Holden Commodore (VX)
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Holden Commodore (VT) |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Defunct | 2002 |
| Successor | Holden Commodore (VY) |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Large sedan, utility vehicle, coupe utility, coupe |
Holden Commodore (VX)
The Holden Commodore (VX) is a large sedan manufactured by Holden between 2000 and 2002, with the Statesman/Caprice (WHII) and Holden Ute (VU) variants continuing production until 2003. This model marks the second version within the third generation of the Commodore series. The lineup featured upscale editions such as the Holden Berlina (VX) and Holden Calais (VX), and also served as the basis for the next-generation Holden Ute (VU) coupe utility and Holden Monaro (V2) coupe.
Built from October 2000 through September 2002, the VX range represented a subtle evolution of the 1997 VT generation. It enhanced differentiation among models and incorporated improved crash safety features. An interim Series II, released in August 2001, introduced suspension upgrades along with other enhancements.
Design
The VX introduced updated headlamp styling compared to its predecessor, the VT, alongside various exterior modifications. The previous design featuring a single full-width tail light panel was replaced on most models by two distinct rear light clusters. Nevertheless, premium Berlina and Calais sedans preserved the full-width boot-lid panel that incorporated both tail lamps and the license plate, setting them apart from lower-tier trims.
Safety
Prioritizing occupant protection, the VX came standard across all variants with Bosch version 5.3 ABS, marking a first for Australian-manufactured vehicles. Additionally, traction control was made available on manual transmission versions. Structural reinforcements to the B-pillars substantially boosted side-impact resistance, cutting injury risk by half compared to VT models lacking side airbags.
Engine and mechanicals
Mechanical improvements in the VX included updates to the 3.8-litre Ecotec V6 engine, featuring revised engine management that increased output to and enhanced fuel efficiency by approximately 3–4%. The Supercharged Ecotec V6 option was expanded to include Executive and Acclaim trims while maintaining its power rating of . A more potent 5.7-litre Gen III V8 sourced from Chevrolet raised power from .
Front suspension geometry was refined by adjusting lower control arm pivot locations. The Series II variant introduced a redesigned rear cross member and updated rear control arm components with new bushings and toe-control links within the semi-trailing arm rear suspension setup, resulting in improved handling over rough terrain and reduced tyre wear.
| Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.791 L (3,791 cc) Ecotec V6 | 152 kW (204 hp) | 305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft) |
|
| 3.791 L (3,791 cc) Supercharged Ecotec V6 | 171 kW (229 hp) | 375 N⋅m (277 lb⋅ft) | |
| 5.665 L (5,665 cc) Gen III V8 | 225 kW (302 hp) | 460 N⋅m (340 lb⋅ft) | * 6-speed Borg-Warner T-56 manual
|
Commodore Executive
The Executive served as the base model and was favored by fleet purchasers, equipped with standard features like anti-lock braking system, a driver's airbag, trip computer, and central locking. All versions came with steering wheel-mounted audio controls, a CD player, and an electrically retractable power antenna. The standard powertrain was the naturally aspirated 3.8-litre Ecotec V6, with optional upgrades to either the Supercharged Ecotec V6 or the Gen III V8 engines. Five-speed manual gearboxes were paired with V6 variants, while six-speed manuals were reserved for V8s; a four-speed automatic transmission was available regardless of the engine selected.
Commodore Acclaim
Designed as a family-oriented model within the VX lineup, the Acclaim prioritized enhanced safety features. It built upon the Executive’s equipment by adding four airbags, cruise control, traction control, a limited-slip differential, air conditioning, and power windows. The standard transmission was a four-speed automatic, with an option to choose the Supercharged Ecotec V6 engine.
Commodore S
Aimed at buyers seeking a sportier experience, the Commodore S was based on the Executive but included a sports body kit, electric windows, 16-inch alloy wheels, sports-tuned suspension, air conditioning, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Optional features encompassed leather upholstery, traction control, four airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, and the Supercharged Ecotec V6 engine.
Commodore SS
The SS model amplified its sporty character with integrated front fog lamps in the bumper and distinctive aggressive alloy wheels. It came standard with a Gen III V8 engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Advanced suspension components, traction control, and a passenger airbag were included as standard equipment; side airbags and leather upholstery remained optional extras.
Berlina
Both the Berlina and premium Calais exhibited unique styling cues such as a full-width rectangular grille seamlessly merging into angled headlamps and a rear boot panel featuring a continuous taillight bar. Berlina models rode on nine-spoke 15-inch machine-finished alloy wheels.
Building on the Acclaim’s safety and comfort features, the Berlina introduced climate-controlled air conditioning and adjustable seatbelt anchors. Available options included 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension shared with the SS variant, limited-slip differential, and the V8 powertrain.
Calais
As the top-tier offering, the Calais shared exterior design elements with the Berlina but distinguished itself with 16-inch alloy wheels and fog lamps accented by chrome surrounds. Compared to the Berlina, it came equipped with an upgraded eight-speaker audio system featuring a ten-disc CD changer, dual-zone automatic climate control, electrically adjustable front seats, and leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear shifter, and handbrake lever. Leather seating surfaces were also available as an option. The center console showcased either wood grain or satin finishes in Series II models. Notably, the Calais was unique in providing all three engine choices: standard Ecotec V6, optional supercharged V6, and V8 engines. Manual transmissions were not offered for this variant.
Ute (VU)
Prior to the VU model, Holden offered Commodore-based utility vehicles under several designations such as the Holden Utility (VG) and Holden Commodore utility (VP, VR, VS), with "Holden Ute" also appearing in promotional content. The VU Ute replaced the VS Utility and was introduced three years after the VT Commodore sedan, coinciding with the launch of the VX Commodore. It utilizes the wheelbase from the VT station wagon—extended by 116 mm—and incorporates the Commodore’s interior alongside VX’s updated exterior styling and equipment upgrades.
- Models
- Base: Derived from Commodore Executive specifications; equipped with either a 3.8-litre Ecotec V6 engine (152 kW) paired to a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission, or a 5.7-litre Generation III V8 engine (225 kW) available with a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearbox.
- S: Based on the Commodore S trim; powered by the 3.8-litre Ecotec V6 engine with options for a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.
- SS: Modeled on the Commodore SS but without side-impact airbags; fitted with a 5.7-litre Generation III V8 engine offering either a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
A minor update was introduced in the VU Series II alongside the VX Series II refresh. The VU ute was succeeded by the VY ute in May 2003.
- Special editions
- SS Fifty: Launched in October 2001 to commemorate fifty years since the original "Holden Ute" (Holden 50-2106). Limited to just 500 units, all finished in black with partial leather interiors accented in "hyper yellow." Unique elements included a chrome sports bar, a black and yellow engine cover, leather-wrapped steering wheel, handbrake cover, gear knob, and a color-matched instrument cluster coordinated with leather bolsters on the sports seats.
HSV range
The high-performance VX and VX Series II models from Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) comprised several variants.
Clubsport
Debuting in October 2000, the VX Clubsport retained the same V8 engine as the VT Series II Clubsport but increased output by 5 kW to reach 255 kW. Responding to customer input, HSV enhanced this model with a more aggressive bodykit and exclusive interior appointments to set it apart from standard Holden Commodores.
GTS
- Series 1 VX GTS – total production of 112 units
- Series 2 VX SV300 (a rebranded GTS)
Maloo
The VS series Maloo utility was discontinued in September 2000 and replaced by the all-new VU series Maloo in March 2001, aligning its release with that of the VX HSV sedans. The VU Maloo featured the same 5.7-litre LS1 V8 engine delivering 255 kW. The Maloo R8 variant came standard with 'Performance' brakes and included a hard tonneau cover paired with an elevated rear wing. Initial production consisted of 301 first-series VU Maloos.
In October 2001, the VU Series II Maloo was launched alongside VX Series II sedans, incorporating subtle aesthetic changes such as blackout headlights and new paint options including Delft blue and HSV Racing green. It also introduced "HSV DNA," a micro DataDot security system designed to enhance vehicle protection. Total production reached 483 units, which included a "15th Anniversary" limited edition issued in June 2002 comprising 25 units for Australia and five for New Zealand.
Senator
The VX Senator released in 2000 underwent a facelift featuring sharper styling cues and a distinctive 'eggcrate' grille design. Mechanical enhancements for the VX Series II included toe-control links added to the independent rear suspension, consistent with updates applied to the Holden Commodore, along with integration of Microdot theft deterrent technology. Exterior revisions crafted by former TWR designer Ian Callum included chrome grille trim, a crossed hatch lower grille, roof spoiler, and a subtle boot-mounted spoiler. The LS1 V8 engine saw an increase in power output to . The VX Senator shared components with the Holden Calais and came equipped with Electronic Traction Control as standard.
Priced at $72,881, this model featured a 10-disc CD player, dual subwoofers within a premium sound system, four airbags, automatic climate control, cruise control, power-adjustable mirrors and windows. Rear parking sensors were introduced as part of this lineup along with optional satellite navigation and sunroof packages. The standard transmission was a four-speed automatic supported by front ventilated and rear solid disc brakes. Vehicle dimensions included length , width , height , wheelbase , and weight . Fuel consumption was rated at 18.1L/100 km in urban driving conditions using a fuel tank capacity of 75 litres.
The Senator retained its self-levelling rear suspension system while upgrading entertainment options to include a six-disc CD changer and an eight-speaker audio setup. Safety features encompassed ABS and traction control systems. Interior appointments featured leather upholstery complemented by dark wood grain dashboard accents. Optional enhancements included premium braking components, satellite navigation systems, pewter leather trim upgrades, and advanced audio configurations.
Senator 300
Introduced in 2001 alongside the VX and continuing into the Y series, the Senator 300 represented HSV's flagship offering, priced at $98,850. It came equipped with a 10-disc CD changer, eight-way electrically adjustable front seats, woodgrain instrument panels, power windows, automatic climate control, ABS, and both front and side airbags as standard. Production was limited to just 33 units worldwide, with seven allocated to the New Zealand market.
The vehicle was powered by a V8 engine tuned by Callaway, delivering , exclusively mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Performance features included ABS and high-performance cross-drilled brakes fitted to 18-inch 10-spoke chrome shadow wheels. The Senator 300 accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in only 6.1 seconds and completed the quarter-mile in less than 14.7 seconds.
XU6
Debuting in September 2000, the VX XU6 was equipped with a 3.8-litre L67 supercharged V6 engine producing 180 kW (241 hp) at 5000 rpm and 380 Nm (280 lb.ft) of torque at 3200 rpm, matching the specifications of the VT XU6. It featured a 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission exclusively. Standard amenities included 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker CD audio system, climate control, cruise control, a four-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, four airbags, and an immobilizer. The VX XU6 marked the last model to carry the XU6 designation from HSV.
Exports
Beginning in 2000 and continuing from the VT series, the VX was marketed in the Middle East under the Chevrolet Lumina nameplate. Available trims comprised the Lumina LS sedan and wagon (based on the Commodore Executive), Lumina LTZ sedan (derived from Berlina), and Lumina SS sedan (equivalent to Commodore SS).
Starting in 2001, General Motors do Brasil imported the VX as the Chevrolet Omega, succeeding the VT-based Omega model. This Brazilian version was offered solely in a CD trim based on the Holden Calais but featured a boot lid from the base VX model without tail lamps extending into it. Sales of the VX Omega ceased in 2003 when it was replaced by the VY-based generation.