Holden Commodore SS-V Redline 2006-2013 used car review

The Holden Commodore SS-V Redline is the performance flagship of Holden’s VE Commodore range. It offers performance and aggressive looks. Drive it hard and you will spend a lot of time at the petrol station.

The VE generation of Commodores was launched in 2006. It was the first Commodore designed from the ground up in Australia – previous generations were based on a German-designed car. It is bigger and roomier than its predecessor and attention was paid to making it cheaper to repair. The sedan model was available first, followed by a ‘Sportwagon’ station wagon version and a two-door ute.

There are acres of space inside the Commodore. The front sports seats are large, soft and comfortable. Even with big supportive bolsters in the front, you don’t feel you are being squeezed. The driver's seat is electrically adjustable for slide and height but the backrest tilt is controlled by an awkward manual dial. The seats are leather with SS graphics. The rear seat is huge, with excellent legroom and enough width for three adults to sit in reasonable comfort.

Most of the information for these systems is shown on the ‘iQ’ 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the middle of the dashboard and on a second screen tucked between the two main gauges in the dash cluster. The ‘iQ’ system is impressive and easy and intuitive to use. 

You can plug in your phone to play music or stream it via Bluetooth. The system can also read and store up to 15 CDs of music digitally and record radio. Satellite navigation is standard on SS-V models, with directions shown on the screen in the dash cluster to avoid the need to look at the centre screen.

Below this are the controls for the climate control system, which allows separate temperature settings for the driver and passenger. On the centre console is the transmission shifter and, oddly, controls for the electric windows and mirrors. When you first get into a Commodore, you will find yourself regularly hunting for these buttons on the door. The handbrake is blended into the centre console.

We were disappointed by the quality of the plastic in the interior. When new, this car costs $74,990 and the materials used look like they belong in a far cheaper vehicle.

The Commodore’s boot is large at 495 litres, enough for four large suitcases. The competing FG Falcon has a slightly larger capacity at 535 litres, though it achieves this by dropping a full-size spare tyre for a space saver. The Commodore’s boot has a very efficient, mostly square shape. A ‘ski port’ allows large items to be carried by passing them through into the rear cabin area. The rear seats do not fold down. If you need more space, the Sportwagon version offers nearly 900-litres of space.

Mash your foot into the carpet and it will sprint off quickly with a distinctive throaty roar. Our review vehicle was a little louder than a standard model, thanks to an aftermarket air intake system. Two transmissions are available: a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic that can be shifted manually. Our review car had the latter and it is smooth but a little slow to change.

It is still better for city use than the manual, which is not particularly precise and has a heavy clutch. Series II SS models feature a new Active Fuel Management (AFM) system. This unit shuts down four of the eight cylinders while the car is cruising and absolute power isn’t required. It works seamlessly and a quick prod of the gas pedal is all it needs to have all cylinders firing again. The AFM does slightly reduce fuel consumption although you need to be driving gently most of the time to see any real gains.

The upgrades included stiffer dampers, springs and sway bars. Holden has done an excellent job of tuning the setup and the Redline corners very flat with plenty of grip.

The steering is not particularly quick to respond but has a nice weight to it and offers some feedback on what the wheels are doing. Ride comfort is surprisingly good considering the new, firm suspension. Big bumps are soaked up well although the car can get a little jiggly on rough-surfaced roads.

Visibility forward from the driver's seat is excellent in the SS-V but small rear vision mirrors and the large rear spoiler restrict vision to the rear. A reversing camera is standard on these models. That feature was optional on the basic SS which has reversing sensors.

A VE Commodore with the six-speed automatic transmission has a relatively poor tow rating, with a maximum of 1,600kg (braked), a small to medium-sized trailer boat. Manual models can pull up to 2,100kg (braked).

When buying, check for oil leaks between the engine block and transmission. If there is oil there, it could be a sign of a rear main seal leak. The first attempt to fix this will be re-torquing the bolts joining the engine and transmission. If this does not work, the seal will need replacing at the cost of up to $2,000.

As a performance vehicle, many SS examples will have been driven hard. That makes it crucial to properly inspect any vehicle you are considering or have a professional take a look at it. Check the quality and legality of any modifications made to the car too. Changes like lowered suspension and intake systems are common and in some cases may need to be certified to be legal.

Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for a Commodore SS-V Redline valued at $31,750 will cost $72.97* per month. As this is a high-risk vehicle, coverage will require an alarm and immobiliser to be fitted and an additional excess of $750 will apply. Drivers under 25 will not be covered.

This review covers the Holden Commodore for model years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

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.