2003 Holden Adventra 5.7L V8 4AT AWD (320 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Holden thought that producing a crossover version based on the Commodore Wagon VY should be an excellent idea, and customers loved the vehicle due to its versatility and all-wheel drive system.

The Australian automaker tried to expand its lineup by adding another crossover to its family. Since the Cruze lacked interior space, it considered that adding an all-wheel drive version to the existing Commodore VY should attract more customers to its showrooms. The recipe worked, and at first, the automaker was happy. However, since it launched the vehicle with the V8 powerhouse, fuel efficiency was not one of the vehicle’s attributes. However, in 2004, Holden added the V6 version, which sweetened the deal and satisfied customers who craved a vehicle good for going fishing or on unpaved roads.

Since it shared most of its parts with the 2002 Commodore Wagon, the 2003 Holden Adventra featured angular-shaped headlights with clear lenses. They flanked a pentagonal-shaped grille where the brand’s badge took center stage. However, the wrapped-around plastic bumper below was specific for this model. It featured a rectangular air intake in the middle and a rock-slider plate underneath to cope with bushes and small bumps. In addition, customers could add a pair of round fog lamps on the apron.

The 2002 Holden Adventra had the long wheelbase of the Commodore’s platform, used by the Wagon and the Statesman, but with a higher ground clearance. In addition, the automaker installed a set of black plastic moldings around the wheel arches that emphasized the crossover look. Its side sills were shorter and could be adorned with aluminum trims on the rear side. Holden also installed a set of roof rails, which could support bicycle racks or a canoe. At the back, the Adventra featured a unique system for the brand that allowed users to open the rear window independently from the rest of the tailgate. At the same time, the corner-mounted taillights that flanked it were carried over from its Commodore Wagon stablemate.

With an available seven-seat option, the 2003 Holden Adventra tried to threaten other three-row crossovers and SUVs on the market but in a station wagon shape. Holden knew that the car was not a bargain, so it tried to compensate for the steep price with a well-garnished interior. Fronting the driver was a modified version of the Commodore’s VY dashboard but with two more gauges placed atop the center stack. They showed the tilt and inclination angles of the vehicle. The four-spoke steering wheel framed a rounded-shaped instrument cluster filled with two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer, the gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature, and three LCDs for the odometer and the onboard computer’s readouts. The center stack housed the stereo, while the automaker placed the gear stick on the center console below. In the back, the 60/40 split-folding bench seat could accommodate three adults, while the two jump seats in the trunk were suitable for children.

Under the hood, the 2003 Holden Adventra came with a 5.7-liter Gen III V8 engine produced by GM in the U.S. It was paired as standard with a four-speed automatic transmission that sent the power in all corners. Later, the automaker added the 3.6-liter V6 option to the lineup. Since it was a much more modern powerhouse than the V8 powerplant, it was better in terms of fuel efficiency, but it wasn’t as potent. All versions were fitted with an electronically controlled all-wheel drive system.