Segment: Medium
Production years: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
As part of General Motors, Holden received a European platform for the well-known nameplate Commodore and adapted it for the Australian market.
The 1997 Commodore was based on the European Opel/Vauxhall Omega. Cadillac built the Catera on the same platform, but for the U.S. market, it didn't work that well. Cadillac should have listened to the Holden and get that version instead.
Its rounded shapes with the curved roofline and a split-grille at the front were just a few distinct elements for the '97 Commodore Sedan. While it was a medium-big vehicle for the European customers, it was just a regular family sedan built better for the Australians. Its rounded but angled headlights offered an aggressive look. Holden's engineers refined the rear part of the car and improved its aerodynamic.
Inside, the Commodore was large enough for five adults, with good legroom for all of them despite the tall transmission tunnel. It was the hip-area that prevented three passengers from sitting on the rear bench. Holden carried over the dashboard and instrument cluster from the Vauxhall Omega. The Australian carmaker was quite successful with this VT generation of the Commodore, and it was the base vehicle for future models, including utility vehicles and Police interceptors.
Unlike its European or British siblings, Holden invested in the new platform and made it more suitable for the harsh Australian environment. Its engine ranged from a 3.8-liter V-6 to an LS1 Chevrolet V-8 engine.
ENGINE SPECS - 3.8L V6 5MT RWD (207 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 3791 cm3 |
Power: | 152 KW @ 5200 RPM 207 HP @ 5200 RPM 204 BHP @ 5200 RPM |
Torque: | 225 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM 305 Nm @ 3600 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electronic Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205/65 R 15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 192.6 in (4892 mm) |
Width: | 72.5 in (1842 mm) |
Height: | 57.1 in (1450 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 109.8 in (2789 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.3 in (160 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 16.6 cuFT (470 L) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 23.5 mpg US (10 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 35.6 mpg US (6.6 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 3.8L V6 Supercharged 4AT RWD (232 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 3791 cm3 |
Power: | 171 KW @ 5200 RPM 232 HP @ 5200 RPM 229 BHP @ 5200 RPM |
Torque: | 277 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM 375 Nm @ 3000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electronic Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205/65 R 15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 192.6 in (4892 mm) |
Width: | 72.5 in (1842 mm) |
Height: | 57.1 in (1450 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 109.8 in (2789 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.3 in (160 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 16.6 cuFT (470 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3534.6 lbs (1603 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 18.8 mpg US (12.5 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 31.8 mpg US (7.4 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 5.7L V8 6MT RWD (306 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 5665 cm3 |
Power: | 225 KW @ 5200 RPM 306 HP @ 5200 RPM 302 BHP @ 5200 RPM |
Torque: | 339 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM 460 Nm @ 4400 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electronic Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/65 R 15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 192.6 in (4892 mm) |
Width: | 72.5 in (1842 mm) |
Height: | 57.1 in (1450 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 109.8 in (2789 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.3 in (160 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 16.6 cuFT (470 L) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 18.1 mpg US (13 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 31.8 mpg US (7.4 L/100Km) |