10 facts you may not have known about the VS
VN, VP, VR, and VS Holden Commodore Buyers Guide: What to Look for When Buying
Complete VS Commodore Restoration Parts Checklist
VS Holden Commodore Trim Levels
When the Holden VS Commodore and Statesman were released – Australia in 1995
Australian Holden Part Finder
VT Commodore VT Berlina
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| Years | 1997–2000 |
|---|---|
| Body | Station Wagon |
| Doors | 5 |
| Seats | 5 |
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Cosmetically, there is very little difference between the VR and the VS Commodore. The only differences are the badges and the wheel covers. The main changes that went on from the VR to the VS were under the hood.
With the previous upgrade, from the VP to the VR, there was very little engine changes but a lot of cosmetic changes.
With the change from the VR to the VS, it contained very little cosmetic changes but major mechanical changes, in fact the VS introduced a whole new engine that would last for 9 years.
VN VP VR VS Commodore Repair Manual
The VS introduced the ECOTEC engine (Emissions and Consumptions Optimisation through TEChnology. It increased power by 13% and cut fuel consumption by 5%. It would replace the Buick 3800 that was first used in the VN Commodore in 1988. Like the previous engine, the ECOTEC was still a 3.8L. The ECOTEC also had a supercharged version, provided as an option in some of the higher spec models.
3.8L ECOTEC 3800 V6 147kW
3.8L ECOTEC 3800 Supercharged V6 165kW
5.0L 5000i V8 185kW
The same transmission options were available on the VS, that being a 4 speed automatic and a 5 speed manual.
The VS Commodore was the 9th version of the Holden Commodore and would be the last Commodore in the second generation. The second generation lasted for 9 years and started with the introduction of the VN Commodore in August 1988 and would end with the last VS in August 1997, with the series 2 released in July 1996.
Production of the VS Commodore would last for 28 moths (April 1995 – August 1997). In that time a quarter of a million VS Commodores were manufactured. At the time the record for the most Commodores ever produced of the same model. All VS Commodores were assembled in Elizabeth South Australia.
The VS also stuck with the theme of occupant safety. It added a passengers airbag to its models as well as the drivers airbag introduced in the VR. This was a first for an Australian car. The passengers airbag was placed underneath the dashboard in front of the passenger.
The VS Statesman, also part of the model lineup, featured some subtle cosmetic changes but some much larger changes under the hood. Like the VR, the VS came in 3 body styles, sedan, station wagon and Ute.