2003 Holden Commodore Wagon 3.6L V6 4AT RWD (238 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In 2002, Holden refreshed the third generation of the Commodore for the second time and produced it in various body shapes, including a station wagon, which targeted families that craved comfort.

Holden introduced the third generation of the Commodore in 1997, which it refreshed for the first time in 2000 and then again gradually in 2002 and 2003. Like its sedan brother, the 2003 Holden Commodore Wagon relied on the platform developed by GM for Opel/Vauxhall Omega from Europe. However, for this kind of body shape, the automaker made a longer wheelbase version, which resulted in more interior room both for the passengers and the luggage area. Unlike its European sibling, the Australian-made vehicle was powered by more potent engines. Furthermore, Holden even created an SS version motivated by an American V8 powerhouse carried over from the famous Corvette sports car.

The front fascia of the second facelift of the Commodore’s third generation came with significant upgrades. Its headlights had an angular styling instead of the rounded ones used on the previous versions of the car. They flanked a reversed trapezoidal grille that sported the brand’s badge. Lower, on the bumper, the automaker integrated an angular-shaped air intake for the 2003 Holden Commodore Wagon, flanked by a pair of squared-looking scoops.

Even though Holden invested a consistent amount of money in refreshing the Commodore lineup, the car’s profile didn’t show it. The 2003 Holden Commodore Wagon kept the same body panels with curved surfaces for the door panels. However, unlike its predecessor, it had body-colored rubber side stripes instead of black ones. Its door mirrors and handles were color-keyed and flush with the bodywork. At the back, the rectangular taillights were new and featured clear lenses. They were placed right above the wrapped-around plastic bumper and flanked the large tailgate.

Inside, the automaker installed a new dashboard that featured more angular lines on the center stack than the previous version. Fronting the driver was a slightly different instrument cluster featuring large dials for the speedometer and tachometer that also integrated an LCD for the odometer and the onboard computer. Depending on the trim and options, the 2003 Holden Commodore featured a German-sourced Blaupunkt sound system that could be controlled via four buttons mounted on the newly designed four-spoke steering wheel. The automaker kept the bolstered front seats and the split-folding (60/40) bench seat in the back from the non-facelifted version of the car.

Under the hood, Holden installed a choice of V6 and V8 engines ranging between 238 PS (235 hp) and 320 PS (316 hp). All versions were paired with a five-speed manual transmission, while a four-speed automatic was available. Thanks to its all-wheel independent suspension with revised dampers and anti-roll bars, the 2003 Holden Commodore proved to be comfortable on long travels, while its four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes provided an appreciable stopping power.