johna's automotive blog

Holden Rodeo (RA) 2003–2008 Review

2021-03-27T12:00:00+10:00

A 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine was available on some models, and uses a timing belt which requires regular replacement.

There are significant reports of 3.5-litre engines failing. They suffer from excessive oil consumption, engine electrical problems, and are very heavy on fuel. They also require regular timing belt replacement.

Later petrol models had Alloytech engine from the Commodore, which are more economical but also have issues including timing chain stretch.

Diesel models are a little better on fuel but also have reliability issues.

Image credit: OSX, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Holen Cruze (JH) 2011-2016 Review

2021-03-27T12:00:00+10:00

Similar story to the earlier JG series, but with more engine choices to go wrong.

Some reports say that the JH series fixed many of the problems of the JG, but there's no shortage of unhappy owners who dispute this.

The 1.4-litre petrol engine has a timing chain but all other engines use a belt which requires occasional replacement.

Image credit: EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Holen Cruze (JG) 2009-2011 Review

2021-03-27T12:00:00+10:00

Possibly one of the worst used car buys around.

Common problems include engine failure, transmission failure, problems with turbos, engine computers, oil and fuel leaks, electrics, air conditioning, steering and brakes.

Some owners barely made it out of the showroom before finding problems. Many report frequent breakdowns, failures to start, and potentially dangerous stalling while driving.

Both engine options have timing belts which need occasional replacement.

Avoid at all costs.

Image credit: OSX, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Holden Captiva (CG) 2006-2011 Review

2021-03-27T12:00:00+10:00

There is an endless list of common problems with this model and it is best avoided.

Many reported total engine failures with diesel engines. They also require an expensive major service at 90,000 km, including timing belt replacement.

V6 petrol engines have a timing chain that can stretch and require replacement.

Other problems include electrical issues, engine computer faults, transmission failures, and steering and brake problems.

Fuel economy is poor, even on diesel models, and there are wheel alignment issues that cause premature tyre wear.

Some issues are covered by numerous recalls.

Image credit: OSX, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Holden Astra (AH) 2004-2009 Review

2021-03-27T12:00:00+10:00

No shortage of common problems and complaints from owners about unreliability.

Timing belt interval is a short 60,000 km and there is many reports of the belt not even lasting that long, often breaking as a result of a water pump failure.

Automatic transmissions fail after coolant mixes with transmission fluid if the radiator/transmission cooler fails. Manual models have issues too.

Electrical problems are common, including the alternator, starter motor and coil packs.

Even the horn is unreliable and requires an expensive computer replacement to get it working again.

Diesel engine models have their own similar list of problems.

Leaks are common on convertible models.

Avoid at all costs.

Image credit: AustralianTV, CC BY-SA 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), via Wikimedia Commons

What's with all the Chevrolet badges on Holden Commodores?

2014-07-03T12:00:00+10:00

Why are so many Holden owners swapping their Holden badges for Chevrolet badges?

Okay, I realise that since the early 2000's the V8 engine option is a Chevrolet engine, but does that warrant replacing the badge?

Are there a lot of patriotic Americans living here?

I don't remember any VL Commodore owners fitting Nissan badges to their cars. (If you are too young to know, the 6 cylinder engine fitted to the VL series was the RB30E engine sourced from Nissan.)

And when I had a VP Commodore I don't ever remember feeling a desire to replace the Holden badges with a Buick badge. (If you are even younger you may not know that the V6 engine used in the VN to VY Commodore was based on a Buick engine.)

In my opinion the only time that a change of badge is justified is if you own a Holden Apollo or a Toyota Lexcen and want to increase your resale value and appeal. (Still too young? The Apollo was a rebadged Camry and the Lexcen a rebadged VN-VP Commodore in some crazy badge swapping idea that Holden and Toyota entered into.)

The real question is did the number of Holden badges being swapped in favor of a Chevrolet badge have any influence on Holden's decision to end local manufacture? And as a result, will the next Commodore be made by Chevrolet and imported from the USA and, if so, will it wear Holden or Chevrolet badges?

Update - 3 October 2014

The other day I saw a Holden Captiva with a Chevrolet badge. Okay, I know the Captiva is also sold in the USA as the Chevrolet Captiva but this particular car was right hand drive so I'm confident it was originally badged as a Holden. The Captiva might be sold as a Chevrolet but it was developed by Daewoo in Korea and certainly isn't made in Detroit or any other part of the USA.

This is getting ridiculous.

Update - 2019

I saw a Holden Cruze with a Chevrolet badge. Another Daewoo sold as a Chevrolet in the USA. A piece of crap regardless of badge.

I wonder if anyone will put a BMW badge on their new Toyota Supra?