1986 Holden Commodore SL 3.0 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

The perfect first car

Faults:

I have not had any problems with the car.

The suspension was replaced so that it was road worthy because the person that had it before me had it lowered.

General Comments:

The car is very quick of the line. I have taken a ford falcon Ute at a set of lights and he got a car length head start.

I have found that it holds the road really well, I can take corners faster in my commodore than in any other car I have driven.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2003

1986 Holden Commodore VL Turbo 3.0 turbo 6 cylinder from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Bang for your buck, with looks to kill!

Faults:

Transmission is starting to get a bit dodgy due to constant thrashing.

There's rust around the front and rear screens.

General Comments:

This is a VERY quick car for its age and size, to be honest with you nothing beats the feeling when boost comes on and the car pushes you back in your seat.

Many people say this car handles badly, but with a bit of lowering and some firmer shocks, it's a very fun car. Assuming you like power over steer around corners :D.

The bodies are pretty poorly made, with the seals around the front and rear windscreens on most examples have failed, with water, and hence rust accumulating behind them. Be prepared for some nasty surprises if you don't check out the body properly.

I'm spraying my car soon, so all the rust will be getting cut out and fixed.

Overall I love these cars, and will own one as long as I'm capable of driving.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th September, 2003

1986 Holden Commodore VL 3.0L Straight Six from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Cheap and reliable, zippy town car

Faults:

The head gasket cracked at about 200000 k's.

General Comments:

The manual transmission makes the VL surprisingly quick off of the line. It keeps right up there with the rest of them.

This car is extremely reliable and starts first time every time.

The lack of space in the back seat can be a problem when often used as a transporter.

The RB-30 is notorious for being able to "go forever" and it lives up it with regular servicing.

The car is very comfortable to drive and the large head a feet room is essential for any long trips.

A very cheap and recommended car especially for P platers.

Tiny bit of rust showing in the boot, but is expected of the model.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th September, 2003

1986 Holden Commodore VL 3.0 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

If you have spare cash, buy a commodore!

Faults:

Radiator replaced at 186,000km

Head cracked at 186,200km

Fuel pump seized at 186,500km

Power steering pump went at 190,000km

Starter motor problems at 194,000km

Lifters noisy at 196,000km

Transmission slipping 196,000km

Horn stopped working

Right tail light keeps shorting out.

Tailgate lock broken.

General Comments:

This Vehicle is poorly designed.

The suspension feels like I'm driving a bus.

However drivers position is good, plenty of leg room for the driver and passenger.

The commodore would have been good if most of the commodore turbo running gear had been used on the basic executive models.

Holden went a little wild with the color of the interiors. (everything in my commodore's interior is color coded blue except the dash!)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th August, 2003

27th Feb 2004, 19:06

Not a bad review, my Vl has a simular story!

1986 Holden Commodore VK 3.0 efi from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Worst car ever made

Faults:

The engine blew up and caught fire.

The diff had to replaced three times.

I have had two replacement engines in it.

General Comments:

This would have to be the worst Australian built car ever made.

The car never drove well, always blew lots of smoke and was always very noisy.

I think that the XF falcon is a much better car and the falcons 250 cross flow engine would beat any early commodore.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th April, 2003

8th May 2003, 22:14

Although I don't quite agree with the "Worst car ever made" bit, I do believe that the VK commodore would have to be the commodore to AVOID.

Unfortunately, Holden was way off with the "Black Motor" idea. It was a poor attempt at reviving a 20-year old engine and resulted in a very inefficient powerplant. Ford decided to have Honda design the whole "Alloy Head" concept back in 1977, it's a shame Holden didn't act sooner and use the Nissan engine in the VK, instead of waiting for the VL when much of the sales had been lost to Ford.

Many of my friends have said "I wouldn't wish a black motor on anyone - not even you!". This may be harsh, but I believe that if you have to have a commodore, go for a VH or a VL or get a VK with a V8 or a 6 cylinder blue motor.