2003 Holden Crewman 5.7L V8 6MT AWD (320 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Holden added another string to its Commodore bow in 2003 when it introduced the Crewman Ute, which used the same platform as the Wagon version of the automaker’s mid-size contender.

When the Australian automaker introduced the third generation of the Commodore in 1997, the car instantly became a base for future models, including the luxurious Statesman and Caprice. Besides those upscale models, it also made the Ute pickup and the outrageous Monaro. But somewhere along the road, the automaker noticed that those who craved a pickup needed more interior room since the Ute only offered two. As a result, in 2003, GM’s Australian brand launched the Crewman, a four-door pickup that could go as fast as some sports cars but also could take a family on a journey. However, since it was available only as a rear-wheel drive vehicle, it couldn’t be used for off-road camping trips.

In 2002, Holden refreshed the Commodore lineup, ditching the bio-design language with rounded-shaped headlights and smoothened corners. Instead, it adopted the angular styling of the new-edge design theme and applied it to all the derivatives of the Commodore. As a result, the 2003 Holden Crewman came with angular-looking headlights that flanked a reversed pentagonal broad grille. Lower, the wrapped-around plastic bumper featured an additional air intake in the middle and a pair of side scoops for the available fog lamps.

From its profile up to the C-posts, the car shared its body panels with the Commodore Wagon. It featured a long wheelbase, and base versions were fitted with steel wheels. Upper grades received alloy ones and low-profile tires. Like its two-door Ute sibling, the 2003 Holden Crewman came with black door mirrors but with body-colored door handles. Behind the four-door cabin, the automaker installed a separate bed, thus reducing vibrations sent to the passenger area. The hard plastic cover was standard and covered a rather spacious loading area. Furthermore, at the back, Holden installed a drop-down tailgate flanked by a pair of turn signal lamps carried over from the Commodore Wagon.

Inside, the 2003 Holden Crewman came with the new version of the dashboard introduced by the 2002 Commodore. It featured a curved dashboard with a sloped-down center stack featuring the HVAC control panel and the Blaupunkt stereo. Like its sibling, the car had an instrument cluster filled with large dials for the speedometer and tachometer flanked by the smaller gauges of the fuel level and the coolant temperature. In addition, Holden placed an LCD blow the speedometer and the rev counter’s dials for the odometer. Customers were hugged by the high-bolstered front seats, while those seated in the back could enjoy great legroom.

Under its hood, the 2003 Holden Crewman came with a few engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter V6. Later, a 5.7-liter powerhouse inherited from the Corvette C5, albeit detuned, joined the lineup. In addition, Holden included a majestic six-liter V8 powerplant that spiced things up and helped the car rocket from naught to 97 kph (0-60 mph) in 5.5 seconds, making the pickup a true competitor against some sports cars and hot hatches.