Holden · 2000–2003

Holden Commodore (VX)

The Holden Commodore (VX) is a full-size car that was produced by Holden from 2000 to 2002, and 2000 to 2003 for Statesman/Caprice (WHII) and Holden Ute (VU) models. It was the second iteration of the third generation of the Commodore. Its range included the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VX) and Holden Calais (VX), and it formed the basis for a new generation Holden Ute (VU) coupé utility and Holden Monaro (V2) coupé. The VX series was produced between October 2000 and September 2002, as a minor restyling update to the VT series from 1997. It introduced greater model differentiation along with gains in crash safety. An intermediate Series II was launched in August 2001, featuring a revised suspension system among other changes.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Holden Commodore (VT) · Successor: Holden Commodore (VY)

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History of development

=== Design === Visually, the exterior features a revised headlamp design over the preceding VT among other changes. These include the tail lamp panel now replaced by two separate individual light assemblies. The Berlina and Calais sedans however retain the full-width boot-lid panel incorporating the tail lamps and the registration plate. Safety. Safety played a substantial role in the development of the VX model. Bosch version 5.3 anti-lock brakes were made standard on all variants, a first for an Australian manufactured car; and traction control was made available on vehicles equipped with manual transmission. Extensive research was undertaken to reduce the effects from a side-impact collision through modification of the B-pillars. The risk presented by a side-impact collision in a VX fitted without side airbags is reduced by 50 percent when compared to a similarly specified VT model. Engine and mechanicals. The VX series introduced further mechanical upgrades to the 3.8-litre Ecotec V6 engine, which received changes to the engine management computer to bring power up to 152 kilowatts (204 hp). Fuel economy was also improved over the previous model by three to four percent. The optional Supercharged Ecotec V6 extended its service to the Executive and Acclaim variants, with the 171-kilowatt (229 hp) output figure remaining unchanged from the VT. As well as the supercharged six-cylinder, an even more powerful 5.7-litre Chevrolet-sourced Gen III V8 engine was offered. The powerplant received power increases from 220 to 225 kilowatts (295 to 302 hp). A modified front suspension setup received lower control arm pivot points. The Series II update featured the addition of a new rear cross member, revised rear control arm assemblies with new style bushing and toe-control links

Models

=== Commodore Executive === The entry-level Executive was a popular choice amongst fleet buyers, and offered standard features such as anti-lock brakes, a driver's air bag, trip computer, and central locking. Along with all other variants, steering wheel audio controls, a CD player, and an electrically retracting power antenna were now standard. The naturally aspirated 3.8-litre Ecotec V6 came standard on the Executive, with the option of the Supercharged Ecotec V6 or Gen III V8 engine. V6 engines were coupled to a five-speed manual transmission, and V8s came with a six-speed manual. A four-speed automatic transmission was available as an optional extra, regardless of the engine choice. Commodore Acclaim. The second tier Acclaim was marketed as a family-oriented variation of the VX range, with a strong emphasis on safety. Building on the equipment levels of the Executive, the Acclaim also featured four airbags, cruise control, traction control, Limited-slip differential, air conditioning and power windows. A four-speed automatic transmission was the only transmission available, although buyers did have the opportunity to opt for the Supercharged Ecotec V6 engine. Commodore S. Offered as a sporty alternative to the Acclaim was the Commodore S. Based on the entry-level Executive, features came in the form of a sports body kit, electric windows, 16-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, air conditioning, cruise control, and a leather steering wheel. However, leather upholstery, traction control, four airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels and the Supercharged Ecotec V6 were offered as options. Commodore SS. The SS continued on with the sporting trend of the Commodore S, but incorporated bumper-integrated foglamps, and more aggressively styled alloy wheels. Instead of the six-cylind

Ute (VU)

Before the VU, Holden had marketed their Commodore-based utility models under the Holden Utility (VG) and Holden Commodore utility (VP, VR, VS) names, although the term "Holden Ute" was also used in their official marketing literature. The VU Ute's successor was assigned the same model code as the sedan it is based on (VY). Models The VU replaced the VS Utility. The VU's arrival was 36 months after the VT Commodore sedan, meaning it arrived in time for the launch of the VX Commodore. The VU utilises the same wheelbase as the VT Commodore station wagon and WH Statesman/Caprice, meaning a wheelbase increase of 116 mm (4.6 in). The Ute employs the same interior as the Commodore, while also picking up the VX's upgraded equipment lists and restyled exterior design. Base : Built up from the Commodore Executive's specification. Available with 3.8-litre 152 kW (204 hp) Ecotec V6 – 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual or 5.7-litre 225 kW (302 hp) Generation III V8 – 6-speed manual or 4-speed auto S : Based on Commodore S specifications. Available with 3.8-litre 152 kW (204 hp) Ecotec V6 – 4-speed auto, 5-speed manual. SS : Based on Commodore SS specifications, minus side-impact airbags. Available with a 5.7-litre 225 kW (302 hp) Generation III V8 – 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The range received a minor refresh with the VU series II, releasing alongside the VX Series II. The VU was superseded by the VY ute in May 2003. Special editions SS Fifty: In October 2001, a special edition 'SS Fifty' model was released to mark the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the first "Holden Ute", the Holden 50-2106 coupe utility. Only 500 SS Fifty's were built and were identical in terms of colour scheme, all 500 units were released with a black exterior and a partial leather interio

HSV range

The enhanced performance VX and VX Series II range sold by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) comprised the variants listed below. Clubsport. The VX Clubsport was launched in October 2000 and featured the same V8 engine as the Clubsport VT Series II, but with an increased power output, up by 5 kW (7 PS; 7 hp) to 255 kW (347 PS; 342 hp). During the development of the VX Clubsport, HSV responded to many customers' complaints regarding how Clubsports were difficult to distinguish from standard Holden Commodores. The changes due to this included a more flamboyant, unique bodykit and exclusive HSV interior features. GTS. Series 1 VX GTS – 112 produced Series 2 VX SV300 (rebadged GTS) Maloo. In September 2000, the long-lived VS series Maloo utility was finally retired and replaced, from March 2001, by an all-new VU series that mirrored the existing VX series HSV sedans. The VU Maloo featured the same LS1 5.7 litre V8 engine as in the VX ClubSport with 255 kW (342 hp). Mirroring the sedan range, the HSV VU ute was now also available as Maloo R8, which featured standard 'Performance' brakes and a hard tonneau cover with raised rear wing. Overall, 301 examples were produced of the first series VU Maloo. HSV's VU Series 2 Maloo was introduced in October 2001 in concert with the VX Series II sedans, with minor cosmetic upgrades that included 'blackout' style headlights and additional Maloo range paint colours of Delft blue and HSV Racing green. This upgrade also introduced new security measures in the form of "HSV DNA", which was a micro 'DataDot' component identification system. Overall, 483 examples of VU Series II were produced, including a "15th Anniversary" limited edition launched in June 2002 (with 25 units for Australia and another 5 for New Zealand). Senator. The 2000 model un

Exports

Exports of the VX were made to the Middle East as the Chevrolet Lumina from 2000 as per the previous VT series. Trim levels were the Lumina LS sedan and wagon (based on Commodore Executive), Lumina LTZ sedan (Berlina), and Lumina SS sedan (Commodore SS). General Motors do Brasil imported the VX as the Chevrolet Omega from 2001 to replace the VT-based Omega. This update was announced 18 May 2001. The Brazilian model sold as a single-specification CD model, based on the Holden Calais. VX Omega sales ended in 2003 when replaced by the VY-based model, as announced on 28 April 2003. The Omega, while based on the Calais specification, featured the boot lid from the more basic model VXs without the tail lamps extending into the boot lid.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Holden Commodore (VX)

Manufacturer

Holden (General Motors)

aka

Chevrolet Lumina, Chevrolet Omega, Holden Ute, Holden Berlina, Holden Calais

Production

October 2000 – September 2002 (sedans, wagons), October 2000 – May 2003 (WHII Statesman/Caprice), December 2000 – May 2003 (VU utility)

Assembly

Australia: Adelaide, South Australia (Elizabeth)

Class

Full-size

Body style

2-door coupé utility (VU Ute), 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon

Layout

Front engine, rear-wheel drive

Platform

GM V platform

Related

Opel Omega B, Holden Monaro (V2), Holden Statesman/Caprice (WH), HSV VX and VU series, CSV VX and VU series

Engine

3.8 L Ecotec L36 V6, 3.8 L Supercharged Ecotec L67 V6, 5.7 L Gen III LS1 V8

Transmission

4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic, 5-speed Getrag 260 manual, 6-speed Borg-Warner T-56 manual

Wheelbase

2788 mm (sedan), 2938 mm (wagon, utility)

Length

4891 mm (sedan), 5046 mm (wagon), 5051 mm (utility)

Width

1842 -

Height

1445 -

Kerb weight

1519 -, 1535 kg (utility)

Predecessor

Holden Commodore (VT)

Successor

Holden Commodore (VY)

Designer

John Field, Mike Simcoe

sp

uk

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q917236CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holden_Commodore_(VX)CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1375474725 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vxcommodore.jpgPublic domain · Photo: The original uploader was Borgy at English Wikipedia. · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

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