2002 Holden Commodore VY SS 5.7Litre Gen3

Summary:

A high priced, unreliable performance car

Faults:

After 3 weeks of use there was a small knocking noise whenever I started the engine. Later it constantly occurred. I took the car to the dealer and they said they had to look into it further. I was then told that the piston clearance to the bore was the problem and that they had to re-bore the engine. I didn't like the fact that my car was being taken apart to be re-bored, but I took the situation cool. After getting the car back in a weeks time, the knocking noise was gone, but is starting to come back again. I am about to get my car checked up soon.

General Comments:

This is my first car from Holden, and already, I'm having second thoughts of ever buying a Holden again.

This car is a good car to thrash, but reliability is one of the cars weak points.

It's a comfortable car to have, and has lots of leg room.

It drinks little when on highways, but beware when you're driving around in the city, that's when it drinks like a horse.

The ride is good, but I also have a new BA Falcon XR8, and when compared together, the Falcon wins hands down.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 20th April, 2003

30th Apr 2003, 20:29

Had my VY SS for a few months and it has been absolutely excellent. Even my VT II SS has been awesome too.

31st Aug 2003, 03:28

You complain about the fuel consumption of the VY, but say the BA XR8 is the better car. I know you will find that the BA uses lots more fuel than the VY while giving less performance...

22nd Sep 2003, 07:33

Yes, I know that the BA XR8 slightly drinks more, but I was referring to the overall package, mainly the ride.

The SS does drink very little when on highways, but the difference is just too much when driving around in the city, that it's not funny.

With the problems I faced with the engine, it actually started using more oil for some reason. Yes, more oil than the XR8. I also know that the SS is slightly faster than the XR8, but, as a muscle car enthusiast, why do you think people in America buy pick-up trucks? for their acceleration? no, for their engines, power and torque. It always feels good having an awesome engine under the bonnet, not caring much for its acceleration. Personally, the XR8 is fast enough.

2002 Holden Commodore VY SS 5.7Litre

Summary:

Not as good as my CV8 monaro

Faults:

Leather headrests had fraying stitches, to be replaced under warranty.

Airconditioning had to be re gassed and a component replaced.

Selling dealer service is very poor, but I now deal with another service department whose service is excellent.

General Comments:

The car handles very well, although it is a firm riding car that some people may find uncomfortable.

The fuel economy for a 5.7 Litre V8 is remarkable. I am getting under 10L/100km on highway trips, and am averaging 12.5L/100km city cycle. The worst consumption over a 50km stretch has been 17.6L/100km and that was driving very hard in Sydney.

As a highway tourer it is excellent, set the cruise for 110km/h and sit back and relax, or take the twisty roads if you want to have fun.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th April, 2003

10th May 2003, 18:57

I own a 5.7 ute six speed, I live in central qld. I did a trip down to orange, I got 8.35L/100 on the trip between Goondiwindi and Dubbo.

5th Dec 2003, 03:25

Hi there, I live in Perth and I have just bought a SS ute 5.7 litre V8 series one and the fuel consumption seems OK at the moment, I seem to be getting around 13 litres in the city and about the same on country runs, can someone please tell me if this is normal and will fuel consumption drop as motor is run in a bit more, I only have 1500km on it so far, thanks in appreciation.