the last Holden Commodore Australian built were the best ever with models that the US never got only Australia received the W1 commoder with a 680 HP supercharged LS corvette engine,so Holden Commodore went out with a bang ,and you guys never received the commoder pick up or station wagon shame about that the tricked up models look great and you could get them with a supercharged LS engine ,so that's what went down and GM Australia has made probably the biggest mistake ever after 100years of making cars in Australia it is no more, rumours have it that some manufacturing of cars may return in the future,
The Aus government really didn't give a fuck about saving the Aus built car industry. Imagine if they eliminated the gov taxes on Aus built cars sold in Aus. Every car on the rd would have been a Commodore or a Falcon. That's all they had to do and would have been a beneficial thing for the nation. Like always in this Aus gov with international interests they couldn't have given a fuck apart from lining their own pockets.
Thank you from Detroit Michigan Sir! Do people put hundreds of thousands of miles or kilometers on these vehicles over there? I am curious as to how well they take alot of mileage? I am thinking about purchasing one in the near future and we really don't know much about these here.
@@chrisoconnor3119 I bought a 2017 in March 2017. Now have 32,000 miles on it and have had ZERO problems. The 6.2 liter LS3 V8 is known as being exceptionally strong and able to be modified easily for even more power - although mine is stock. A guy at my dealership has the Pontiac G8 that predated the SS, and he has 180,000 miles on it.
Thanks for the great review. Picked up a 6MT about a month ago and love it. I don't mind the looks of the SS. It's a nice shape but kind of innocuous which gives it the sleeper look. The G8 styling is a little better but is also a sleeper which is part of the appeal of these cars. Many comparisons have been made between the SS and E39 M5. Those are valid, but the SS has its own unique character as well. The Australians sure built some nice cars, as those of us in the US lucky enough to have one (or more!) will most likely agree.
I see the Zeta vs "Beta" thing has been called out already... but if you are still wondering about the difference between this and the 5th gen Camaro? SS sedan/VF Commodore/VFII Commodore is on the Zeta II chassis. Zeta I was the G8 (VE Commodore) and 5th gen Camaro. Zeta II lost a little weight and gained a little rigidity. That's why the SS comes in under 4000 lbs and handles like it does. Looks are subjective... I think it isn't "ugly", it just isn't exciting. Makes for a lot of fun when people's heads snap around wondering why that "Malibu" was making such noises as they get passed on a two-lane highway, the LS3 ripping from 4000-6000 rpm, unleashing a full-volume rock concert through the dual-mode exhaust. 😈 "What the h€!! was that?!?" And ya gotta love the pops on overrun just for added emphasis. Mine gave today's rolling obstacle a nice pop as I went from 3rd to 4th on completing the pass, just to rub it in. Fast family hauler with thee pedals, a rockin' motor, epic handling, that hauls wifey+kiddo+stuff in comfort... and manages not to draw unwanted attention from the local constabulary. I love mine.
Awesome review. I love the sound comparison. Can you reveal where you got the blackout exterior package? I can't stand the chrome. The SS you are reviewing here has everything blacked out. No chrome pieces that I can see. Even the window frames. How did you do that? From Australia? Do you have an internal blackout package?
I bought a white 2017 SS with the manual transmission for $36K - what a steal (got the GM incentive of 10K off and another 4.2K from my GM credit card). I love the combination of performance, spaciousness and that wonderful engine sound - which accounts for my rarely having the radio on (the engine sounds better than anything on the radio). I add that I like the looks of the car also, and have received MANY comments on how good looking it is. The first week I got it I emptied out my barber's shop as all the guys wanted to walk out and listen to the engine. This car makes me smile every day.
I know what you are saying, the chevy ss is my favorite car of all time. I can't believe they are not going to do something with this car in the future. I drive my 2015 daily, and its great. The funny thing, my ex-wife has a mustang roushe version and she laughed at it, said it didn't look fast. Until I beat her ass, then she was not laughing anymore. I love the good sleeper and this is defiantly a great sleeper.
I just got a 2017 ATSV luxury, carbon fiber, and recaro seats with 1950 miles on it for 40k flat....40k for a twin turbo caddy that does 0-60 in 3.8....where else can you get that power and class for that
Nice video! Nightfall Gray Metallic with blackout kit though...that looks pretty mean to me. But yeah, stock chrome trim really screams malibu and makes the car blend in with all the other beige sedan noise.
Awesome review! Couldn't agree more - so frustrating this car no longer exists. Fell in love with it during my test drive - just couldn't plunk down the $50k for it...too bad no 20% off at the time...there is still a new 2017 at a Chevy dealer here - but they want the MSRP of $50k...sigh...LOVE that freakin' exhaust!!!
Oddly enough, his description on who would drive one is me exactly at the time of watching this video I legit had on high top socks with some Jesus sandals lol.... Only while driving a Pontiac G8. Looking forward to picking one of these up soon
Can you imagine the alpha platform on this car with the LT1 or LT4 with the new 10 sp and a optional 7 sp manual with magnetic ride and some actual style.
Tungsten23 Directly after I watched the video, I noticed my grammatical error. I made sure to comment first and recount my error in my pinned comment. Thank you!!!
That's my favorite color on that car also with the blacked out look. I want one so bad! Can't afford one at the moment. Maybe in like 5 years I'll pick up a used one and hope it hasn't been dogged out.
You do know that it has a Track Mode, right? You said it has three modes. But it has four. Double tap the traction control button and you get into track mode.
the appearance on these changes ten fold with some lowering springs, black out kit and rebadging as a Holden. Mobile Attractions has a front splitter and soon to be rear diffuser that look sick as well, really makes the car stand out!
If you expect your friends to still talk to you after you make them ride in the back seat you better be driving the SS! There is no comparison when it comes to interior room. That said the ATS-V is faster at the drag strip and just barely quicker on a road course when driven at 10/10ths. The ATS-V also costs $20,000 plus more than the SS. (I got my 16 for $39k). So if you are single and have money to burn then the the V is a real consideration. If you are married and either have kids or friends then the SS is way to go. Not that I am prejudiced but we are on our second SS. First a 2014 then a 2016 to get the mag ride.
The ATS-V has also had some insane deals, particularly on the lease side. At one point, I think GM had a 10k miles/year lease on the ATS-V for around $450/month (with a couple thousand down, I think). Also like the reviewer said, you can get used super-low mile ATS-V's for a legit $45K-$50K. I'd still choose the SS because of the exhaust note, but it'd be a tough choice for sure. The thing that scares me about the SS is parts availability 10, or even 5, years down the line. Performance-wise though, most people who buy either of these cars probably won't keep them stock anyway so it probably doesn't even matter which is faster off the dealer's lot.
Parts shouldn't be a problem for the drivetrain, electronics, switchgear, etc, since those are all pretty much "off the shelf" GM or OEM parts. Large interior pieces, or replacement body panels might be harder to source, but that's true of any model that's no longer in production. And like Scott Cole mentioned, there's a $20k delta in price new, and still a wide delta used. Personally, I'd bank that savings, and spend a bit of that down the road on well-sorted, well-proven and well-priced mods to the LS3.
Wait - the ATS-V is "BARELY" quicker on the track!? I think you're a bit confused. The V is potentially the best handling production sedan in the world. Sure, the Alpha edges it out, but that's only because it comes with R-comp tires from the factory and the ATS-V doesn't. The SS is a great car, but making a statement like that is a gross exaggeration.
I wouldn't say barely quicker on a road course. The ATS-V would dust it in a straight line and on a track. That being said I still love the SS, and prefer it over the ATS-V. I think it's the more comfortable and smoother one, all while having that glorious V-8.
+Scott Cole - "That said the ATS-V is faster at the drag strip and just barely quicker on a road course when driven at 10/10ths. " Um... no. The ATS-V will DESTROY an SS around a track. DESTROY it. Completely and utterly DEMOLISH it. What alternate universe are you living in where the SS can keep up with an ATS-V around a road course? I like the SS, I really do, but it is NOT at the ATS-V's level of precision and handling. And that's fine because of the price difference. But accept reality for what it is, the ATS-V is WAY better around a track.
If they advertised it, gave it the Camaro engine and the 8 speed for the automatic and the new screen and technology and allowed you to get a basic version that’s cheaper the car would’ve sold really really really well.
You deserve more subs, great video. Although I don't think the SS' styling is terrible. Yeah it's pretty bland but the 16'&17's are much better. But it makes for a great sleeper
They didn't blame the axing of the SS on low sales. They said it was gonna be gone in '17 when they first put it out. And Holden closing. Only planned to do 3,000 or so each year. And it only looks like a Malibu until it's sitting next to a Malibu. I put Holden badges on mine.
What's funny is in the Chips film with Dax Shepard, Poncho drives an SS in the beginning and sets it on fire. In the background as the scene progresses, you can clearly see that the car that's on fire is indeed a Malibu.
The only reason the SS is in the US at all is because GM made a deal to keep the aussie plants open until 2017 and part of that deal was ensuring that a certain number of cars were exported here. There were always going to be something like 7-8k cars imported here, regardless of sales. it's not lack of interest, it's just a contract that has been fulfilled. Also, there's a track mode, which you seem to have missed.
I agree, i love my Chevy SS, it is an all around great car. Can't believe they are not going to do something. I am about ready for my super charger and cam. I know it looks like a Malibu but or Impala but when you start it and kick the shit out of other cars, they know its something different. That is why I love it.
brandon maxwell - yes! I've had a fee really awesome and well-handling cars, but this is by far the best and most stable. punch it from a stop, and you'll get very little wheelspin.
It depends what you using the car for the SS it's a working blue collar but the ats-v is more a refine white collar. Still both has potential nonetheless both a beast 💪🏽
Hey! I don't wear high socks! Lol. I have a white 2016 with Holden badges and some guy argued with me that it's not a real Holden at a cruise last week. Btw two things. You forgot track mode, push the stability button twice... and the 20 percent off is really only on the autos which I have. Dealers move manuals like hot cakes at a Dennys, the autos sit for obvious reasons.
Reminds me of what the Beretta went through. A car (front wheel drive) that had the looks & potential but GM cut the umbilical cord just as its popularity was growing. I owned a GTU model & I just loved that car! We are talking late 80's newbies. But that car could run with v8 Camaros easily for a 2.8 v6. But the prize engined 4 bangers (Gtz & Z26) we're especially understated.Gm has away of ruining a sweet romance no doubt!
The whole point to the car is the stealth look. I blacked mine out and debaged it completely. I even went so far as to have the Brembo calipers flat black powder coated. Now it's in the shop getting the full LSA treatment and and full BMR suspension upgrade.
jmunjr We ran out of time with the SS, but I'll say I enjoy the SS more to drive than the ATS-V. The interior is nicer in the Caddy but the SS has a much better infotainment system (mylink). We've just started branching out to doing comparison reviews, so with each one we try and get better at them. We at least made sure to mention the back seat space, throttle response, and which one was more powerful. Bare with us, we're getting there!
I wasn't complaining and appreciate the review. Just wanted to read more. I have been cross shopping these for a year and have almost bought one or the other several times since last Fall. I have an opportunity to get the ATS-V sedan manual for effectively about the same price as the SS, and an SS at $39K. If they are the same price do you still take the SS? My heart is with the SS mostly but I am a track guy so the ATS-V is calling and man its chassis is sublime. Plus, all my friends, especially women, like the V, though I'm not a flashy guy. It's just a Caddy though, not like I am being a d-bag with a Lambo lol... I would do a full interior and exterior blackout Holden conversion too. I think it looks so much better like that. The one you were driving is blacked out. Looks hideous in chrome! Thanks again.
jmunjr Man that's a tough choice. I'd go ATS-V sedan only if it had the Carbon Fiber package and a manual. Without those, it looks bland and the 8spd auto is very laggy.
I absolutely love these. I have a 2015 Taurus Sho so I’m down with the sleepers. Tuned up and love destroying scatpacks, 5.0 mustangs, and even hellcats from a stop.
Chevy - Make this exact car (or on the Alpha plat) with the LT1, make it look bad to the bone (not like this one), and call it a Chevelle, and you won't be able to keep them in stock.
Dennis S the Caprice is a police car, and comes with a 6.0 liter l76 engine, same as the Pontiac g8 GT. can't get the 6.2 and it is not on sale to the general public, only to state, federal, local governments.
He had that ATS V in tour mode aka dad mode so the exhaust is very silent in this mode. Had he had it in Sport mode it wouldn't even be comparable....The SS has the LS3 the ATS-V has the LS4 (the newer version) of the same motor. LMAO
@@EliteOnTheBeat ATS-V was not in tour mode the valves were open, the ATS-V also has a LF4 not a LS4 like the Impala SS has. 2 completely different motors. LF4 is a twin turbo V6 if you haven’t noticed and no it is not the same motor that’s in the CTS-V sport.
Sebazzee001 We never get the Wagon version of anything! The only car we can get is the E63 Wagon if it's special ordered. Most of the soccer moms in America love their suvs because it gives them a false sense of security. We want fast wagons!!!
Wicks Way agreed dude. Sports wagons would sell like hot cakes if they market them properly. The Holden Commodore Sports Wagon SSV Redline is a true beast of a machine.
It's a shame. Pontiac did the same thing with the G8, especially the GXP. The G8 alone could've kept the Pontiac Brand alone. GM had a second chance with the SS but like you said they did a terrible job of marketing it. Also. It could've used a more performance and aggressive look in its design. I test drove both the G8 and SS. I loved it's handling and power. The only thing that kept me from getting one was because I needed AWD for the Winter.
The Chevy SS was designed primarily for the Australian market so that is why it has conservative styling. However there was an aftermarket company called HSV that had a contract with GM Holden to offer performance variants of this model and those cars have more aggressive styling along with performance enhancements. One such model called the W1 had the LS9 V8 that was used in the Corvette.
That’s exactly why I went with the Taurus Sho. Tuned up that 3.5 Tt v6 is putting down 465 hp and 480 tq to the wheels. Plus it’s awd so just out here destroying 90% of cars.
One thing americans seem to not understand, the commodore isnt a sports sedan, its a family car, its a standard family car here in OZ. The HSV variants were the sportier ones. In Australia, the commodore ss is a family car. Nd yes the "Chevy SS" is really an Australian VF holden commodore.
If you lived in Australia it would all make sense. This car was never designed with the American market as its primary intention. Its base model sv6 commodore is competing with the Toyota Camry or whats now known as the Aurion. The SS is just a TRD version of the Camry. Personally I like the subtle looks of the SS and think it looks nothing like a malibu which is sold here in Aus but I do have a preference for Euro cars. HSV provides the more aggressive styling cues that suit American tastes more but I find a bit tacky.
Now that the final model year is almost all sold out, the SS is really showing its value in the used market. Clean and stock 2014s in the 30k mile range are holding value at around $32k and if they hold their values like the G8 GXP did then immaculate ones should stop depreciating at around $27k. Even so, if you want a roomy performance sedan at a $30k price point, a used SS might still be best bang for buck on the market.
@@newerafrican Wow, blast from the past. A few months after I left that comment 5 years ago I bought a 2014 automatic SS. I bought it for $33k, mine still has relatively low mileage for its age and I can sell it now for low ~$42k. Somehow its a daily driver and an appreciating investment all in one package.
couldn't disagree with you more regarding the looks. this is a sexy understated sedan. if I had the cash, I'd buy one right now in the same black with the tints.
i know someone who was going to buy one, but they wouldnt let him drive it off the lot because the gvnt didnt like the seatbelts and didnt let people drive it off the lot. Sounds like a bs excuse but it was their excuse for several months.
That’s not really how it went they were just trying to build some cars for the Australian factory because they were shutting down so they were just trying to keep people working until the shut down
Dodge Charger scat pack is a sub $40k (before incentives) with 485hp. It doesn't have magnetic ride but will annihilate the SS in a straight line. I'm surprised he didn't mention it since it is the only true competitor the of SS.
So GM actually got the zeta platform from Holden cause they did not have a rear drive plat form ready in time to put the 5th gen into production, which means the reason why the ss handles so much better using that platform is because it was designed for that car.......not the Camaro, just sayn 😊😊
i dont think the SS looks as bad as people say. even the malibu doesnt look bad, sure it lacks character but still isnt ugly. mod the fender vents (that chrome is atrocious), after market wheels, tint the lights and windows. the car has a decent amount of tech imo. mpg does suck tho.
The not making it anymore , because our commodore v6 sales have declined in 30 yrs . Are commodore ss is very popular in Australia at 45000aud . Its 5 kaud cheaper than are wrx sti , 7 k aud cheaper than are focus rs' 10k aud cheaper than are golf r
As a former Daihatsu charde owner with a 1.0 liter 3cylinder diesel engine, i notice 2 major differences between the cars. 1, the fuel consumption off the SS is absolutely ridiculous, tipical for Americans to praise a car like this. And 2, the difference in acceleration, wich is almost the same, the only difference is that with the Chevy/Holden it is like 4/5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, while with the Daihatsu diesel i owned it was more like 4/5 days, on monday reaching 15, then on teusday 20/25 and so on. Life was a bit slower then.
