Under-the-Radar Modern Muscle That Won’t Break the Bank

When it comes to used muscle cars, the options are seriously tempting. From 2005 Mustang GTs that roar to classic El Caminos that can haul just about anything, there’s something for every kind of enthusiast.

Even those who need a little practicality can get in on the fun with rides like the Cadillac CTS-V or European bruisers such as the Mercedes-Benz C63. You don’t have to give up speed for daily usability.

Then there’s one Chevy that often flies under the radar. It’s a surprisingly affordable option that packs plenty of muscle, at least while the bargain lasts.

The Chevrolet SS Picked Up the Torch From the Pontiac G8

As Pontiac struggled to survive, General Motors (GM) started bringing over Australian Holden Commodores and slapping Pontiac badges on them. The G8, especially the range-topping GXP with its 6.0-liter V8, had serious muscle, but the brand was already too far gone and shut down just two years later.

GM wasn’t ready to give up on a Commodore-style muscle sedan for the U.S. market. Five years after the G8 disappeared, they brought over the VF Commodore as the Chevrolet SS, marking the first full rear-wheel-drive V8 sedan from the brand since the mid-1990s Impala SS.

While the Camaro Coupe stole the spotlight, the SS offered a more practical way to torch rear tires. With a $45,000 starting price, it was an accessible choice for gearheads ready to dive in.

The SS Didn’t Hold Back on Power

2015 Chevrolet SS Specifications

GM kept it simple with the SS, offering just one engine option. The 6.2-liter LS3 V8 from the 2013 Commodore SSV pumped out 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, which was plenty to light up the pavement.

It launched with a six-speed automatic, but by 2015 buyers could choose a six-speed manual for a more hands-on experience. That alone made the SS even more appealing to performance purists.

Since it shared bones with the Holden, the SS benefited from all the handling upgrades the Aussies had already dialed in. The VF platform used a stiffer yet lighter chassis with aluminum throughout, helping the car feel more agile and responsive in the corners.

The SS also inherited the Commodore’s upgraded suspension with MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup in the rear, keeping body roll in check and letting the tires do real work. It handled far better than a big V8 sedan had any right to.

For 2015, Chevy added Magnetic Ride Control, giving the SS the ability to switch from smooth and comfy to seriously aggressive in seconds. It transformed the car into a true dual-personality machine.

Chevy also bolted on Brembo brakes for serious stopping power. This family-friendly sedan could take the fight to some of the strongest muscle cars out there.

More Premium and More Capable Than the G8

The SS cost more than the old G8, but Chevy justified it with a ton of standard gear. You get an eight-inch infotainment screen in the dash and SS-branded leather bucket seats that are both comfy and supportive.

Those front seats are heated and cooled, so you’re covered whether it’s blazing hot or freezing outside. You also get dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, lane-departure warning, and tire-pressure monitoring without paying extra.

Chevy kept the options list tiny too, with only a power sunroof and a full-size spare on the menu.

A Bargain Muscle Sedan You Can Still Snag Cheap

Chevrolet SS Used Values

Thanks to depreciation, the Chevy SS now goes for roughly half of what it cost new. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) says a clean 2014 model sits just under $27K, which is a steal for something this fun and practical.

Oddly enough, lightly updated 2015 models dip closer to $25,500, though a manual will bump the price by around 15 percent, according to Hagerty. That extra cost is worth it for anyone who wants full muscle-car vibes.

Prices climb more noticeably for 2016 and 2017 cars, up about 20 percent thanks to lower miles and fresher overall condition. If you want the deal of the decade, the earlier years are where the value lives right now.

Right now is basically prime time to snag an SS before prices climb again. Hagerty data shows values sliding about seven percent over the last year, and Classic.com’s auction results back it up, dropping from roughly $42K to just under $39K.

What’s wild is that this four-door sleeper is actually holding its value way better than the Camaro, even though the Camaro has the bigger name. A 2014 Camaro SS with the same LS3 engine averages just over $12K on KBB, meaning you could almost buy two for the price of one same-year Chevy SS, which says a lot about how desirable the sedan has become.

Mint examples are already turning the corner though, with pristine cars recently creeping close to $50K at auction. If that upward swing spreads to the rest of the market, today’s bargain SS could become tomorrow’s collector trophy.

The Family Sedan That Went Full Race Car

While the Camaro stayed Chevy’s road-star muscle car, the SS got the spotlight on the track in NASCAR. It racked up big wins thanks to legend Jimmie Johnson, who claimed the final two of his seven championships in 2013 and 2016 behind the wheel.

The SS went toe-to-toe with Ford’s Fusion and Toyota’s Camry, grabbing a total of seventy-three victories before retiring in 2017. Its first triumph came in its debut at the 2013 Daytona 500, also with Johnson behind the wheel.

That record puts the SS third on Chevrolet’s all-time NASCAR wins list, trailing only the Monte Carlo and Impala. For a family-friendly sedan, it sure knew how to race.

Its Holden Sibling Made a Name on Aussie Tracks

While the SS handled business in the U.S., the Commodore ran wild in Australia’s top V8 Supercars series. Jamie Whincup and Shane van Gisbergen grabbed four of the five driver titles, and Holden took home four manufacturers’ crowns.

It ruled Australia’s most famous tracks from 2013 to 2017, matching the SS’s tenure in the States.

That means the Chevy SS isn’t just a bargain muscle car—it also comes with serious racing cred on both sides of the globe.