2001 Holden Commodore SS review from Australia and New Zealand

Tires constantly wore out, Wheel alignment front and rear repeatedly needed adjusting.

Water Pump started leaking at 150,000 km. New Genuine cost $700 plus fitting.

Dash Lights always blew (one at a time)

O2 Sensors failed, resulting in extremely poor performance and economy until problem could be rectified.

Brakes needed machining.

Front R/H Stub axle bent (because of large pot hole in road)

Front Bumper keeps coming loose.

Auto Transmission would slip between 1st and 2nd intermittently.

Engine rattled bad on start up.

Would consume oil badly if it wasn't changed at 5000km intervals.

I have always owned and loved all things Holden. I have had FJ's EH's Commodores, nearly every Holden type made. I bought this VX SS in December 2003. In the 14 months I owned it, it has cost me more in repairs then any other car I have owned. Although the car was lovely to drive, handled well, and had more power then you could poke a stick at, I just wasnt impressed with the reliablity of it, and the subsequent cost of the repairs. Unless your in the automotive trade (which I am) paying full genuine cost for replacement parts is a joke. I did a lot of klms in the car, an average of 700km a week. But it needed the money to be poured into it to keep it going.

I drive a stock EH now, and do the same mileage (700kms a week) and for a car 37 years older then the VX it reliability is unsurpassed. Although the SS looks great, and is a better car then a lot of the other types on the market, I wouldn't buy another, and will stick to the older, better built Holden's.