1997 Holden Commodore Executive VS Series II ECOTEC 3.8 V6 from Australia and New Zealand
Summary:
A joy to drive, especially over longer distances, if cared for and maintained
Faults:
Car would not start cleanly, as fuel injectors were very dirty when the car was purchased.
A hole blew in the exhaust piping, and was replaced with a larger system.
The brake lights have blown quite frequently. Have not been able to find the cause of the problem.
The front windows (manual type) have become difficult to wind down and up.
General Comments:
The V6 engine has fantastic power in most cases, but loses a substantial amount of power when the air conditioning is operating. Also tends to struggle on hot days.
The automatic gearbox can be clunky, especially when slowing down and then accelerating from low speeds in a hurry however it uses overdrive fantastically well.
There is a significant amount of understeer, at low speeds. This is compensated by the relatively light weight of the car when compared to other large cars.
The suspension performance is very poor. The rear springs too soft, and this model (Executive) does not include independent rear suspension.
The overall driveability and dynamics of the car are good. It is extremely dangerous in the wet in the wrong hands. There can be high speed instability in high levels of cross winds.
Internal comfort excellent. No complaints.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th May, 2005
17th Aug 2005, 02:04
> The brake lights have blown quite frequently. Have not been able to find the cause of the problem.
Buy original Holden brake light globes -- the filaments are thicker (or so I've heard) and they last much longer. It's false economy to purchase 3rd party brake light globes.