VT VX VY VZ Commodore Repair Manual
Styling, Refinement, and Performance Upgrades
The VX Commodore refined the VT platform with subtle exterior updates, minor engine tweaks, and improved comfort. By 2002, Holden introduced the VY Commodore, bringing more substantial updates to styling, engines, technology, and safety, marking a significant step forward for the early 2000s Commodore.
The VY Commodore built on the VX’s strengths with sharper styling, more powerful engines, improved handling, updated interiors, and additional safety features, making it one of the most desirable early-2000s Commodores.
Design and Styling Comparison
Exterior Design
VX Commodore:
- Rounded, aerodynamic late-1990s styling
- Sedans, wagons, and Ute variants
- Minor updates to grille, headlights, and bumpers
VY Commodore:
- Sharper, more aggressive front styling with new grille and headlight design
- Tail lights refreshed for a modernized look
- Wider stance, slightly more sculpted body panels
- Sedan, wagon, and Ute variants retained
- Aerodynamic efficiency improved, giving a slightly sportier appearance
The VY looked noticeably more modern and aggressive than the VX, while maintaining the familiar Commodore proportions.
Interior Design
VX Commodore:
- Spacious cabin with driver-focused dashboard
- Functional trim and supportive seats
- Minor updates to materials
VY Commodore:
- Updated dashboard design with improved ergonomics
- Better-quality materials and soft-touch plastics
- Seats redesigned for more support and comfort, especially in long drives
- Optional features like climate control, upgraded audio, and leather trim more widely available
- Quieter cabin with improved insulation
The VY interior offered a more modern, comfortable, and refined experience compared to the VX.
Platform and Engineering Changes
Chassis and Suspension:
- VX: Rear-wheel-drive platform with improved suspension and chassis rigidity
- VY: Minor suspension updates for better ride comfort and handling stability
- Steering response refined, anti-roll bars upgraded on some trims
- Brakes upgraded with optional four-wheel disc setup
The VY offered slightly improved ride and handling over the VX, making it feel more planted and refined on the road.
Engine and Drivetrain Comparison
VX Commodore Engines:
- 3.8L Ecotec V6
- Optional 5.7L LS1 V8
- Manual or automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive
VY Commodore Engines:
- 3.8L Ecotec V6 refined for smoother performance
- Optional 5.7L V8 in SS and higher trims, improving power and response
- Transmission options: five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, improved shift feel
- Rear-wheel drive unchanged, traction control optional on more trims
Performance Comparison:
- VX: Smooth performance with V6 and V8 options, adequate handling
- VY: More responsive engines, refined V6, optional more powerful V8
- Improved suspension and steering gave better road-holding and handling feel
Model Range Comparison
VX Commodore:
- Executive, S, SS, Berlina, Calais trims
- Sedan and wagon variants, VU Ute available as well.
VY Commodore:
- Base, Executive, S, SS, Berlina, Calais trims refined
- Sedan, wagon, and Ute variants
- Optional traction control more widely available
- V8-powered SS models offered improved performance and handling
The VY refined the VX lineup with better engines, optional traction control, and updated interior and exterior features.
Technology and Features
VX:
- Optional airbags and traction control on higher trims
- Functional 1990s-era dashboard and interior features
VY:
- Optional traction control and ABS standard on more trims
- Improved interior materials, seats, and trim
- More widespread availability of modern features like climate control, leather, and audio upgrades
- Fuel-injected engines more efficient and responsive
The VY offered modest technology and comfort upgrades, enhancing daily usability and driving experience.
Driving Experience
VX Commodore:
- Stable, smooth rear-wheel-drive handling
- Comfortable ride with supportive seats
- Adequate braking and responsive V6 or V8 engines
VY Commodore:
- Improved suspension and steering response
- Engines more responsive, V8 models notably stronger
- Cabin quieter and more refined
- Better braking and road-holding, especially on higher trims
- Overall more enjoyable driving experience, particularly on long trips and spirited driving
The VY provided a more polished, modern, and engaging driving experience compared to the VX.
Reliability and Common Problems
VX:
- Strong mechanical reliability, minor suspension and trim issues
- Parts generally accessible due to higher production
VY:
- Similar reliability with minor improvements
- Engines and transmissions robust, especially V6 and V8
- Electrical issues minor, traction control and ABS more widespread
Both models are dependable, but the VY offered more refined mechanical and interior updates.
Ownership Costs Today
Purchase Price:
- VX: Appreciated as a late-1990s/early-2000s Commodore
- VY: Slightly more collectible due to improved styling, refined features, and optional V8 performance
Parts Availability:
- VX: Good, with widely available parts
- VY: Easier to source due to slightly more recent production
Running Costs:
- Both mid-size, reasonable running costs
- VY slightly more efficient with V6 engines and refined drivability
Collector and Enthusiast Value
VX Commodore:
- Valued as the last of the VT-based Commodores before minor 2000s updates
- SS, Berlina, and Calais trims sought-after
VY Commodore:
- Highly collectible for early-2000s styling, refined performance, and more modern features
- SS, Berlina, Calais, and HSV variants particularly desirable
- Represents the final evolution of the original VT-based Commodore platform
Choose VX if:
- You want a simple, late-1990s Commodore with reliable performance
- You value classic rear-wheel-drive dynamics
Choose VY if:
- You want a more modernized Commodore with sharper styling, improved handling, and more refined engines
- You value better features, comfort, and optional V8 performance
Verdict – Which Is Better? The VX Commodore refined the VT platform with minor updates, smooth handling, and reliable engines. The VY Commodore further upgraded the platform with sharper styling, more powerful engines, refined suspension and steering, improved interiors, and better safety features. For collectors, VX is appreciated for simplicity and classic Commodore appeal, while VY is prized for refinement, modernized driving experience, and performance upgrades
VT VX VY VZ Commodore Repair Manual