The Holden Commodore (VX) is a full-size car that was produced by Holden from 2000 to 2002, and 2003 for Statesman/Caprice (WHII) and Holden Ute (VU) models. It was the second iteration of the third generation of the Commodore. Its range included the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VX) and Holden Calais (VX), and it formed the basis for a new generation Holden Ute (VU) coupé utility and Holden Monaro (V2) coupé.

The VX series was produced between October 2000 and September 2002, as a minor restyling update to the VT series from 1997. It introduced greater model differentiation along with gains in crash safety. An intermediate Series II was launched in August 2001, featuring a revised suspension system among other changes.[1]
History of development
The unique frontal styling of the Berlina and Calais (pictured) feature a headlamp and grille conglomerate, as opposed to the separate assemblages on lower luxury levels.
The full-width tail lamp panel featured on the Berlina and Calais (pictured) variants.
Design

Visually, the exterior features a revised headlamp design over the preceding VT among other changes.[2] These include the tail lamp panel now replaced by two separate individual light assemblies. The Berlina and Calais sedans however retain the full-width boot-lid panel incorporating the tail lamps and the registration plate.[3]
Safety

Safety played a substantial role in the development of the VX model. Bosch version 5.3 anti-lock brakes were made standard on all variants, a first for an Australian manufactured car; and traction control was made available on vehicles equipped with manual transmission. Extensive research was undertaken to reduce the effects from a side-impact collision through modification of the B-pillars. The risk presented by a side-impact collision in a VX fitted without side airbags is reduced by 50 percent when compared to a similarly specified VT model.[4]
Engine and mechanicals

The VX series introduced further mechanical upgrades to the 3.8-litre Ecotec V6 engine, which received changes to the engine management computer to bring power up to 152 kilowatts (204 hp). Fuel economy was also improved over the previous model by three to four percent.[5] The optional Supercharged Ecotec V6 extended its service to the Executive and Acclaim variants, with the 171-kilowatt (229 hp) output figure remaining unchanged from the VT.[6] As well as the supercharged six-cylinder, an even more powerful 5.7-litre Chevrolet-sourced Gen III V8 engine was offered. The powerplant received power increases from 220 to 225 kilowatts (295 to 302 hp).[7]

A modified front suspension setup received lower control arm pivot points. The Series II update featured the addition of a new rear cross member, revised rear control arm assemblies with new style bushing and toe-control links to the semi-trailing arm rear suspension to better maintain the toe settings during suspension movements, resulting in more predictable car handling, noticeably over uneven surfaces, and improved tyre wear.[5]
Engine Power Torque Transmission
3.791 L (3,791 cc) Ecotec V6 152 kW (204 hp) 305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft)

5-speed Getrag 260 manual
4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic

3.791 L (3,791 cc) Supercharged Ecotec V6 171 kW (229 hp) 375 N⋅m (277 lb⋅ft)
5.665 L (5,665 cc) Gen III V8 225 kW (302 hp) 460 N⋅m (339 lb⋅ft)

6-speed Borg-Warner T-56 manual
4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic

Models
Commodore Executive
2001-2002 Holden Commodore (VX II) Executive station wagon

The entry-level Executive was a popular choice amongst fleet buyers, and offered standard features such as anti-lock brakes, a driver's air bag, trip computer, and central locking.[8] Along with all other variants, steering wheel audio controls, a CD player, and an electrically retracting power antenna were now standard.[5] The naturally aspirated 3.8-litre Ecotec V6 came standard on the Executive, with the option of the Supercharged Ecotec V6 or Gen III V8 engine. V6 engines were coupled to a five-speed manual transmission, and V8s came with a six-speed manual. A four-speed automatic transmission was available as an optional extra, regardlless of the engine choice.[9]
Commodore Acclaim
2000-2001 Holden Commodore (VX) Acclaim sedan

The second tier Acclaim was marketed as a family-oriented variation of the VX range, with a strong emphasis on safety.[8] Building on the equipment levels of the Executive, the Acclaim also featured four airbags, cruise control, traction control, Limited-slip differential, air conditioning and power windows. A four-speed automatic transmission was the only transmission available, although buyers did have the opportunity to opt for the Supercharged Ecotec V6 engine.[9]
Commodore S
2000–2001 Holden Commodore (VX) S sedan

Offered as a sporty alternative to the Acclaim was the Commodore S. Based on the entry-level Executive, features came in the form of a sports body kit, electric windows, 16-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, air conditioning, cruise control, and a leather steering wheel. However, leather upholstery,[10] traction control, four airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels and the Supercharged Ecotec V6 were offered as options.[9]
Commodore SS
VX II Commodore SS interior with the satin dashboard veneer, sports-style upholstery and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The SS continued on with the sporting trend of the Commodore S, but incorporated bumper-integrated foglamps, and more aggressively styled alloy wheels.[7] Instead of the six-cylinder engine standard on the "S pack", a Gen III V8 engine and six-speed manual transmission came as standard. A more advanced suspension setup, traction control and a passenger's airbag were also standard, but side impact airbags and leather upholstery remained optional.[9][10]
Berlina
VX II Berlina interior displaying steering wheel command controls and a wood grain-faced transmission selection lever.

This model and the top-of-the-range Calais attributed a notably restyled exterior, when compared to other trim levels. Both featured a full-width rectangular grille, which merged off together with the angled-off headlamps. The rear-end of the sedan is characterised by a boot panel housing the a full-width taillight bar with transparent lenses. Alloy wheels for the Berlina were a nine-spoke, 15-inch, machine finished type.[7]

Building on the features the Acclaim featured the Berlina added climate control air conditioning, and adjustable seatbelt anchors. Optional extras comprised: 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension (the same type found on the SS), limited slip differential and the V8 engine.[9]
Calais
2000 Holden Commodore (VX) Calais sedan

The flagship Calais shares its exterior styling with the Berlina, but is distinguishable by its 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome outlined foglamps.[7] Standard features above Berlina included an eight-speaker audio system, ten stack CD player, dual zone automatic climate control, electric front seats and leather steering wheel, gear shifter and handbrake. The Calais presented the same optional features as the Berlina, but allowed for the inclusion of leather upholstery.[10] With the Berlina, the centre console was finished with either the black or beige plastic panel depending on the interior colour scheme, however the Calais upped the ante with a wood grain-faced console, or a satin-finished façade for Series II variants.[9] The Calais was the only model in the lineup that could be had with all three engines, with the Ecotec V6 standard and the supercharged V6 and V8 as options. Manual transmissions were not available.
Ute (VU)
2001–2003 Holden Ute (VU II) SS
2001–2003 Holden Ute (VU II) S

Before the VU, Holden had marketed their Commodore-based utility models under the Holden Utility (VG) and Holden Commodore utility (VP, VR, VS) names,[11][12] although the term "Holden Ute" was also used in their official marketin