2001 Holden Commodore VX review from Australia and New Zealand

Nothing really serious, gone wrong after in all these three years of ownership.

2002

Radio remotes on steering wheel failed at 8.000

Drivers sun visor bracket broken inside, i. e would not stay to the side of window (driver side) at 12.000.

Rear electric windows stopped work at 16.000

Both problems were repaired, still under the warranty.

2003

The car developed a rattle, on the glove box area at 24.000 The dealer still seems to be unable how to fix it, but it can be lived with it.

Alarm failure at 33.000. The alarm, started to goes off at any time, which made the Battery gone flat about three times.

2004

The last problem happened in January of this year when the car reached 40.000.

Radio and CD had a persistent cracking noise, dealer denied fault, acknowledged and changed the equipment after the 4th visit only. A pain.

The reliability hasn't bee exactly spot on and neither the Dealer service, that could be much better. But at least, this car does presented any kind of serious problem, unlike my previous 1998 Mitsubishi Magna, that after three years of ownership was about to go to the scrap.

The Commodore is a far better car than the Magna.

This car, is a great value for money in its class, specially if you compare with the German Executive alternatives, like the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class or Audi A6.

Also compared to the other Europeans like the Volvo S80, Jaguar S-Type, SAAB 9-5 or Alfa-Romeo 166. Or the Japanese like the Lexus GS300.

Like most of these European rivals, the Holden is also Rear Wheel Drive, has splendid V6 or V8 Engines, is very comfortable, very Imposing and it is quite refined as well.

The Commodore is the best Aussie alternative, out there compared with these cars.

Forget the Ford Falcon!

But if Holden really wants to get the attention, of clients tat usually buy the Imported cars, they really need to improve, the build quality and the dealer service.

So, I'm not sure if I still would consider buying another Holden.

Pity...Because the Commodore is a great car.

P.S: I Will probably keep the Reader updated about my life with the car.