VS Statesman luxury model: approximately $42,000–$44,000
The VS Commodore featured refined styling over the VR, improved suspension, updated engine options, and enhanced safety features
The VS Statesman offered luxury trims, leather interiors, air conditioning, automatic transmission, and comfort-focused features for executive buyers. The VS Statesman had a very high level of standard equipment and safety features.
The VS would introduce the ECOTec V6 engine, arguably the most popular V6 engine ever sold in a Holden. It was available in naturally aspirated form as well as a supercharged model. Factory supercharged models are becoming quite hard to find and have become somewhat of a collectors item.
Both models targeted Australian families and professionals seeking reliability, modern styling, and comfort
Average wage
Average weekly wage: about $640–$660
Average annual wage: roughly $33,280–$34,320
Average house price
Around $180,000–$185,000
Price of petrol
About $1.10 per litre
Prime Minister
Paul Keating (Labor Party)
Population of Australia
About 18 million people
Top-grossing movie
Pocahontas, Toy Story
Top song
Gangsta’s Paradise by Coolio topped Australian charts
Significant world event
Early internet adoption and globalization influenced Australian businesses and lifestyles
Political and economic reforms shaped consumer confidence
Popular TV / radio in Australia
Home and Away, Neighbours, A Current Affair, and Hey Hey It’s Saturday
FM radio and music television were dominant for youth and pop culture
Significant Australian news story
Economic policy, suburban expansion, and automotive developments dominated headlines
The VS Commodore and VS Statesman reflected mid-1990s Australian demand for stylish, comfortable, and reliable family and executive cars
Interesting comparisons
The VS Commodore cost roughly 0.8 years’ average wages, while the VS Statesman cost 1.25–1.3 years’ wages
The average house cost about 5.5 years’ wages
Filling a ~60L tank cost roughly $66 AUD
A week’s wages could buy roughly 580–600 litres of petrol