Throwback: Chevy's SS Lineup of the 2000s

2000s Chevy Performance era was Weird

The past two decades of Chevrolet's "Super Sport" (SS) performance package has been both unique and diverse; I use unique lightly for the majority of the models on this list. Spanning a range of power outputs and price points, Chevy definitely exploited its iconic SS moniker to attract the widest customer base, seeking a race-inspired ride, possible. Check out the Chevy SS lineup from 2000 to now; comment below which models are most worthy of wearing the SS badge.

Image courtesy of Car Throttle.

Cobalt SS

Kicking off this 2000s SS adventure is the Chevrolet Cobalt SS. First introduced in late 2004, the Cobalt SS became the first SS model not paired with a V-8. This SS initially launched with a 2.0-liter supercharged four-cylinder good for 205 horsepower. A 2.4-liter four, pushing 173 horses, was available as an option. In another powertrain change up, Chevy threw a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the Cobalt SS throwing down 260 horsepower. Despite the mix and match engine swaps, the Cobalt SS made for a quick and affordable tuner with a price tag right around $22,000 when new. Today, a used Cobalt SS with less than 100,000 miles can be found selling under $10k.

Image courtesy of Jalopnik.

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HHR SS

On the heels of the Cobalt SS, Chevy launched a high performance version of its retro-styled HHR wagon/compact crossover (however you want to categorize it). The HHR SS used the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four found in the Cobalt SS. Oddly, a panel van version of the HHR SS was available. With an MSRP of $22,995, the HHR SS became another money-friendly, sport-tuned model for Chevrolet's SS lineup.

Image courtesy of Car and Driver.

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Impala SS

Chevy revived the Impala SS in the '90s, which sought to emulate its muscle roots. However, at the turn of the century, Chevy reversed course and turned Impala into a mediocre front-drive family sedan. It took until 2004 for a new Impala SS to hit the road on Chevy's 2nd-generation W-body platform, which utilized a 240 horsepower 3.8-liter supercharged V-6. When Impala was refreshed in 2006, the SS trim received the LS4 small-block, 303 horsepower, 5.3-liter V-8. With a 0-to-60 of 5.6 seconds, the V-8 brought a welcomed thrust and rumble to the Impala SS, but its soft suspension and front-wheel drive induced torque steer overshadowed the added power. The Impala SS was killed off again after 2009. Oddly, the Impala SS with the LS4 has maintained a cult-like following for its power and affordability on the used car market, available between $5,000 to $15,000 ($27,595 in 2004; $31,135 in 2009).

>>Join the conversation about GM's Super Sport models of the 2000s right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Monte Carlo SS

Next stop: Monte Carlo. Unfortunately, not the area of Monaco and its famous Grand Prix, but the Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS. As disappointed as Chevy's classic car following was with Impala's front-wheel-drive relaunch, the Monte Carlo suffered a similar fate when Chevy threw it down the same hole as its four-door counterpart. Initially, when the Monte Carlo SS launched in 2000, it used a 200 horsepower 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V-6 until the 240 horsepower, supercharged 3.8-liter V-6 was added in '04. When refreshed in '06, the Monte Carlo ditched the V-6 in favor of the same 303 horsepower 5.3-liter V-8 from the Impala SS. MSRP for the Monte Carlo SS ranged between $21,935 (2000) to $28,165 (2007).

>>Join the conversation about GM's Super Sport models of the 2000s right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

SSR

Things got weird at Chevrolet with the launch of the SSR for the 2004 model year. The niche of all niche vehicles with its retro pick-up truck/convertible roadster design, SSR came equipped with a 300 horsepower, 5.3-liter V-8, and only a four-speed automatic, until being replaced by a 390 horsepower, 6.0-liter V-8 with an optional, Tremec, six-speed manual being added. One of the biggest downfalls of SSR was its hefty price topping as high as $50k. Although the butt of critics jokes for its looks and quirks, the SSR seems to be aging gracefully, gaining traction as a collector's item among its dedicated followers. Interesting fact, the SSR sits on a platform derived from that the Buick Rainer/Chevy Trailblazer/GMC Envoy/Isuzu Ascender/Oldsmobile Bravada/Saab 9-7x (so many slashes...) sits on.

>>Join the conversation about GM's Super Sport models of the 2000s right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Trailblazer SS

Speaking of the Chevy Trailblazer, we find ourselves looking at one of the more practical applications of the SS formula in the 2000s. The Trailblazer SS, introduced for the 2006 model year, was the first production SUV to wear the SS badge. In the engine bay was the same 6.0-liter LS2 V-8 from the early Corvette C6 model years, good for almost 400 horsepower. The suspension was stiffer and lower thanks to an air-leveling system added to the rear. Optional all-wheel drive, wider tires, and tougher differential improved handling of the SS over the standard Trailblazer. Original MSRP broached the $40,000 threshold, but used ones can be found below $20k these days.

>>Join the conversation about GM's Super Sport models of the 2000s right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

SS

In another GM twist, Chevrolet turned the SS trim into a model of its own in the form of the Chevy SS sedan, launched in 2014. Based on Australia's Holden Commodore, the SS sought to bring back the glory of rear-wheel drive, American sedans. A 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 pumped out 415 horsepower through a six-speed automatic or Tremec-sourced six-speed manual. The quickest Chevy SS did 0-to-60 in was 4.7 seconds in 2017. Unfortunately, the SS didn't capture the hearts of modern drivers like sedans of yesteryear; it was discontinued after just four years. MSRP of the Chevy SS during its production run ranged between $43,475 and $46,625. As the most recently departed model from SS family, used models with low miles can be found below $30k. 

>>Join the conversation about GM's Super Sport models of the 2000s right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Camaro SS

Last but not least, the lone survivor of the modern Chevrolet SS era, the Camaro SS. Although the fourth-generation ended production in 2002, it dates back to the '93 model year, so we're skipping it for the purpose of consistency on this 2000s list. The fifth-generation, which returned after an eight-year hiatus for the 2010 model year, used two different 6.2-liter, naturally-aspirated V-8's: a 400 horsepower L99 in automatic variants, and a 426 horsepower LS3 in manual variants. Chevy launched the all-new sixth-generation Camaro in 2016. Sitting on a new platform with a more aggressive look, the latest Camaro SS stunts a new LT1 6.2-liter V-8 good for 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque; unlike the prior generation Camaro, the same V-8 is used for both the six-speed manual, and eight-speed automatic. If you're a fan of the modern Camaro SS styling, you can find fifth-generation models for under $15,000; however, if you're needing the newest of the newest in your driveway, a 2020 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS MSRP's at just under $50,000.

Image courtesy of Car and Driver.

>>Join the conversation about GM's Super Sport models of the 2000s right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

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