Likes
- Affordable to own, service and work on
- Excellent practicality and reliability
- Some examples are becoming collectable
- Superb bang for your buck
Used Holden VE Commodore SS review
2006 - 2013
Dislikes
- Higher chance performance models have been abused
- Ageing infotainment and safety technology
- Can be very thirsty
- Manual transmission can feel crude
Stuff you should know
With a development and engineering program reported to cost over $1 billion dollars (AUD), the introduction of the virtually all-new VE Commodore in 2006 saw the iconic Australian car receive a design that was clearly influenced by its European competitors and real enhancements to the ride, handling, performance and build quality.
In fire-breathing V8 form, the SS, when new, was a celebrated and revered car, offering immense performance from its 6.0-litre LS V8, excellent chassis balance and dynamics with a near 50:50 weight distribution and a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension set-up.
Receiving continual updates during its production run, most notably the Series II update late in 2010, now the VE range in general is pushing a decade old, are they still worthy of their accolades and should you buy one? Read on.
What goes wrong
- Early VE SS Commodores had a clutch that was troublesome with slave cylinder-related issues
- Rocker bearings can develop a sideways slop which can damage engine valve tops
- Lifters are the achilles heal of these engines and some have had failed lifters
- Six-speed automatics can slip and cause harsh shifts
- Lower interior trim panels and glove box parts known to fail and fall out in early cars
- Check for worn sway-bar bushes and suspension strut mounting plates
- Radiator end plates may wear, requiring a new radiator
- It is essential that these engines have frequent oil changes to protect their bearings and lifters from premature wear and failure
- It should be noted that the V8 was far more reliable than the Alloytec/SIDI V6 in cheaper model grades and in general, is a tough and reliable power plant
- Early VE SS Commodores had a clutch that was troublesome with slave cylinder-related issues
- Rocker bearings can develop a sideways slop which can damage engine valve tops
- Lifters are the achilles heal of these engines and some have had failed lifters
- Six-speed automatics can slip and cause harsh shifts
- Lower interior trim panels and glove box parts known to fail and fall out in early cars
- Check for worn sway-bar bushes and suspension strut mounting plates
- Radiator end plates may wear, requiring a new radiator
- It is essential that these engines have frequent oil changes to protect their bearings and lifters from premature wear and failure
- It should be noted that the V8 was far more reliable than the Alloytec/SIDI V6 in cheaper model grades and in general, is a tough and reliable power plant
- Early VE SS Commodores had a clutch that was troublesome with slave cylinder-related issues
- Rocker bearings can develop a sideways slop which can damage engine valve tops
- Lifters are the achilles heal of these engines and some have had failed lifters
- Six-speed automatics can slip and cause harsh shifts
- Lower interior trim panels and glove box parts known to fail and fall out in early cars
- Check for worn sway-bar bushes and suspension strut mounting plates
- Radiator end plates may wear, requiring a new radiator
- It is essential that these engines have frequent oil changes to protect their bearings and lifters from premature wear and failure
- It should be noted that the V8 was far more reliable than the Alloytec/SIDI V6 in cheaper model grades and in general, is a tough and reliable power plant
Should you buy it
The VE SS Commodore, in all its various iterations, is a simple, solid and reliable vehicle.
However, it’s not perfect and we don’t think it necessarily deserves the cult-like status it seems to receive but there is no question that from a value-for-money perspective, very few vehicles offer the sheer bang for your buck with genuine practical appeal the VE SS provides.
Find a stock, low-kilometre example with a solid service history and yes, you should buy one.
The VE SS Commodore, in all its various iterations, is a simple, solid and reliable vehicle.
However, it’s not perfect and we don’t think it necessarily deserves the cult-like status it seems to receive but there is no question that from a value-for-money perspective, very few vehicles offer the sheer bang for your buck with genuine practical appeal the VE SS provides.
Find a stock, low-kilometre example with a solid service history and yes, you should buy one.
Should you buy it
The VE SS Commodore, in all its various iterations, is a simple, solid and reliable vehicle.
However, it’s not perfect and we don’t think it necessarily deserves the cult-like status it seems to receive but there is no question that from a value-for-money perspective, very few vehicles offer the sheer bang for your buck with genuine practical appeal the VE SS provides.
Find a stock, low-kilometre example with a solid service history and yes, you should buy one.
Need help with finance?
Powered by
Models, pricing & features
Tech Specs
Body Styles
- 4 door Sedan
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 180kW / 330Nm (Omega 2006 – 2008, V 2006 – 2007, Lumina 2007 – 2008, 60th Anniversary 2008)
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 195kW / 340Nm (SV6 2006 – 2009)
- 6.0 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 270kW / 530Nm (SS 2006 – 2012, SS V 2006 – 2012, SS V 60th Anniversary 2008, SS V Special Edition 2009 – 2010, SS V Redline 2010 – 2012, SS Z Series 2012 – 2013, SS V Z Series 2012 – 2013)
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 175kW / 325Nm (Omega 2008 – 2009, 60th Anniversary 2008 – 2009, International 2009)
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 175kW / 318Nm (Omega 2008 – 2011, 60th Anniversary 2008 – 2009, International 2009 – 2010)
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 175kW / 330Nm (International 2008 – 2009)
- 6.0 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 260kW / 517Nm (SS 2009 – 2012, SS V 2009 – 2012, SS V Special Edition 2009 – 2010, SS V Redline 2010 – 2012, SS Z Series 2012 – 2013, SS V Z Series 2012 – 2013)
- 3.0 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 190kW / 290Nm (Omega 2009 – 2013, International 2009 – 2010, Equipe 2011 – 2012, Z Series 2012 – 2013)
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 210kW / 350Nm (SV6 2009 – 2013, SV6 Z Series 2012 – 2013)
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder , 180kW / 320Nm (Omega 2012 – 2013, Equipe 2012, SV6 2012 – 2013, Z Series 2012 – 2013, SV6 Z Series
Body Styles
- 4 door Sedan
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 180kW / 330Nm (Omega 2006 – 2008, V 2006 – 2007, Lumina 2007 – 2008, 60th Anniversary 2008)
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 195kW / 340Nm (SV6 2006 – 2009)
- 6.0 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 270kW / 530Nm (SS 2006 – 2012, SS V 2006 – 2012, SS V 60th Anniversary 2008, SS V Special Edition 2009 – 2010, SS V Redline 2010 – 2012, SS Z Series 2012 – 2013, SS V Z Series 2012 – 2013)
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 175kW / 325Nm (Omega 2008 – 2009, 60th Anniversary 2008 – 2009, International 2009)
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 175kW / 318Nm (Omega 2008 – 2011, 60th Anniversary 2008 – 2009, International 2009 – 2010)
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 175kW / 330Nm (International 2008 – 2009)
- 6.0 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 260kW / 517Nm (SS 2009 – 2012, SS V 2009 – 2012, SS V Special Edition 2009 – 2010, SS V Redline 2010 – 2012, SS Z Series 2012 – 2013, SS V Z Series 2012 – 2013)
- 3.0 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 190kW / 290Nm (Omega 2009 – 2013, International 2009 – 2010, Equipe 2011 – 2012, Z Series 2012 – 2013)
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 210kW / 350Nm (SV6 2009 – 2013, SV6 Z Series 2012 – 2013)
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder , 180kW / 320Nm (Omega 2012 – 2013, Equipe 2012, SV6 2012 – 2013, Z Series 2012 – 2013, SV6 Z Series 2012 – 2013)
Transmission
- 4-speed Automatic (Omega, V, Lumina, 60th Anniversary, International)
- 6-speed Manual (SV6, SS, SS V, SS V 60th Anniversary, SS V Special Edition, SS V Redline, SV6 Z Series, SS Z Series, SS V Z Series)
- 5-speed Sports Automatic (SV6)
- 6-speed Sports Automatic (SS, SS V, SS V 60th Anniversary, Omega, International, SV6, SS V Special Edition, SS V Redline, Equipe, Z Series, SV6 Z Series, SS Z Series, SS V Z Series)
Fuel Consumption
- 10.0 – 16.2 / 100km (Omega, SV6, Equipe, Z Series, SV6 Z Series)
- 9.3 – 17.4 / 100km (SS, SS V, SS V Redline, SS Z Series, SS V Z Series)
- 8.6 – 14.5 / 100km (60th Anniversary)
- 7.3 – 12.7 / 100km (International)
- 9.3 – 18.3 / 100km (SS V Special Edition)
Length
- 4894mm – 4903mm (4 door Sedan)
- 4896mm – 4905mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
- 1899mm (All Models)
Height
- 1471mm – 1477mm (4 door Sedan)
- 1470mm – 1479mm (5 door Wagon)
Wheelbase
- 2915mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 1805kg (4 door Sedan)
- 1896kg (5 door Wagon)
Towing
- Unknown kg (unbraked) – 2100kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 4 stars (Omega, V, SV6, SS, SS V, Lumina, 60th Anniversary, SS V 60th Anniversary, SS V Redline)
- 5 stars (Omega, 60th Anniversary, International, SV6, SS, SS V, SS V Special Edition, SS V Redline, Equipe, Z Series, SV6 Z Series, SS Z Series, SS V Z Series)
Body Styles
- 4 door Sedan
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 180kW / 330Nm (Omega 2006 – 2008, V 2006 – 2007, Lumina 2007 – 2008, 60th Anniversary 2008)
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 195kW / 340Nm (SV6 2006 – 2009)
- 6.0 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 270kW / 530Nm (SS 2006 – 2012, SS V 2006 – 2012, SS V 60th Anniversary 2008, SS V Special Edition 2009 – 2010, SS V Redline 2010 – 2012, SS Z Series 2012 – 2013, SS V Z Series 2012 – 2013)
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 175kW / 325Nm (Omega 2008 – 2009, 60th Anniversary 2008 – 2009, International 2009)
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 175kW / 318Nm (Omega 2008 – 2011, 60th Anniversary 2008 – 2009, International 2009 – 2010)
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 175kW / 330Nm (International 2008 – 2009)
- 6.0 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 260kW / 517Nm (SS 2009 – 2012, SS V 2009 – 2012, SS V Special Edition 2009 – 2010, SS V Redline 2010 – 2012, SS Z Series 2012 – 2013, SS V Z Series 2012 – 2013)
- 3.0 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 190kW / 290Nm (Omega 2009 – 2013, International 2009 – 2010, Equipe 2011 – 2012, Z Series 2012 – 2013)
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 210kW / 350Nm (SV6 2009 – 2013, SV6 Z Series 2012 – 2013)
- 3.6 litre, 6-cylinder , 180kW / 320Nm (Omega 2012 – 2013, Equipe 2012, SV6 2012 – 2013, Z Series 2012 – 2013, SV6 Z Series 2012 – 2013)
Transmission
- 4-speed Automatic (Omega, V, Lumina, 60th Anniversary, International)
- 6-speed Manual (SV6, SS, SS V, SS V 60th Anniversary, SS V Special Edition, SS V Redline, SV6 Z Series, SS Z Series, SS V Z Series)
- 5-speed Sports Automatic (SV6)
- 6-speed Sports Automatic (SS, SS V, SS V 60th Anniversary, Omega, International, SV6, SS V Special Edition, SS V Redline, Equipe, Z Series, SV6 Z Series, SS Z Series, SS V Z Series)
Fuel Consumption
- 10.0 – 16.2 / 100km (Omega, SV6, Equipe, Z Series, SV6 Z Series)
- 9.3 – 17.4 / 100km (SS, SS V, SS V Redline, SS Z Series, SS V Z Series)
- 8.6 – 14.5 / 100km (60th Anniversary)
- 7.3 – 12.7 / 100km (International)
- 9.3 – 18.3 / 100km (SS V Special Edition)
Length
- 4894mm – 4903mm (4 door Sedan)
- 4896mm – 4905mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
- 1899mm (All Models)
Height
- 1471mm – 1477mm (4 door Sedan)
- 1470mm – 1479mm (5 door Wagon)
Wheelbase
- 2915mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 1805kg (4 door Sedan)
- 1896kg (5 door Wagon)
Towing
- Unknown kg (unbraked) – 2100kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 4 stars (Omega, V, SV6, SS, SS V, Lumina, 60th Anniversary, SS V 60th Anniversary, SS V Redline)
- 5 stars (Omega, 60th Anniversary, International, SV6, SS, SS V, SS V Special Edition, SS V Redline, Equipe, Z Series, SV6 Z Series, SS Z Series, SS V Z Series)
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
- 3 years / 100,000 km (All Models)
Servicing
- 15,000 km / 12 months (Omega, V, SV6, SS, SS V, Lumina, 60th Anniversary, International, SS V 60th Anniversary, SS V Special Edition, SS V Redline, Equipe)
- 15,000 km / 9 months (Omega, Equipe, SV6, SS, SS V, SS V Redline, Z Series, SV6 Z Series, SS Z Series, SS V Z Series)
Buying a used car? Buy a PPSR report first.
Have ultimate peace of mind when buying a used car by purchasing an official PPSR report.
In the market?
Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Feb 23, 2024.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
Read our full terms and conditions here.
