VT VX VY VZ Commodore Repair Manual
A New Era of Performance and Comfort
The VS Commodore represented the final evolution of Holden’s first-generation 1990s Commodores, offering aerodynamic styling, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, optional fuel-injected V8s, and refined interiors. By 1997, Holden introduced the VT Commodore, a completely redesigned platform that marked a significant leap forward in size, safety, comfort, and mechanical sophistication.
The VT Commodore was a major step forward compared to the VS, featuring a larger, more rigid platform, improved suspension geometry, refined engine options, updated interior ergonomics, and advanced safety features including the introduction of driver and passenger airbags for the first time in an Australian Commodore.
Design and Styling Comparison
Exterior Design
VS Commodore:
- Mid-1990s styling with subtle aerodynamic updates
- Sedans and wagons with traditional proportions
- Smooth lines and classic rear-wheel-drive stance
VT Commodore:
- Completely redesigned body with larger dimensions and wider track
- Rounded, aerodynamic 1990s styling with updated front grille and headlights
- Improved panel gaps, flush-mounted windows, and more modern lines
- Sedan and wagon variants; Ute still based on previous platform but updated
The VT looked significantly more modern, aerodynamic, and refined than the VS, marking a clear visual departure from previous Commodores.
Interior Design
VS Commodore:
- Redesigned dashboard from VR
- Comfortable seats, functional cabin
- Basic 1990s ergonomics and materials
VT Commodore:
- Completely new dashboard with driver-focused layout
- Improved materials, soft-touch plastics, and modern trim
- Larger, more supportive seats
- Better instrumentation and optional luxury features in Berlina and Calais
- Quieter, more insulated cabin for long-distance comfort
The VT interior represented a major leap forward, offering a more refined, spacious, and comfortable driving environment than the VS.
Platform and Engineering Changes
Chassis and Suspension:
- VS: Rear-wheel-drive MacPherson front suspension, coil rear
- VT: New platform with increased wheelbase and track
- Suspension geometry redesigned for improved ride and handling
- Brakes larger and more capable; optional ABS standard on more trims
- Steering more precise, overall chassis rigidity improved
The VT provided a significantly more stable, comfortable, and composed ride than the VS.
Engine and Drivetrain Comparison
VS Commodore Engines:
- 3.8L six-cylinder
- Optional 3.8L V6 or 5.0L V8
- Rear-wheel drive, four-speed manual or automatic
VT Commodore Engines:
- 3.8L Ecotec V6 with updated fuel injection and improved efficiency
- Optional 5.0L V8 (later 5.7L V8 for series II)
- Transmission options: five-speed manual or four-speed automatic
- Rear-wheel drive with improved handling due to new suspension and chassis
Performance Comparison:
- VS: Smooth, reliable performance with optional V6 and V8
- VT: Improved throttle response, better fuel efficiency, smoother handling
- Optional V8 now felt more modern and capable with refined power delivery
Model Range Comparison
VS Commodore:
- Sedan, ute and wagon
- Executive, Calais, Berlina, and SS trims
VT Commodore:
- Sedan and wagon variants
- Executive, S, SS, Berlina, and Calais trims
- Optional V6 or V8, improved suspension, brakes, and interior
- Better feature availability across trims, including airbags on higher trims
The VT expanded and refined the VS’s range with larger, safer, and more luxurious options.
Technology and Features
VS:
- Optional ABS, basic driver and passenger ergonomics
- Functional dashboard, mid-1990s features
VT:
- Introduced driver and passenger airbags in some trims
- Optional traction control, ABS standard on more trims
- Modern dashboard and instrumentation
- Improved interior materials, seating, and cabin ergonomics
- Fuel-injected engines more efficient and responsive
The VT introduced significant safety and technology upgrades over the VS.
Driving Experience
VS Commodore:
- Smooth ride and rear-wheel-drive handling
- Comfortable cabin with practical engine options
- Adequate braking and handling for mid-1990s expectations
VT Commodore:
- More stable, refined, and comfortable ride
- Steering and suspension tuned for modern handling expectations
- Engines smoother and more responsive, better for city and highway driving
- Cabin quieter, more supportive, and more comfortable for long trips
The VT delivered a modernized driving experience with improved comfort, performance, and handling compared to the VS.
Reliability and Common Problems
VS:
- Mechanically reliable, simple to maintain
- Minor suspension and trim wear
VT:
- Strong reliability with more modern components
- Minor electrical and suspension issues on older models
- Parts slightly easier to source due to newer production
Both models are dependable, but VT offered modernized engineering and improved long-term durability.
Ownership Costs Today
Purchase Price:
- VS: Collectible late 1990s rear-wheel-drive Commodore, particularly SS and Berlina
- VT: Highly collectible as the first fully modern 1990s Commodore platform, especially SS, Berlina, and Calais
Parts Availability:
- VS: Limited
- VT: Easier to source due to newer age and higher production volumes
Running Costs:
- VS: Economical for mid-1990s technology
- VT: Slightly higher due to larger size, but more efficient engines and improved safety features
Collector and Enthusiast Value
VS Commodore:
- Valued as the final evolution of the 1980s/early-1990s Commodore
- SS, Berlina, and fuel-injected trims collectible
VT Commodore:
- Highly collectible as the first fully modernized mid-size Commodore of the late 1990s
- SS, Berlina, Calais, and HSV variants particularly sought-after
- Represents a major step in comfort, safety, and performance evolution
Choose VS if:
- You want a simpler, late-1990s rear-wheel-drive Commodore with classic dynamics
- You value smaller size and easier maintenance
Choose VT if:
- You want a fully modernized Commodore with improved safety, handling, comfort, and engine refinement
- You value modern features, larger interior space, and collectible variants
Verdict – Which Is Better? The VS Commodore represented the culmination of early-1990s rear-wheel-drive Commodores with aerodynamic styling and improved comfort. The VT Commodore marked a major leap forward with a new platform, increased size, improved safety features including airbags, modernized engines, and refined suspension, braking, and interior ergonomics. For collectors, VS is valued for simplicity and rear-wheel-drive charm, while VT is prized as the first fully modern 1990s Commodore and the foundation for late-1990s performance and luxury variants.
VT VX VY VZ Commodore Repair Manual