VY Commodore Review Australia | Features, Specification, Price

• Car Reviews,
• Aug 23, 2020

There are plenty of second-hand Holden vehicles available in the market, even though the company has stopped its local manufacturing operations in the country. But finding the best bargain and the best model is another challenge to be reckoned with. There have been various models and trims levels produced by Holden. There is a chance that a good vehicle slips through the net among car enthusiasts and finds the place in your garage.

 

The VY Commodore is one such car by Holden. The car offers decent features and performance when compared to other competitors and even from the same maker. Considering that the VY Commodore range offers plenty of trim and engine variants, which have more equipment than many other cars.

 

The performance and fuel economy are something that is also compete able. Read on more about the Holden Commodore VY and the trims that are available

 

The Holden Commodore VY was produced for just two years, from 2002 to 2004. It is labeled as an executive car, following the Commodore range. Produced by the Holden Company locally in Australia, this was the third iteration for the Commodore series. As with the other Commodore ranges, the VY featured two luxury variants Holden Berlina and Holden Calais.

 

Two commercial versions were also available called the Holden One Tonner and the VY Commodore ute. This series also introduced for the first time an all-wheel-drive Commodore, called the VY Commodore Wagon Adventra. The Acclaim, Executive, and Berlina models were specifically offered as sedans and wagons.

 

Exterior and Standard Features:

In the third generation, the VY Commodore came with minor restyling in the exterior. A new front grille was added, as well as changed headlights and taillights. There were also significant changes in the interior. A new instrument panel and a center console graced the interior. The new instrument cluster includes a large digital display, which portrays information such as radio, gear selector indicator, stopwatch function and help facility.

 

Some of the key standard features include automatic headlamp control and programmable headlamps. A state-of-the-art audio system and intermittent wipers were also made part of the new VY Commodore. The updated version of the range added adaptive cruise control, power windows, and front-seat lumbar support. The interior was also revised.

 

Commodore Executive:

Being the baseline model for the range, the Executive had a price tag of $31,000. It is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 152 kW of power. It utilizes a five-speed manual transmission as standard, or the optional four-speed automatic transmission.

 

Features include:

✓ Air conditioning

✓ Adaptive Cruise Control

✓ CD player

✓ 15-inch steel wheels

✓ Security system

✓ Independent rear suspension or IRS

✓ Anti-lock braking system

✓ Front airbags for driver and passengers

 

Commodore Acclaim:

The next model in the range is the Commodore Acclaim which had a price tag of $37,500. Powered by a similar 3.8-liter Ecotec V6 engine producing 152 kW of power. It was only available in a four-speed automatic transmission.

 

Some notable specs:

✓ Air Conditioning

✓ Brake Assist

✓ Adaptive Cruise Control

✓ Power windows

✓ Traction Control

✓ Independent Rear Suspension

✓ Side impact airbags as well as front airbags

✓ 15-inch alloy wheels

 

Commodore'S:

This is the start of the sports variants in the range. Being the base sports model, this is also the cheapest. Priced at $37,800, the Commodore S is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine or the optional supercharged V6 engine. You can opt for the five-speed manual transmission or the four-speed automatic one.

 

Key features include:

✓ Air conditioning

✓ Brake assist

✓ Anti-lock braking system

✓ Adaptive Cruise Control

✓ FE2 sports suspension

✓ Power windows

✓ Traction Control system

✓ 16-inch alloy wheels

✓ Trip Computer

 

Commodore SV8:

Previous Commodore series had been available in V8 engines, and the VY range was the first one that did not offer a V8 engine in the base models. It was in the SV8 that the customers could get their hands on a V8 option. It would not be wrong to call the SV8 an Executive with a V8 instead of a V6.

 

The price tag on the SV8 was of a hefty $40,500. The engine was a 5.7-liter V8, capable of producing 235 kW of power, utilizing a six-speed manual transmission or the optional four-speed automatic.

 

Below are the key specs:

✓ Brake Assist

✓ Anti-lock braking system

✓ FE2 sports suspension

✓ Limited Slip differential

✓ Independent rear suspension

✓ Traction Control

✓ Security system

✓ 17-inch alloy wheels

 

Calais:

The VY Commodore Calais is the range-topping model pricing starting from $56,200. It is powered by a 3.8-liter supercharged V6 or a V8 engine. It applies a four-speed automatic transmission.

 

Key features include:

✓ Bose speakers

✓ Anti-lock braking system

✓ Brake assist

✓ Climate control

✓ Adaptive cruise control

✓ Power windows

✓ Luggage net

✓ Rear park assistance

✓ 17-inch alloy wheels

 

VY Commodore Problems:

The VY Commodore has not seen many recalls or issues over the lifetime. However, it is the V6 in the VY Calais that presents the greatest possible difficulties. These motors have a dreadful propensity for experiencing extended planning chains. The issue appears to be more awful in vehicles that have had recently insignificant overhauling. However, even very much kept up models have built up the feared timing-chain shake and have required the chain and its tensioners to be supplanted.

 

The V8 is an extensive motor if it has been dealt with appropriately, yet there have been disappointments for this to be known as a pattern. The guidance, while you are in there supplanting the lifters, is to likewise check the state of the valve springs and the rocker course and change them if any wear is available.

 

These models had the additional control connected in the free back suspension that relieved the negative-camber hardships of early IRS Commodores, yet front brakes can in any case be somewhat peripheral with a propensity for the rotors to twist and require substitution.

 

Likewise, early forms of amalgam V8 could be inclined to utilizing a touch of oil between changes. To be reasonable, the issues were pretty much arranged when the VY was in showrooms, yet it would in any case merit a pressure test before cash changes hands. Check intently, as well, for oil spills, especially the region where the motor joins the transmission.

 

Our Verdict:

The VY Commodore has lived up to par with the previous Commodore ranges, and that is saying something. These vehicles were built locally in the country, which gave them an added responsibility to prove to be successful not only locally but to support in the exports as well. Needless to say, the VY range lived up to expectations. There are many reasons to buy the VY car, and you can choose from the multiple variants for the one that best suits you. 

 

After reviewing car details, if you have made up your mind, then it would be better to be 100% sure. Just to be clear about your choice, get a detailed history of car theft and accidents. We are bringing you an all-time available portal for instant search.