Comments: 1-15, 16-25
Nothing yet so far so good for a series 1 VE.
A hell of a lot better than my VY Acclaim.
Excellent handling for a large family car, and a much safer car to drive and own. It has tons of grip. It's so nimble to drive around really.
Has all the interior comforts that I need and many more extras.
The V8 is a gem it just pumps out the power and the ESP keeps the car in check.
The car just looks awesome and it's a real head turner.
Although it does sit a tad high, but I guess I can live with it.
It has oodles of torque and it sounds great.
It's a pure joy to drive.
I also own a Holden Commodore VE SS, its wonderful to look at, fun to drive and quite comfortable, but has already been back to the dealer twice. Once for failed central locking system and the other because the airbag light came. Now I here that V8 models are up for recall after only two weeks only sale due to a possible fuel leakage. Pathetic Holden quality, I shouldn't be surprised really, they never were good at putting cars together, but I thought I'd take a chance, so much for "rivaling the Germans". Hope it doesn't get worse from here, I should have bought Japanese.
You fell for the Holden spin... pull at the heart strings, patriotic crap they dish out.
I would never... never buy a Holden. Or a Ford. As you said, they cannot (no matter what they say) assemble a car with decent build quality.
Build quality always is the main factor after a car has a few kays ont them because by then you have forgotten about the power and feature and more worried about things not falling off, not working, or breaking down.
Japanese (or Australia built Japanese designed/engineered) all the way.
When you buy a car that is a first generation, I think you need to be reasonable about problems. With a new car design, more things can go wrong. As long as they are kept to a minimum and the service is good, that is all that matters.
I know people with a variety of highly priced vehicles from Europe and Japan. All have expressed disappointment at some point about this that or the other. So I think it is something we have to live with and don't let people fool you by saying there cars are perfect as there are examples to prove 100K cars do have faults.
One of our TV programs here recently showed a convertible lemon that the dealer wouldn't \ couldn't fix. The owner was in tears. It was a Euro dealer - now that's poor service and unaustralian!
I am sure professional car reviewers will give the right impression. Wait for Top Gear to do their thing...
I am the original reviewer of this car sure it has been recalled for the fuel line, but the problem was fixed in no time.
The car has now covered 3000k's and so far its been a great car and I have had no problems with it.
Japanese cars don't appeal to me at all.
I like my VE SS and I enjoy it a hell of a lot.
People who need to run my car down needs to get a life I enjoy it and that's the end of it.
Another recall has been announced by Holden this week. It affects 13,000 VE's and is to address a problem with rear seat belts coming undone in the event of a collision. Truly pathetic, this car had $1 billion invested into its development and has already been recalled twice in three months, its really no wonder that Toyota has extended their lead in sales by almost 8,000 units a month. The car may be dynamically competent, but what worth is that when its falling apart around you?
His car clearly isn't falling apart on him, else it wouldn't be able to have covered 3000km...
Most of you living under this halo of Japanese quality seem to quickly forget some rather large Toyota recalls recently, which affected far far far more cars.
Such as...?? And were they locally produced or imported makes?
I work as a mechanic at a toyota dealership and can't remember any recalls lately. But if youve got details I'm all ears.
Halo of japanese quality?Oh so I suppose the japanese cars got there reputation for legendary reliability purely by mistake. The same way bmw and mercedes got their engineering reputations purely by mistake to. Now I understand it was marketing all along that fooled us I must be imaganing that my 98 hilux is so reliable. Oh well the japanese sure fooled me.
I have always considered recalls to be a positive thing.
After all companies that do not do recalls are saying they make perfect cars first time every time!!! Impossible.
It is disappointing to see how Aussie cars are underrated.
I find them to be best suited to Aussie.
Well done on your VE, it is an excellent car.
Take care.
Andrew (A falcon owner!!!)
You're probably right about recalls not being a bad thing. At least they are rectifying a potentially dangerous problem at no cost to the owner. Sure its inconvenient, but at least its being dealt with.I've worked as a mechanic at many new car dealerships over the years incl ford holden mercedes volvo mazda and they've all had recalls.It's just that holden ford and to a lesser extent mitsubishi and toyota are in the spotlight in australia.When did you last hear of volvo or bmw having a recall, and i know for a fact they have had them. Remember to the person who owns the car being recalled that generally only happens one time and that's it.Enjoy youre VE SS and dont listen to the critics.(also a happy falcon owner).
Recalls are not uncommon and apply too many products - not just cars. In fact there is a comprehensive process and even a website. Check out www.recalls.gov.au.
Beware of critics who have an opinion and seek information to prove themselves right! I'm buying a VE because it suits me - it doesn't have to be right for everybody.
Well its been a while since I have done an update.
Has 15,000 on it and still have been basically problem free did have a problem with the battery, but that was replaced.
SO to all you knockers of the car I am still very happy with my VE SS.
In Response to 17th Dec 2006, 00:07.
"Beware of critics who have an opinion and seek information to prove themselves right! I'm buying a VE because it suits me - it doesn't have to be right for everybody."
That is exactly true, its not good to criticise. Only comment on something if you are qualified to do so.
Just look for what is best for you, research it yourself and let others do what they do.
Hi,
I met a guy who had the V6. Asked him how is was, he said "Gorgeous". I agree entirely.
Everything I have read about them is very good. You have the V8!!! Excellent, man I am so jealous.
My ex just drove a brand new toyota, said she would never buy one, SO boring. She LOVES her older commodore (5 years?).
Could imagine that mercs, bmws etc are going to be seen as what they are. Overrated hugely.
I am lining up for an older statesman (WL). With better investing, I would have gone the VE.
Intelligent passionate choice you have made :-)