2000 Holden Frontera S 3.2L V6

Summary:

Does its job, but is a bit thirsty

Faults:

Starting issue; winds over and won't start often on the first time. Always starts eventually, mostly on the second or third attempt.

Smells like it is flooding itself on start.

Replaced O2 sensors with no change.

General Comments:

Good 4WD, plenty of power, good mid size wagon, pretty thirsty on fuel.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st February, 2016

2002 Holden Frontera SE 3.2

Summary:

Great car, but needs a specialised repairer

Faults:

Oxygen sensor failing.

Check engine light on.

General Comments:

The Frontera has a 20 ltr reserve, so you only fill to 60lts normally.

Base your kms on 60 Lt's, and I get 100km per 10 litres (600km).

Repairs are hard; Holden can't fix my problem (O2 sensor).

Anyone know a Isuzu petrol repairer in Adelaide?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th February, 2011

6th Jun 2011, 21:28

Changing the O2 sensor is like changing a spark plug.

You need following:

O2 sensor - rockauto.com. Look up Isuzu Rodeo V6 6VD1 (same car), look up O2 sensor and select the one for your car. Buy OBD2 diagnostic kit from Tandy or search online. Plug the kit into the plug on RHS of steering wheel (in fuse box) and read code: Bank 1 Sensor 1 is driver's side (screwed into exhaust under driver's seat), Bank 2 sensor 1 is passenger side (in exhaust under passenger seat) - there are only 2 sensors on a Fronty.

Get under the car (raise securely with stands first), remove the plug from the faulty sensor and unscrew the sensor from the exhaust as you would a spark plug. Screw in a new sensor, then plug it in. Job done! Either reset the computer or drive 3 times and the light will go out.

The cost will be about $150 versus $400 from Holden.

6th Oct 2011, 23:51

You seem to know a bit about the Frontera model; was just wondering if you could figure out what has happened to my engine? It starts fine with oil pressure, and then slowly loses pressure as I go down the road, say two minutes. I stop the car, then start it again; I have oil pressure again. I'm looking to replace the engine if it's not a cheap fix. Do you have any idea where I could get a 2.2 engine for my two door Frontera 2000 model?

17th Jan 2013, 20:51

Any help on a fuel pump earth fault on a 97 Frontera?

2002 Holden Frontera SE 3.2 V6

Summary:

Good mid sized 4x4, comfortable on road, and capable off the beaten track

Faults:

Fuel gauge reads incorrectly.

General Comments:

Purchased this vehicle just 2 weeks ago, and took it on a trip to the Gold Coast. Covered 4000 kms without a hitch.

I couldn't believe my eyes when the fuel gauge plummeted over the first 200 kms. I started to think that I couldn't afford this trip, but much to my amazement my first fill only took 30 litres. This happened throughout the trip, and overall consumption was 12.5 - 13 litres/100k, which I reckon is OK for a car of this type.

Highway cruising was good and overtaking effortless.

I was a little concerned early on with the transmission lag, but I'm told that this is normal, and I'm now used to it.

Upon returning home from Qld, I took the Frontera down to a well known track used by 4x4s near where I live. It was pretty wet and muddy, and I was pleasantly surprised by the ease with which the "new" car handled the steep hills and wet terrain. The TOD setting is great, and inspires confidence offroad.

My Frontera came fitted with Pirelli tyres and 16 inch mags. Not sure if that's standard, but they surely work in the mud and are quiet on the road.

The level of equipment in the SE is great, with the cruise control working very well on the trip. The sound system is very good, and the radio reception excellent, picking up regional radio stations easily.

The only gripe I have thus far is that the rear tail gate swings the wrong way, making roadside use dangerous.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th July, 2007