Holden’s VE Commodore is coming to the US

General Motors has confirmed that it will sell the Holden designed Commodore in America under the Pontiac label. Australian journalists who tout the car as a BMW rival are so in love with it that they forget that its commonly used as taxis and that it often suffers from reliability issues. GM will wait until the Chicago motor show in 2007 to unveil the American version of the car.

Bob Lutz at the Paris Motor Show suggested that the new car will definitely be a Pontiac and it would receive some visual changes including a new nose. Previously, Pontiac sold the previous model Monaro coupe as the Pontiac GTO, but only 18,000 units were delivered due to strict union rules. Depending on how popular the Commodore sells in the US, GM may even start building it over here.

Click here to see some comments on Australian website Drive.com’s blog regarding claims that the Commodore is a genuine BMW rival. Holden always harks on about how much better the new model is over the old one – then all the problems start. Faulty engines, dodgy gearboxes and terrible fit and finish are among the list of common problems for the Commodore. Considering GM’s reputation for quality, we highly doubt this car will ever be a credible BMW rival, no matter how many high-tech toys or leather trim options you throw at it.
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kart1 - 9/29/2006 12:58:41 PM

+1 Boost

Hey, aren't MB's used as taxis in Germany? They have reliability issues too right? See this car will fit in perfectly ;).

JCF110 - 9/29/2006 1:20:25 PM

+1 Boost

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm... what can I say? I TOLD YOU SO!!!!!
I posted an artical saying this!
http://autospies.com/news/2008-PONTIAC-GRAND-PRIX-8202/

S4cabriofox - 9/30/2006 11:11:57 AM

+1 Boost

This article was from Motor Trend magazine; I actually posted a very long argument about it coming to America before you put out the article.

Sorry to burst your bubble.

;-)

phantom330 - 9/29/2006 2:19:32 PM

+2 Boost

GM needs to kill Pontiac and bring Holden here for a fresh start on our shores.

electrik - 9/29/2006 2:54:19 PM

+1 Boost

This article is just biased. I live in Australia and I can tell you easily that this car USED to have reliability problems. About 6 years ago it started to even out, and within the last few years it's reliable as ever. And yes, it's rear wheel drive. I dunno how to put pics in my comments cos im new here, but I can tell you it's quality is outstanding. We also have a long wheelbase version too which looks hot. But guys, Holden sells like crazy here with it's own performance brand, and now it's global architecture is gonna be used for other GM vehicles too.

After seeing the Ford America website, I can proudly say Ford Australia makes much sexier cars!

Cheers

S4cabriofox - 9/30/2006 11:14:34 AM

+1 Boost

Of course they do!

Don't you think Ford wouldn't be tanking here if they brought such cars as the Falcon to our shores?

Except, you don't have the Mustang!

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha...

electrik - 9/29/2006 4:08:22 PM

+1 Boost

And for ppl from JCF110s last article might want to know, it's rear wheel drive with 50:50 perfect weight distribution, drifts like crazy, and the v8 does 0-60MPH in 5.2seconds whilst the HSVs (Holden Special Vehicles - like AMG) can clock it at 4.7s. And you get that, with an interior that looks like it's E class mixed with Audi, for half the price of an expensive euro car.

and im guessing someone is gonna call me a brand hater or something soon like everyone does on this site because your all so loyal. so let me make myself clear. I have loyalty to no brand. they all have their ups and downs, and i choose my car on what my needs are, and who gives me more bang for the buck without compromise.

kart1 - 9/29/2006 5:39:08 PM

+1 Boost

You know Holden might do well here, since it is something looks exciting. It has the performance numbers and its fresh. GM should give Holden a chance.

Rupert - 10/1/2006 5:51:49 PM

+1 Boost

i proposed that in my plan for saving gm.

pontiac and buick went to, i suppose holden could replace both.

sebastianmejia17 - 9/29/2006 11:52:37 PM

+1 Boost

Will it have a Kia engine??????????

electrik - 9/30/2006 10:36:30 AM

+1 Boost

yeah mate, very funny. i get the joke lol. thankfully, it has a much better in house developed engine. and another tuned one. not too sure about if they are made in aus or come from the corvette in the US, but all i know is...they fast.

Rupert - 10/1/2006 5:52:53 PM

+1 Boost

2 door caddy....why not?
sounds good.
i think that actually will be happening, with a convertible too.

lambroast - 10/10/2006 8:42:50 AM

+1 Boost

Firstly one who critises a car without seeing it or driving it is expressing an opinion from a position of ignorance

The ve commodore is designed in australia including the chassis. The cadilac chassis was rejected .The engines and gearboxes are american.

The new commodore range is filled with technology ABS EBD BA ESP TC AND the new GTS and Senator has MRC (magnetic ride control)which only 6 other cars have including Ferrari

The HSV GST can get to 100klms in under 5 seconds- you have to pay $200 000 to a similarly fast car.

I admit that the previous commodore have had a few quality issues but they have nothing on the American cars.

The media has praised the ve commodore like no other, but they all have one complaint, the engine. The US sorced "global" v6 seems to get a bit noisy at mid range, simarly the media critised the Monaro gearbox, it too was American sorced.

Bob Lutz said the We commodore was a "magical car" and also praised the Monaro. Jeremy Clarkson said" You would be crazy not to buy it" and awarded it the best muscle car award. I only wished the Americans could appeciate the cars.

ILikeLambo - 1/28/2008 10:59:07 PM

+1 Boost

yeah, iknow that this is completely off topic but i think it is time that holden built a supercar like the equivalent to the ford gt