What Does SS Stand For On a Car? Meaning, Examples, and FAQs

Many acronyms and symbols have stirred curiosity and excitement among casual drivers and car enthusiasts. One of them is “SS,” which usually relates to muscle cars, though it could also apply to other vehicle types.

What Does SS Mean on a Car?

“SS” on a car means “Super Sport.” Chevrolet used it to indicate a higher-performance or sportier version of some of its models. The first vehicle to get this package was the 1961 Impala.

What Makes a Car SS?

The qualifications for SS cars vary depending on the model, but they’re generally superior to their standard versions. Here are some of the features that set Super Sport variants apart from their standard counterparts:

• More powerful engines
• Better suspension systems
• Enhanced braking systems
• Sportier styling (like customized wheels and tires)
• Performance upgrades

How to Tell If a Car Is SS

Whether you want to buy an SS variant or think you own one, you can confirm the vehicle’s identification by doing the following:

Look at the Trim Tag

The trim tag has information about the car’s original setup or package, indicating if it’s a true SS. It’s usually inside the driver’s door.

Check the Engine Number

The engine number refers to the identification number marked on the engine. The number includes coded information you can decode to reveal the manufacturing year, country of manufacture, and engine type.

SS cars usually have a V6 or V8 engine block to ensure better performance and more power.

Search for the Build Sheet

One way to check the engine type is to consult the build sheet, which is in the back seat for some vehicles. This sheet lists components that went into the vehicle during the construction.

The factory production information usually indicates details like the model’s engine size, transmission type, and color codes.

Look for an SS Marker

Super Sport cars usually have an SS inscription on the dashboard’s interior and exterior. Some models also come with a specialty tachometer or similar gauges.

Run the VIN

Similarly, you can use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to check details like the car’s year, make, model, engine, and manufacturer. The VIN is usually on the front of the dashboard on the driver’s side.

You can also get information about your car’s history, including whether it’s SS-qualified, by entering the VIN into a VIN decoder.

Examples of SS Cars

Here are some of the Chevrolet vehicles that have a Super Sport version:

Chevrolet Cars:

• Chevrolet Commodore SS
• Chevrolet Cobalt SS
• Chevrolet HHR SS
• Chevrolet Impala SS
• Chevrolet Malibu SS
• Chevrolet Camaro SS
• Chevrolet El Camino SS
• Chevrolet II Nova SS
• Chevrolet Nova SS
• Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS

Chevrolet Trucks:

• Chevrolet 454 SS
• Chevrolet S10 SS
• Chevrolet SSR SS
• Chevrolet Silverado SS
• Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS

Are SS Cars Still in Production?

Currently, the only Super Sport car in production is the Chevrolet Camaro. In fact, the 2024 model earned the title of being the fastest and most powerful Camaro SS ever, thanks to its 455-horsepower engine.

Are SS Cars Rare?

SS cars are rare because Chevrolet only produced a little over 2,500 models with a manual transmission, and the performance package never hit mainstream. It’s most popular with enthusiasts and collectors. The automaker even struggled to break 300 monthly sales for SS cars.

How Much Do SS Cars Cost?

Due to their rarity, the depreciation rate of SS cars is quite low, meaning used ones still command a lot on the market. These models cost between $30,000 and $50,000 or more, depending on the year, miles, and options.

What Does SS Mean on a Ford Car?

Ford also has SS inscribed on some of their models, indicating they have a start-stop system that improves the car’s efficiency. This system automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle stops at traffic lights while still supplying power to the headlights, air conditioning (AC), radio, and other parts.

The Bottomline

SS vehicles are better-performing or sportier versions of certain Chevy models.

They come with the SS package, meaning they have a stronger suspension, a distinct trim package, an improved engine, a more unique look, and customized wheels and tires. They typically also have an enhanced braking system, a bigger motor, and an improved chassis.

Chevy has several SS cars and trucks. They’re considered because of their limited production, which means their depreciation rate is low.