1995 HSV GTS 5.7 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Quick cheap reliable

Faults:

No Major faults so far.

93000kms a bit of play in the diff.

98000kms sway-bar bushes warn.

General Comments:

Very fast in a straight line.

Ride is very firm, but handles very well.

The car is perfect for someone who wants a sports car that will out perform a lot of car on the market for not much money.

Seats a little uncomfortable on a long trip, but lock you in when driving hard around town.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st September, 2003

1994 HSV GTS VR 5.7 V8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

It may be 8 years old, but it still brings a smile to my face whenever I drive it

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

From day one I knew I loved this car. The power, handling and comfort are like nothing I've owned before.

The torque of the stroker V8 is awesome with bulk pulling power available throughout the rev range. The 6 speed manual just enhances the experience.

Keeping the driver in place are some very nice racing style seats that hold you very nicely while cornering.

When it comes time to stop the twin piston 330mm ABS assisted brakes pull the beast up with ease.

The only problem I had with the car was slam changing from 2nd to 3rd, but once I was used to the box that problem soon disappeared.

Want a GTS, but can't afford the current model? This is the car for you.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th November, 2002

9th Sep 2004, 21:11

Great car, lots of torque.. although I'm getting used to the power now..!! the motors are near bulletproof, fuel economy is harsh about 16.5L/100km.

Car has travelled 140,000kms - slight diff clunk, but drives OK, seats are great, no major problems, its cost me $250 in 6 months and that was a service.

Handles excellent for a commodore, but can be a bit of a barge if pushed around corners too quick... needs to lose like 200kg.

I paid $17500 for mine and I can't think of any cars that offer the same performance, luxury, handling for the price. insurance is cheaper than you'd think, better than a WRX or an import of the same era.

2001 HSV GTS -R 5.7 V8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

More fun and more character than an M5

Faults:

No problems whatsoever.

General Comments:

Easily the most fun saloon car on the planet. I looked long and hard at the BMW M5 but in the end, the Holden's character just won through. Although the M5 is a cracking car, it left me a bit cold in the way that German cars often do. It's almost too perfect and too capable. The Holden in comparison is a little rough around the edges, but it has the important ingredients spot on, namely power, feel and chassis ability. It's also rare in the UK, unlike any BMW.

The Chevrolet based V8 is a delight, and punts this big saloon along with almost supercar baiting grunt. Sounds lovely too, and with that grunt, a really well sorted chassis, and some subtle adjustments to the (excellent)Racelogic traction control system, roundabouts can be your personal playground. In the more demanding twisties, the bulk disappears, and the big Holden really does handle. It turns in brilliantly, the steering has plenty of feel, the six speed 'box is slick, and the brakes are eye popping!

I can report that the HSV is not only fast and well sorted, but reliable, and not as far away from BMW build and solidity as you might think. It's a stonking cruiser too, allowing licence losing speeds to be attained and maintained with near on silence in the cabin. Apart from scary fuel consumption (11 mpg worst, 18 average, 26 best), it's a fantastic all rounder. Fast, smooth, suprisingly agile and with an exclusivity and rarity in the UK that BMW's just no longer have. If you're not a badge snob and care more about what a car does than what badge it wears, try one. You will not be disappointed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th September, 2002

8th Nov 2003, 18:10

I'll ignore the animosity you caused with the BMW comments!...BUT, you wouldn't say what you did about Holdens being unique and M5s not if you lived in Australia, HAHAHA!!!

I drive BMW because over here Holdens are painfully run of the mill and the working mans car. They have an Australian shell, an American engine, and German electrics. I long for something with pedigree and class; something that isn't just designed to be cheap and affordable; something that is designed as a real car, and not just some family car stocker with an American V8 plonked inside and given a new paint job.

But, it is your car, and as long as you are happy that is the main thing. I just found it interesting in view of the culture shock that over there in the UK one would choose a Holden over BMW because they wanted to stand out.

Cheers.

26th Feb 2004, 11:43

I think we're getting a little too subjective for what should be an objective car review site. Why some people prefer Bimmers to any other manufacturer doesn't make for useful reading when every purchase, fast or slow, Aussie or German, is a personal choice.

In Europe, it's clear that BMW and Mercedes are becoming victims of their own success. In large cities and in wealthy suburbs they are as common as Swiss watches, and BMW sales have recently begun to tail off in their oldest markets. If you take into account the technical gremlins of complex models such as the 7-Series, and run your hand over the seriously poor quality interior of a late 90s Benz, the reasons to buy into the brands have shrunk to status and snobbery.

Quite honestly the German cars that most people hold as icons aren't as special as they'd like to believe. Take the almighty 911 which is now made in telephone number numbers, and together with the Boxster the frog-eyed Porsche face is now a truly common site. Is something really that special when every guy in your street drives one? I dare say that an American would make similarly derogative comments about the Chevrolet Corvette, despite the fact that in the UK they are a rare sight with a rare sound and somewhat revered as a result. Each to their own, what we're here to find out is, did it go wrong on you? :)

2001 HSV GTS 5.7L Gen III from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

HSV have done it again, what a killer!

Faults:

Nothing yet.

General Comments:

This is a 300KW Monster that will leave your ass in the boot.

The power is unbelievable, one tap on the accelerator and you instantly have smoke pouring from your behind.

It has looks that could kill.

It's a bit pricey, but worth every cent if you can afford it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd May, 2001

27th Jan 2002, 07:33

HSV? Yeah right... just hope you don't meet up with a WRX or Lancer EVO mate!

8th Apr 2003, 06:54

HSV have now released the supercharged version of the GTS which now produces around 530 bhp a massive increase over the original and factory stats of 0-62 in 4.5 sec and a top speed of 180 mph. Making this a monster family sized saloon car and a little extra on the other cars available in this category.

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