1994 Holden Commodore Reviews

The Commodore is turning 25. Graham Smith tells you what they are worth today as used cars.  The first Commodore was smaller than the previous Kingswoods but boasted European running and handling gear. It topped the sales charts and was Wheels Car of the Year for 1978. Poor build quality and rust problems make it difficult to find a VB in good condition today.  A facelift of the VB with updated six-cylinder and V8 engines. For the first time there was a four-cylinder engine available but it was disappointing.  A smart new shadow tone two-tone paint scheme was available for the first time on the SL/E and made it even more attractive.  But build quality problems and rust plagued the VC; it's hard to find cars in decent condition. Another facelift of the first Commodore, the VH had more engine upgrades.  With Holden's ongoing build problems, including poor paint, good quality VH Commodores are hard to find. Values range from $600 to $3400.SS was introduced as a limited edition model and remains the most desirable. Be careful of cars that have been thrashed. This first major facelift featured louvred grille, plastic bumpers and new rear quarter window. New models included the Berlina and the luxury Calais. The four-cylinder and the small 2.8-litre six were dropped and the 3.3-litre became standard.  The 4.2-litre V8 was dropped, leaving the 5.0-litre as the only V8.Performance models, the SS and SS Group 3, were built with Peter Brock's HDT operation and are the most collectable VK models, along with the SS Group A which was designed for the new Group A touring car racing. New front and rear treatment, new slim headlights and a lip on the boot lid were features of the VL.  The Holden six, a faithful servant since 1963, was replaced by a Nissan imported 3.0-litre six, prone to over-heating and head damage.The V8 was replaced by a turbocharged Nissan six which put out 150kW, until public protest brought the V8 back by late 1986.  The VL SS Group A, finished in Permanent Red, is highly collectable today.TWR became Holden's performance partner in 1988 and their first creation was the TWR VL SS Group A, better known as the Batmobile for its wild body kit.  The VL is popular with young drivers today but be wary of cooling problems with the Nissan engine. The Commodore was being soundly beaten by the Ford Falcon in sales. Holden responded with a bigger car.  Power came from a fuel-injected 3.8-litre Buick V6 with an optional 5.0-litre V8.The SS is a popular model, while the Durif Red SS Group A is the most collectable.  However, cut-price engineering and poor build quality mean lots of tatty VNs now. A facelift of the VN with attractive styling changes. The V6 was refined and the 180kW HSV 5.0-litre V8 became an option over the standard 165 kW V8. SS is popular for a sporty ride, with the Calais a popular prestige choice. With new front and rear sheet metal and new head and tail lights, the VR was an attractive remake of the VN/VP.  Holden introduced driver's airbag standard and ABS and IRS available across the range.  SS and Calais remain the most sought models but the value-packed Acclaim is a popular family car.The new 3.8-litre ECOTEC V6 engine was smaller, lighter, smoother and more fuel efficient than previous.  A passenger's airbag, and improved remote central locking with an immobiliser, were added. The third all-new Commodore struck a decisive chord with buyers. It was longer, wider and had a longer wheelbase and roomier interior with more legroom and width than any previous Commodore.  The American Gen III V8 replaced the Aussie V8 in the 1999 Series II update.Generally without major problems, although the Gen III V8 has been plagued with oil consumption and piston rattle problems. Styling changes were minimal but the V6 now had 152kW and better fuel consumption thanks largely to new electronics, and the V8 was up to 225kW, courtesy of a higher flow inlet manifold and new fuel injectors.Changes to the front suspension produced more progressive steering, which aided handling. Rear suspension improvements make VX II the better choice. The jury is out on whether the VY, with sharp edges and hard lines, is an improvement on the VT/VX. Revised steering package delivered more handling improvements.V8 power jumped to 235 kW and was standard on SS and new SV8 sports model. Auto transmissions were refined.  VY will continue to roll off the production line until the VZ is launched in 2004.

Luxury motoring starts at a relatively affordable price with the Holden VR Calais executive express.  The Calais looks better than the previous model with Holden's designers having changed 80 per cent of the exterior sheet metal to produce a stylish split grille at the front flanked by new headlamps.The exterior of the Calais is distinguished from other Commodore models by chrome inserts for the grille, bumpers and bodyside mouldings, and a chrome-tipped exhaust pipe.  Door handles and exterior mirrors are body-colored, and the Calais features two-tone paint for the body and stylish alloy wheels.Inside, a new wraparound instrument panel includes a tachometer and a trip computer that gives 10 settings including an audible warning when you reach a pre-set speed.  The computer also gives instant and average fuel consumption, average speed, distance to empty, as well as trip distance.Wipers and the electronic cruise control are operated from stalks mounted on the steering column, and the car is fitted with climate-control air-conditioning.On the roadUnder the bonnet of the test Calais was Holden's standard 165kW 5.0-litre V8, although you can opt for the 3.8-litre V6 at a saving of about $2000 or spend an extra $2760 for the 185kW V8 developed by Holden Special Vehicles.  Unlike the body, there have been no changes to produce greater power or torque from these engines.But the standard V8 nger does its job remarkably well. The Calais is quick off the line through a combination of good low-down torque and less weight. It is also reasonably fuel efficient, although that can change quickly if you put the foot down.Noticeable differences from VP are the absence of nervousness in the steering, better directional stability at highway speeds, and less road noise.  Power steering adjusts for vehicle speed and is well-weighted and precise. The four-wheel disc brakes resist fade and operate well.The doors are locked by remote control and can be deadlocked, and the system also disables the ignition when you leave the vehicle.  Safety features now standard in the Calais include a driver's airbag, anti-lock brakes, seatbelt webbing clamps, and a lap-sash seatbelt for the centre-rear passenger.The only problem I had was on the day I collected the car which was one of the hottest this summer.  The engine temperature gauge was showing close to maximum in stop-start trafficlong Brunton Avenue past the MCG, and a strong smell of petrol entered the car whenever I stopped.Moving at speed along the South-Eastern Arterial brought the temperature down and I made it home where I called the HoldenWise 24-hour roadside assistance.  An RACV van arrived one hour and 50 minutes later, the delay being due to peak-hour conditions and the fact that the car was not blocking a road.The car had cooled by this stage, there was no evidence of any leaks, and the source of the problem - which did not resurface during a week of driving - could not be found.  My guess is that the redesigned grille, which has only a small opening, may not allow enough cooling air to circulate under the bonnet in some conditions.The competitionCalais is officially listed as an "upper medium" car along with the Ford Fairmont Ghia, but these cars are worthy of being described as prestige.  In V8 guise, these cars have no equal in their designated segment in terms of size and performance - except for versions of these vehicles produced by HSV and Tickford.While they do not have the refinement of some luxury European imports, neither do they have the pricetags.  Calais is cheaper than the BMW 3-Series, Eunos 500, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Nissan Maxima TI, Volvo 850 and 940, Audi 100, and so on.The extra features and dynamic advantages of the Calais make it exceedingly good value - in fact, it can match any other upmarket sedan in the world in this area.Holden Calais 1994Body: SedanTransmission: ManualEngine: 3 - 4Fuel: UnleadedSeries: VRPower: 80 kW - 150 kWVehicle Segment: LARGETorque: 295NmCountry of Origin: Australia