1997 Holden Commodore SS Series 2 review from Australia and New Zealand
"Great classic big V8 cruiser with enough grunt, great soundtrack and almost sports car handling"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Trans input shaft broke 2004, recon trans fitted with corvette shift kit.
Rear inner CV's worn out 2005.
New radiator 2005 (split tank).
Chipped, 183 KW @ crank.
Home made cold air intake thru wheel arch (sounds great!).
Brake rotors replaced 3 times over the years.
MONROE sensatracks fitted
Power steering leaks a bit (has done for years!)
General comments?
Have owned many 'dores... the VS S2 SS is simply the best.
Good points: Handling outstanding for a big car - very nice lift-off oversteer with that heavy V8 in front.
Enough power to keep you happy.
Beaaaauuutiful "old school" V8 sound and loves to rev.
Reliable, never let me down.
Looks great... still think it looks better than VT and later.
Great headroom.
Simple to fix, not too much to go wrong.
Bad points:
Drinks gas of course.
Uncomfortable on bad roads.
Chews tyres, especially on the rear (yep, I know I could fit camber kit... ruins that great oversteer though).
A/C dismal... the car is black too :-(
Hmm... vicious, unpredictable LSD... could do with traction control, especially in the wet.
Not a car for the beginner due to nasty "snap" oversteer in the wet... there's a lot of weight to catch back!
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| 1997 - Commodore VS 3.8 ECOTEC Everything you need in travel car, and plenty of fun for the mechanical enthusiast. |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.0 V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 91000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 183000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Holden Commodore |
| Date of Entry | 26th December, 2007 |