The VE Commodore was the most important new Holden since the original 48-215. During 2006 when the reshaped and totally re-engineered VE was announced, General Motors globally was in financial trouble and there were rumblings within the industry that Holden would fold unless the new Commodore succeeded. How right they turned out to be.
Sales nonetheless were obligingly strong with VE Commodore deliveries during 2006-08 totalling almost 165,000 cars. Little wonder that so many survive and good ones in the used market can be found at less than $5000. If you need to spend a little less, a basic car in decent mechanical condition with paint and trim flaws costs less than $3000.
Early VEs used an uprated version of the 3.6-litre ‘Alloytec’ engine that produced 180kW. Engines in the SV6 had 195kW. Most VEs used five-speed automatic transmission, however six-speed manual was optional.
The base-level Omega which replaced the VZ Executive came with decent levels of equipment including power windows and mirrors, a CD system and electric seat adjustment. Air-conditioning was listed as optional but virtually every Omega available today will have it.
Step up to a better-equipped Lumina and the list grew to include factory air-con, alloy wheels and a multi-function steering wheel. There were also dual-fuel (LPG and petrol) versions of this model and the Omega.
Because so many of these cars would be sold new to fleet buyers, safety features were important and included airbags. traction control and anti-lock brakes. Improved structural integrity and provision for side-front airbags demanded some design compromises with the most obvious being thick front pillars that cause visibility problems.
A modular dash and variations in trim materials enabled Holden to add some character the VE cabin without significantly increasing build costs. The central ‘waterfall’ module housed multi-function display screens, ventilation controls and sound systems of increasing complexity.
The VE had been released without a station wagon in the range but that was corrected in 2008 when the Sportwagon was introduced. Unlike previous Commodore wagons, the Sport model shared its wheelbase with the sedan. It also featured a lower roofline and Holden admitted that cargo space was down by 40 percent on the preceding VZ.
Fuel economy was a major priority for Holden’s engineers and tests revealed they had done a decent job. Automatic Omegas weighed 1690kg but averaged 11.2L/100km. Gentle highway use could see consumption dipping towards a frugal 8L/100km.
CHECK POINTS
. upper engine rattles due to stretched timing chains or neglected maintenance
. engine mounts wear quickly, may need replacement
. front suspension clunks and rattles, premature wear to sway-bar bushes and suspension
. rear suspension problems include sagging springs and worn differential cradle bushes.
. damp or mouldy front carpets due to water leaking through firewall joins
. headlining may become detached
HOW IT RATES
Affordability: 7/10
Durability: 8/20
Running Costs: 6/10
On The Road 7/10
Safety: 7/10
GUIDE SCORE 35/50
QUICK SPECS
BODY STYLES: four-door sedan and station wagon, two-door utility
ENGINE: 3.6-litre overhead camshaft V6 with fuel injection
TRANSMISSION: five-speed automatic or six-speed manual
POWER & TORQUE: 180kW @ 6000rpm, 330Nm @ 2600rpm
SUSPENSION & BRAKES: independent front and rear, disc front and rear
PERFORMANCE & FUEL CONSUMPTION: 0-100km/h – 9.3 seconds, 11.6L/100km (Omega automatic)
ANCAP RATING – 5 STAR
VALUE RANGE
FAIR: $1600 GOOD: $3400 EXCELLENT $5000 (2006-08 OMEGA SEDAN)