Holden Captiva 2006-2011 used car review

The Holden Captiva is a family-size SUV that offers a lot of features for the money. It’s got a very poor reputation for reliability and it’s not great to drive.

The Holden Captiva was launched in 2006 as a product of General Motors purchase of Korean-manufacturer Daewoo. It was initially released in two forms: a larger seven-seat version called the “7” and a smaller “5” or “MaXX” model. The bigger “7” version is far more common and the type we drove for this review. The Captiva on sale today is essentially the same model but was given a significant cosmetic and mechanical upgrade in 2011 with new engines and transmissions.

The instruments are basic yet easy to read; the steering wheel features buttons for the cruise control and six-disc CD stereo system. This and the climate control air-conditioning sit on the centre console, which comes out from the main part of the dash and closer to the driver. 

At the top is a trip computer screen sitting above a blanking plate covering where a touchscreen system goes if fitted as an option. The handbrake is designed as a handle rather than a lever and is a little awkward to use.

The front seats are comfortable, although taller drivers might find the base a little short. The second row has belts and headrests for three, though getting that many adults across it would be a squeeze. Legroom is acceptable. The third row is bigger than that of some competitors but is best left for children.

With all seven seats in place, there is little boot space - just enough for a couple of shopping bags. Underneath the floor is a handy storage area that drains and can be used for wet items. If you drop the third row down, the boot becomes more usable, as it will be able to take four large suitcases. The second row can fold almost flat, providing up to 1,565 litres of space.

On the road, the car does a competent job, though it’s not particularly enjoyable to drive. The tyres offer plenty of grip. The suspension is soft enough to soak up most bumps, though this means the car rolls in corners. As the steering is vague, it all feels a little “soggy” to drive. The engine has enough power for overtaking and hills, even when the car’s loaded. The automatic is okay though it can struggle to find the right gear on hills.

Visibility is adequate looking forward from the driver’s seat and very poor to the rear. Reversing cameras were an option on CX models from 2009 onwards. We recommend fitting a reversing camera - a number of the cars for sale on Trade Me Motors already have them fitted. You can buy one to fit yourself from $50 or a professional will do it from $200.

The petrol Captivas have a good tow rating. They can pull 750kg unbraked (a medium-size trailer) and 2,000kg braked (a medium-size trailer boat). The all-wheel drive system is also a help on slippery boat ramps. Diesel models have a 1,700kg braked rating.

However, it has shown a propensity to stretch, resulting in significant engine issues and failure. The first sign is a very slight misfire, especially when idling, followed in time by the engine check-light lighting up, a more pronounced misfire, and reduced engine performance and fuel economy. Repairing a stretched timing chain is an expensive and labour-intensive workshop process with costs up to $2,000.

The bad news continues with the electrics and accessories, with failures of the air-conditioning system, air-bag control modules, central locking units and more. Speculation in the trade is that the wiring loom itself has been poorly designed, causing multiple electrical issues over the life of a Captiva.

Oxygen sensors on the 3.2-litre petrol engine are known to be prone to failure, another reason for the engine check-light to come on. That’s a relatively cheap repair at around $300.

The Captiva has been subject to some recalls over the years, for a series of issues related to brakes and steering. Call a Holden dealer to check these have been completed on any car you are considering.

Our sources tell us the Captiva is difficult to perform a wheel alignment on because the front suspension systems lack adjustment and clearance. Look for excessive and one-sided wear in the front tyres for an indication that the alignment is out.

Exterior door handle wear is to be watched, with the unit’s plastic failing over time.

This review covers the Holden Captiva for model years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.

*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.