The Last Ever Holden Commodore! Is It The Best?
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Welcome to another Episode of Ross Reviews AU on this weeks Video we take out this last ever Holden Commodore series 2 VF SSV Redline.. this car with its LS3 V8, RWD & Paddle Shifters! This has really got me interested to see just how good this VF really is... do you think it's the best ever?
The Last Ever Holden Commodore! Is It The Best?
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It was undoubtedly the best vehicle ever to bear the Holden badge and the best vehicle ever made in Australia. In my opinion, VE/VF, and in particular VFII, were arguably the best range of non-premium sedans in the world. In my experience as a current BMW owner and a previous owner of numerous V8 Commodores, the VFII did feel like a BMW for the masses. There will never be another vehicle with the performance, driving dynamics, space, technology, appearance, and safety for the price point (40-60k AUD). I even knew that Holden executives and engineers intended to equip the VF with contemporary safety features in 2013. This equipment wasn't even standard on the base model BMW 7-Series and Mercedes Benz S-Class of the time, which gives you an idea of how absurd that would have been. Sadly, this never happened because of the GFC and GM's financial situation, but it shows how passionately Holden employees wanted to see their creation become the best it could be. I will always treasure the memories of the Holden vs. Ford rivalry and the times we spent with these magnificent works of Australian engineering that showcased our nation's incredible ingenuity.
Holden, may you rest in peace always.
It’s sad as they got their act together to late!
@@mervynstent1578 lol
I own one as a daily driver. Truly one of, if not the greatest 4 door sports car the modern world has ever seen. I might be biased but the vf body, engine, interior etc. simply superb all you need is a x-force system and an otr intake, bang you’re done ! I haven’t even changed the wheels
I should do the same otr and exhaust.. it's just a decent package even as std.
I've driven MANY cars, the communication between the tiller and front wheels resembles that of Captain Cook's Endeavour! 😂
@@paulkarwacki7119 hahaha nah mate he called it a sports car 😭😭😭 imagine thinking that.
So true! Better than anything ford ever made lol. Vf ls3 ssv > overrated barras
@@94toxic94 I own both. An fg and a VF 2 ss.
Both fantastic cars. Obviously the Barra has a standard head gasket issue which creeps in at about 750,000km... But let's be real it's super reliable and technologically advanced compared to an ls3.
But the ls3 is one of the few engines that come close to the Barras reliability.
I love them both!
Shouldn't fight over Aussie cars. We should be proud of the staunch family cars that we produced
Love the VF Redline. 👍🏻
The perfect send off to our automotive industry, just sad that it had to end at all.
Wish they were still here
I almost purchased a brand new 2017 Holden Commodore VFII SSV Redline in that Slipstream Blue, as I am a former GM Holden employee who lost my job in November 2016 when Holden shut down their HFV6 Engine Plant. Also, not many people may know that in 2016 Holden employees could purchase a Commodore VFII in SV6 or SSV Redline called and badged as RESERVE, employees only edition.
Yeh I know someone with one of these in slipstream blue. It's a beautifully presented representation of the SS badge.
Reserve built better or worse?
Spot on review couldn’t agree with it more. I drive a Vf2 SS on a regularly basis and they’re by far the most refined Commodore and 100% agree with you as being the best Commodore ever. Awesome review as always
FYI, the Vz Sv6/Calais did also have paddles but I believe only V6’s since they got the 5 Speed Auto and the V8’s stuck with the 4 Speed Auto
I'm a Ford guy,but I'd definitely go for one of these in a manual.
Better interior than any Falcon Ford Australia ever built.
Very nice 👍
Yup me to.. love these
Great review Ross! From your comment wishing the box had a bit sharper shifts, fun fact, there is actually a hidden "Performance Shift" mode in the VF's, independent of the Competition mode and Sport mode on the box. It activates automatically based on various parameters (Throttle position, speed and steering angle I believe) if youre driving it spiritedly. It will flash "Performance Shift Active" on the centre screen, and it noticeable sharpens the gear changes IMO. I have the paddles on my S2 SV6, and during a drive through the hills it certainly makes for a very fun drive! It will better rev match the downshifts, and when braking, it anticipates you accelerating hard out of a corner by holding the higher rpms to keep you in the power band. Have read it was a feature requested by US Police Dept's for high speed pursuits in the Caprice PPV, in which they wanted it to activate automatically without button pressing. Not a-lot of info about it out there, but makes for a-lot of fun when you activate it
still trotting along with my s/c lfx vf sv6 you reviewed not long ago, i absolutely love the ls3 power plant and anyone that has a vf v8 ls3 or l77 keep them tidy and well looked after! theyre just cars now but it wont be long before they're a very sought after piece of history, if i could go back in time and sacrifice a left testie to obtain a spitfire green ls3 ss i 150% would, but im stuck with my sv6, still love it of course just wishing i didnt miss out on owning a true piece of history. well done as always ross love the reviews dont ever stop
The VF’s are possibly the most refine Aussie car ever. Nice review mate
I think they are 👌
I bought a VX SS a little while ago, drove it home from Kingaroy to ingham, I was overwhelmed over the course of the trip as Australians we built bloody good cars!
Nice buy! I love the VX shape.. cool cars
I live in kingaroy 🤘🏻
This was a solid model aswell
i could only imagine what the commodores would look like after the vf 😳 would have been wild
Imagine a commodore with an LT engine line up!
I have a 2016 VF2 redline manual Ute, with a 2300 harrop charger at 9 psi and some other mods. Close to 690hp at the wheels, very fun to drive. Good review Ross!
Oh hell yes! 🤩 that’s what I’m talking about
Agree Holden saved the best for last. The best Commodore Holden built. I would almost sell my VN SS for a VF red line SS.
Great review 👏
Almost 😉 glad you enjoyed it
I've owned a few Commodore's over the years, I now daily a MY15 VF SSV Redline Auto (the last series 1) with a cam/full exhaust/lowered and other work, such a fun car to drive. Just clicked over 64,000k's🤙
Keep it forever.
@@liamgross7217 Absolutely, I have no plans to sell, got a photo of my car in "Holden - The Final Chapter 2nd Edition" as well.
@@Jaylaz good, don’t end up like all the blokes on FB, commenting on how they had this or that back in the day. It’s good to have a boys toy parked in the shed. 👍
@@liamgross7217 Thats it mate! I already have many cars I wish I'd kept over the years, wish I had an 8 car garage haha
@@Jaylaz there’s a few I let go as well that would have been worth keeping. Although I did hang onto an oily old Falcon that came with a GT badge. I might get buried in it. :)
Great review of the SSV Redline, Ross. What a great car. Yes we agree they shouldn’t have stopped making them. They would have just kept getting better and better. Sounds great with the aftermarket exhaust and tune.
Was very grateful to be featured!
The exhaust is actually just the standard exhaust off a 340 VF HSV which doesn't really help with power but has a deeper note to it than the standard one!
@@ryanbayros9003 going to a real 2.5" does help.
@@Low760 It deff would! and prob be closer to 300 at the wheels but wanted to keep it sort of factory-ish!
We own a MY17 daily driven Redline Sportwagon. We have a Walkinshaw W407 kit fitted and only issue was injector failure. Other than that about to hit 160,000km and very little trouble. Great car.
That’s awesome to hear!
I just bought myself the 2017 VFll 6.2 ls3, built 2 months before they stopped and i absolutely love it
Awesome 👌🇦🇺
I have one over here in the states. Slapped a LSA blower and man I fell in love with it all over again.
Oh hell yes that’s a nice addition
Beautiful Colour, never seen it before. Thanks JR, keep em coming ...
More to come 🇦🇺👏
Love my commodores.
I have a similar car to this one. Mines a 2016 VF2 SSV Redline sedan, same blue (slipstream blue), proper spoiler, manual, but mine makes 520rwkw thanks to a cam, push rods, dual valve springs, street fighter 1000hp fuel pump, harrop 3 inch exhaust, extractors, high flow cats, harrop engine oil cooler, harrop otr, harrop 2650 supercharger on 15psi, and 102mm boosted throttle body. Absolutely love my car.
Top review. Have recently been looking at VF2 Redlines for sale in my area. Depending on condition and 'mileage' etc., it's hard to find a good one under about 70-80K.That LS3 badge on the front is definitely a statement. Cheers
Good choice! hope you can find one! great car
I like the exhaust👍, it sounds really nice👌. I like my VF2 SS Ute, the power, interior, shifting gears, but lately I've been thinking about trading it on something different, though - watching this review puts a few doubts on my mind about trading the Ute.
Hey Mate,yeah despite the minor flaws it's still a beautiful car indeed just a true Aussie classic,I love everything about it Johnny it's a bloody shame imagine what we'd have now if they were still in production,great review thanks man.
ngl best vid so far I enjoyed it so much, interesting paddle shifts on a commy i kinda like it ,mebe the tuner can make upshift quicker, but great vid and nice car, now I want one :) also would love to see ones of these cammed +charged+dif gears ooooooooooooooooooooo now that would be hot
Appreciate it mate! Glad you enjoyed this one! I second on seeing one like that!
I own a May 2016 black one.
Absolute beautiful car!
Just cracked 4000km, driven a little, loved a lot 😋
Awesome mate
I have a series 2 VF SS in slipstream blue as my daily, with mods makes 330rwkw, absolutely love it 👌
That’s a mint daily
I'm here because I had never seen a Holden until a couple hours ago when I saw one parked way out in the parking at a Walmart store in Meridian, Mississippi, USA! It appeared to be pearl white.. or some color other than plain bleached out white. I took a few pictures of it and Googled it to see what it was since it had only logo badges with no name that I could see. That was a beautiful car. Google's first search returned a Chevrolet SS which I learned is the same car but imported and badged as a Chevy.
Check out the rest of the channel! Lots of cars you may never of heard off I’ve done videos with 🇦🇺👍
Love my VF2 with a LS3 so much. Now built and forged LS3 and turbo close to 1500hp.
It's my baby just like my WM. I love my Holdens! But yes VF is the most refined inside and out.
Over here the Chevrolet ss version came with everything.
Bi modal exhaust and heat/cool seats and magnetic ride control. So much more. It rides awesomely.
Mine has 1600 hp
@@pauledwards6446 nice! Should meet up one day and run it for fun bro.
Who built yours? Mine was built by Koza Performance. He has the fastest Chevy SS in America.
Also do you have Facebook or Instagram. I would love to follow your build?
my biggest issue is the damm blind spots ,i nearly bought one but the blind spots really got to me ,i ended up spending a lil less and buying mint VYSS ,you really have such a better safer view out the screen ,its alot older but every now and again its gets the thumbs up ,great channel Ross
Airbags in the front pillars do that to most cars. Gives it a 5 star safety rating for the win
Great Review Ross Love Your Aussie Cars .Have a 6.2 HSV VXR8 in UK .Cheers M8
Thanks! 👍
Nice review mate.. ZF never had throttle blipping for smooth down shifting though.. Down shifting in the VF is smooth as
That’s a fair point I guess! The ZF felt snappier tho up shifting
I love the last VF generations. Definitely plan to own one in my lifetime whether it be manual or automatic :)
Can’t go wrong with this car
@@RossReviewsau Thanks mate :D
My daily driver is a 2015 VFII SS wagon. Love it.
epic!
Awesome review John. It's only a second quicker than my stock as a rock 275K km BF XR6T 0 - 100. Not bad for an old Barra T
But it sounds waaaay better than a Barra.
@@Low760 Oh 💯
At least you know you've got the last of basically an all Australian built car Ba I'm sure there a few things imported from places but all the major components are Australian made
With the Auto, you're getting a nice torque boost my manual (more efficient) doesn't get! Id imagine all you'd need to do is plant it, and you'd get wheel spin in the auto.
Just needs a shift kit to get that change to snap in harder
Ross, i really appreciate the time and effort you put into each and every video. Don't you ever stop 🤙🏾
P.S have you ever done a video about what brought you to OZ, and your experiences since coming? If not, you should 👍🏾
Thanks.. might do that soon
This is my model, with the paddles, love it, the gearbox loves my 2650.
I have a cammed NA VF1 (MY15) with paddles, such fun cars to drive hey mate 👍🏻
These definitely should have stayed in production, GM was insane throwing this out. Not a fan of the electric steering though.
No one bought them to keep the lights on.
@@mvnorsel6354 people bought them, but sales slowed down in the VF era because of worries about future parts availability. That's on GM.
They did, america bought them up, bodies only, check out where the new cadillacs come from you'll immediately recognise them
I love the steering honestly! And i never have to worry about fluid leaks AND have no power draw against the engine either
Nothing wrong with the steering, best steering I've had to be honest.
I just bought a 2017 Redline Sportswagon - I'm so excited for next week's delivery :)
One of only 892 ever made, and 1 of 333 in nitrate silver :)
Good choice!
Upgraded to the Redline from owning a BA TURBO.. it was definitely a upgrade..this is a keeper.. gr8 car.
def a keeper mate good stuff
@@RossReviewsau keep up the gr8 reviews Ross.. Big fan of your channel.
I've got the identical car with 375kw
Added huuuge whiteline sway bars and Bilsteins Shocks....razor sharp handling
nice upgrade!
absolute banger ROSS! its so sad this was the last AUSSIE made Commodore :(
Spot on.. sad they are gone
These are awesome cars that GM should've kept to have a better handling competitor to the Dodge Charger in America... It would've sold really well over there and sold decently over here...
Great video👍
They didn't sell in the ' States ' or here. The good folk bought SUVS.
@@mvnorsel6354 The Dodge Charger is selling like hotcakes over there, especially for an old-school sedan... The VF Commodore sold decently here in Australia as well (though not as great selling as the VE)...
But yeah, SUV's are what everybody wants these days...
Love my VF 2 redline. Untuned for now, been in many tuned ones with gearboxed tuned up, the shifts are pretty quick once tuned up properly
They are wicked cars.. worth the tune
@@RossReviewsau just waiting gona do a whole top end package together
in terms of performance and technology it's the best. but for me the older Holden's were better in terms of driving experience.
Yeah the old girls really make you feel alive when you drive em. My old HG Kingswood, LH Torana and VB Commodore were fun to drive, turned heads, and sounded old school. I wish I had the Torana now......best car I ever had:- 202 four speed, and gobs of performance. Good size, good styling, reliable!
I daily drove a hq 308 for years. Mate the steering, brakes, interior comforts and overall feel is dogs turd. The steering wheel might as well have been disconnected from the wheels.
They sound great but I put VN heads, crane cam, valve springs, timing chain setup, flat tops, converter etc etc $$$ and it was still so slow.
it's a fantastic car especially vf2 vf race car or even vf2 sv6
would you ever consider a review on a spack commy like from the vy down with the 3.8 L ecotec
I would love one of these in manual with a lumpy cam
No doubt the VF is more refined and has a more modern interior - I've driven all from evoke to the GTS ls3 but getting back in a VE I find driving one to be more of an experience over the VF, the VE feels like more like a commodore while the VF feels more like any other modern car, it losses a bit of character which the VE has especially the sport sv6 /SS with the red dash lighting and better steering feel. I think the VE sv6 and SS look tougher than the VF.
I've seen flappy paddle on a vz calais factory extra
looks like a very very clean car
Two things:
-What infotainment system did they hook up to it. I've seen boxes which put android auto/apple carplay into vf1's. But not for the vf2's. The one thing I really want to upgrade on mine, without putting an aftermarket screen on it.
-2nd is the VZ could sometimes be spec'd with paddles. I feel like it was for the 5 speed automatic. But I can't remember.
great pick up and I was in the same position about what I was after! This is the place / product I have (based in Melbourne):
www.naviplus.com.au/online-store/Holden-VF-Series-II-Commodore-Chevrolet-SS-Apple-CarPlay-&-Android-Auto-Integration-p99585170
I own a VE series 2, that had the beginnings of this car...eg similar grille etc, but I wish I could own an awesome VF like this, but I would be priced out of the market to try to do so.
The VF was a big upgrade.. but still you gotta love a good Holden regardless of the gen
Long live the Commodore. It's sad to see the demise of the V8.
:( its very sad
That was a good 0-100 time, I like the vf ss sport wagon. You should try to find a stock/un modified vn ss commodore to review
I’ll do my best
Well done mate
👏🇦🇺
I had a 2004 vz sv6 with paddle shift and it was shit. Gotta love the sound of a LS 👍🇦🇺🍻
What did you expect from a 6? I love the way the aloytec revs myself
Yeah, early paddle shifter systems were crap
Oh the best SS Iv,e ever owned They realy put some work in it
The great Australian car debate.
The VF was a case of the best till last like real estate releases. We had 2 VE's one 8 and 6 . The biggest loss in Australia was GM and Ford shutting.
Go back earlier you can include Chrysler.
I own one as a daily driver, there’s nothing else like it!
Mate of mine has got one & it’s fun 😮, leading car journo Paul Gover said this model was one of the best production built cars in the world so that’s a fair call.
Keep up the good work
I prefer the VE body and have been in both the only real difference is the paddles. I also believe the VL turbo Calais had the edge on most Commodores only 150 built.
I want to buy one. Love it.
Do it
A little more stall on the brake at the launch and that would have got you into the 4s
Vk Brock special my favourite
What a nice commi man good time
Very nice
Just so you are aware, the v6 vz calais also had paddle shift along side the vz sv6
Yes your right.. i did forget about them but never on an SS (V8) car
Hopefully one day we'll have another Aussie car manufacturer.
I pray 🙏
I have a vf series 2 redline wagon and I love it. I took home a zb v6 awd wagon from work totally expecting to hate it, but honestly I loved it, it was fantastic to drive, just missing the engine noise
Agree the ZB is not a bad car but I don’t consider it a commodore..
@@RossReviewsau that's where holden went wrong
You can use the gear stick to change as well Thats how I drive mine
I did mention that
Cheers to everyone needing a crappy SUV to drop their kids off at school, (because you’re “safer” when up higher right?), for changing the motoring world, long live the sedan!
I own the exact same car,just mine is black on black with all chrome replaced with onyx, except for the lion grille badge.
It's an everyday driver,to and from work,and the best way I've found to get the most out of the drivetrain is just to basically short shift, especially on M roads and suburban traffic.Get to 5th gear asap.
And the thing I love the most?
With cruise control on,I can set it at 130 for the freeway home and it sits on 2000rpm......barely purring.
RIP Holden 🇦🇺
RIP Commodore 🇦🇺
Awesome mate! Killer cars for sure
I have a 2014 SSV Redline V8 that im glad i kept, and when i got it serviced lately the mechanic guy said "What are we gonna do about your $100,000 dollar car?" lol. Reckons in 5 years time if i keep it in tip top shape, it would be worth around $250k
I don’t doubt for premium examples that stay low km they will double in price again
I pick mine up tomorrow and I plan to buy runabout for daily work trips to keep the k’s down. The car is bloody stunning and worth the price tag - in my humble know stuff all about cars opinion. I just like good engines so I chose it because it sounds like a lullaby.
Need to find one with a good trans tune. Those 6L80e can shift alot faster once has a good tune
Correct
Us aussies aignt pipe smokers, the ones that go up to 200 k are usually heritage ones or a hard to find hsv special or something
Yeh 200k is GTSR money 🇦🇺
World class 4 door sedan for the money. Bang for buck 👏
Absolutely mate. Amazing value
Been researching what exhaust to put on mine but that one sounds amazing. I assume if it’s a ‘HSV’ exhaust it came like that from the factory or is it from Walkinshaw?
By chance was looking at recent comments on this (it's my car lol) - it's a factory HSV exhaust that came off a VF HSV which was getting a full aftermarket exhaust so was able to get the HSV system on mine.
The HSV system has different extractors (try-y design) and a slightly larger diameter mid section - doesn't give any major power gains over the factory system but just a bit louder / deeper (the factory system still sounds great)
@@ryanbayros9003 Cheers Ryan. Appreciate the reply. Did the exhaust go on without too many problems and who did the tune?
C&A Auto Fashion in Melb who mainly do Holden's so was a straight forward install for them
Had some oil in the MAF at the time of this vid but got it sorted out last year and had a catch can installed / touch up tune and now makes 277rwkw
From memory the VZ had paddle shift as well,
Yes but never in the SS model
History will tell that's its not the last Holden Commodore. That honour goes to the ZB.
The ZB will never be a commodore 👎
@@RossReviewsau Too late, it's already happened. ZB is the best 6 cyl Holden has ever made
@@tyddllaAgreed, the V6 ZBs were superior to any of the previous V6 commodores.
I don't know how in the USA this Chevy ss didn't take off. How could they not love the Holden Commodore??! The cops used the statesman for police car's.
Complete lack of marketing.. it’s a weapon of a car
@@RossReviewsau same with the falcon I think. Australia really f,ed up on pushing the product. The falcon could of really done well if they had of "sold" it to the USA. Probably not the au, but the BA on I think would of sold well,
Cheap, fun, rwd, great car. As is the VT commy. Cheap car's but good car's and fun car's if you flog them.
VE WAS THE BEST i own ve and vf 6.2 .....ve for the win i think they look better and when i sit in it i just feel at home but bother are insane :)
Just drove a VE sv6 recently I've owned a VF in the past and I've got to say I think I enjoyed the VE more, to me the VE is more of an experience to drive while the VF feels more like a regular modern car.
The SV6 VF is a really good car too. They were bargains looking back now
Absolutely
End of an era for Australia. Best Commodore in terms of refinement and most technically advanced but I prefer the older generation commodores.
Definitely the best in those categories
Question to Ross; your car sounds are from the exhaust camera not from inside the car for your videos. This sounds better I understand but why never from the inside?
some videos i don't use the exhaust mic.. i just like the quality of sound from a dedicated mic
Vf series 2 SS is arguably the best looking commodore holden has ever made, possibly even better looking than the vz ss.
The VE is definitely the AU falcon of holden, such an eyesore.
Damn let’s not get crazy 🤣 VZ my baby.. but yeh the VF is absolutely beautiful
Wonder if the ls engine my vauxhall insignia?
What was this like compared to the superchargered V6??
Compatible 0-100 but this to me felt nicer of course.. the SV6 needed to be thrashed to get boost
Killer cars. GM decided they were ending Australian manufacturing around the time the VE was made.
Such a shame they stopped
Could you review the Holden Commodore SV6 GTR?
?? Lol a SV6 GTR
@@RossReviewsau I’m assuming that you think that it’s not a real car. yeah, not sure on the years but I know there is a 2007 VE SV6 GTR. It was a limited edition and I believe the number is like 200 or 250 made is 2007. There are some other years of it but I’m unsure what those are. There are some VE and VF model ones
Not a holden bloke in any account, 5s what a supercar
It’s very impressive 🇦🇺
How does this model compare to the last German ZB Commodore Ross ?
The zb spanks it in every way except power
My 2006 Calais has paddles. I’m hardly an expert, but I don’t think the VE had them. Could be wrong.
some non V8 cars had paddles.. this is the only SS "V8"
How about the devil yellow VZ clubby at the start but
😮💨👌
I love using the exhaust crackle to scare the M.A.M.I.Ls (middle aged men in lycra🤣) when they decide to enter the traffic when they have a cycle lane.....
HAHA now thats what im talking about
This can’t have just only 10kw more power than my 6.0 as you said it had 400hp something is up lol
Stock for stock yours is 270kw 530nm the vf 2 is 304kw 570nm
@@epiccobz3796 yeah but this vf series 2 isn’t stock mine at the wheels is 260rwkw and the vf 2 is apparently 270rwkw tuners don’t do flywheel gauges
@@epiccobz3796 I’m not saying mine is the same power I just think the graph is obviously wrong
5 seconds is Really good for a 6 speed auto
vz sv6 had paddle shift also
Your right but never a v8
Not being a smartass but I get my Ford Falcon serviced at Ford, ohh and a Ford courtesy car too.
I've got a v6 Calais of the same year and it's fantastic but the paddleshift is nothing new my 05 VZ Calais V6 had the paddleshift In it
My VZ SV6 has paddle shifts . Did I misunderstand you ? It's not the only Commodore to have them.
Only SS V8 to have it