VN VP VR VS Commodore Repair Manual
The Dawn of the Modern Commodore
The VL Commodore represented the final evolution of Holden’s mid-size rear-wheel-drive Commodores in the 1980s, featuring minor styling updates, optional fuel-injected V8s, and improved suspension. By 1988, Holden introduced the VN Commodore, marking a major leap forward in design, technology, and size.
The VN Commodore was a completely modernized vehicle compared to the VL. It featured a longer and wider body, more aerodynamic styling, improved safety features, optional V6 engines, updated V8s, and better interior comfort. This generation set the standard for modern Australian sedans and became one of Holden’s most successful Commodores.
Design and Styling Comparison
Exterior Design
VL Commodore:
- Sedans and wagons
- Subtle 1980s styling updates over VK
- Angular lines, mid-1980s design language
VN Commodore:
- Completely new, larger body with longer wheelbase and wider track
- More aerodynamic design with smoother panels and rounded edges
- Updated grille, headlights, and tail lights for modern 1980s styling
- Sedan and wagon variants; Ute introduced with WB-based platform later
The VN looked noticeably larger and more modern than the VL, signaling a new era of Australian car design.
Interior Design
VL Commodore:
- Functional, updated dashboard
- Supportive seats, improved trim in SL/E and Berlina
- Cabin comfortable and quiet for the era
VN Commodore:
- Completely redesigned dashboard with more modern instrumentation
- Improved ergonomics, driver-focused layout
- Seats larger and more supportive, optional luxury features in Calais and Berlina
- Cabin quieter, more spacious, and more comfortable than VL
The VN interior reflected a significant step forward in comfort, ergonomics, and modern styling.
Platform and Engineering Changes
Chassis and Suspension:
- VL: Refined rear-wheel-drive platform, MacPherson front, coil rear, improved anti-roll bars
- VN: Completely new platform with longer wheelbase, wider track, upgraded suspension
- Independent front suspension with updated geometry, improved ride and handling
- Rear coil spring or optional performance-tuned suspension
- Brakes improved with larger discs and optional anti-lock brakes on higher trims
The VN offered better stability, ride quality, and handling, reflecting a more modern engineering approach.
Engine and Drivetrain Comparison
VL Commodore Engines:
- Six-cylinder engines: 3.0L RB30E and optional turbo charged model
- Optional 5.0L V8 fuel-injected or carbureted
- Rear-wheel drive, three or four-speed manual, optional automatic
VN Commodore Engines:
- Introduced optional 3.8L V6 (new to Commodore) for base models
- 3.8L six-cylinder carried over with minor refinements
- 5.0L V8 retained, now with improved throttle response and fuel efficiency
- Transmission options: three-speed manual, four-speed manual, or four-speed automatic
- Rear-wheel drive with improved handling and refined drivetrain
Performance Comparison:
- VL: Smooth, reliable mid-1980s performance with fuel-injected V8 option
- VN: Better power delivery, optional V6 for economy, improved V8 performance and efficiency
- VN felt more modern, capable, and refined compared to VL
Model Range Comparison
VL Commodore:
- Sedan and wagon
- Executive, SL, Calais, Berlina, and SS trims
VN Commodore:
- Sedan and wagon
- Executive, Calais, Berlina, and SS variants
- Optional V6 or V8, better suspension, improved brakes
- More modern interior and additional comfort features
The VN offered more variety, improved trim options, and better overall refinement than VL.
Technology and Features
VL:
- Functional interior, optional fuel-injected V8
- Basic ergonomics, mid-1980s features
VN:
- Modern dashboard, improved instrument cluster
- Optional power steering, power windows, and air conditioning more widely available
- Optional ABS, fuel injection standard on some V8s
- Interior more ergonomic and feature-rich
The VN reflected the first real leap in technology and comfort since the early 1980s Commodores.
Driving Experience
VL Commodore:
- Smooth, rear-wheel-drive mid-size ride
- Adequate handling and braking
- V8 optional for performance, six-cylinder efficient for daily driving
VN Commodore:
- Larger, more stable body with improved suspension
- Better handling, braking, and comfort
- V6 option improved fuel economy for base models
- V8 refined and more responsive
- Cabin quieter and more driver-focused
The VN delivered a more modern, capable, and comfortable driving experience compared to the VL.
Reliability and Common Problems
VL:
- Mechanically reliable with simple, robust components
- Minor suspension and trim issues
VN:
- Mechanically reliable, improved drivetrain and suspension durability
- V6 engines added versatility
- Parts more readily available due to later production
Both are dependable, but VN offered more modern mechanical and drivetrain features.
Ownership Costs Today
Purchase Price:
- VL: Collectible, particularly SS and fuel-injected V8 variants
- VN: Highly collectible, particularly SS and Berlina trims
Parts Availability:
- VL: Limited
- VN: Slightly easier due to later production and widespread adoption
Running Costs:
- VL: Mid-size, reasonable for the era
- VN: Larger car, slightly higher running costs, but improved fuel economy with V6 option
Collector and Enthusiast Value
VL Commodore:
- Valued for being the final evolution of mid-1980s rear-wheel-drive Commodore
- SS and fuel-injected V8 models most sought-after
VN Commodore:
- Highly collectible as the first modernized Commodore with V6 and improved V8
- Berlina and SS variants particularly prized
- Represents the start of modern Australian mid-size sedans
Choose VL if:
- You want the final refinement of the 1980s rear-wheel-drive Commodore
- You value fuel-injected V8 and classic mid-size handling
- You want a VL
Choose VN if:
- You want the first modernised Commodore platform with improved comfort, V6 option, and updated technology
- You value a more capable, spacious, and refined 1980s sedan
Verdict – Which Is Better? The VL Commodore was the culmination of Holden’s mid-size rear-wheel-drive evolution in the 1980s, with improved suspension, braking, and optional fuel-injected V8s. The VN Commodore represented a major modernization, introducing a larger, more aerodynamic body, optional V6, refined V8s, improved interior comfort, and updated suspension and brakes. For collectors, VL is prized as the final mid-1980s classic, while VN is highly valued as the first fully modernized Commodore of the late 1980s
VN VP VR VS Commodore Repair Manual