Holden Crewman

The true blue Aussie car – The Holden Crewman has everything a sedan has with the advantages of a ute as an added bonus. I had carpentry racks installed and kept the vinyl tray cover. Weekdays I can throw my shopping in the back of the ute for a quick get-away and pick up four kids from school on the way home. Saturdays I strap a kayak on the carpentry racks and go rowing… Read more

and Sundays I can transport building and gardening materials and supplies easily in the tray without filling my car with the smell of treated pine and fertiliser. With the comfort you expect from Holden bucket seats, you could be forgiven for thinking you are driving a sedan. As an extra bonus you will find storage under the back seat for tools and an easy to release spare tyre stored out of the way under the car, making the Holden Crewman the car every active Aussie needs.

Crewman S V6 underpowered and thirsty – I bought this car about 2 years ago and it is practical for my lifestyle, work car by day family car on nights and weekends, it is running fine but is very sluggish under acceleration and very thirsty considering the lack of power, I wouldn’t mind the poor fuel economy if it had good power but it doesn’t. I will be looking to replace it as soon as I can afford to. Show details

Gear box upgrade – I have a 4 speed auto in my 6L SS Crewman Will a 6 speed slot straight in, or do I need to make modifications I think this conversion would make the ute so much smoother to drive with power in every gear Thanks in advance for your thoughts Thanks Bill  Show details

Good car but quite thirsty – I got my VZ SS for a year, this is a good car, however, as its age, some of the problem which I don't like as the coolant fittings broke (as it's made of hard plastic), and my car got overheating in highway near Albury...cost me a night in motel and 300 bucks... Also the alarm of side air bag faulty... quite annoying though, but the engine is not… Read more

a concern...

The cost of running quite expensive, of-course, it is a V8, and quite thirsty, around 17L/100km around Sydney... but on highway (as I went to Albury and back) is less than 12L/100km...Still like it ... as it has 5 seats - crewman - enough for my family, and also, with the tub behind for some stuff if I need...

2005 VZ, SS Crewman 5.7L V8 - This model Specifically a Great Car! – Hi i had my VZ Crewman for 2 & half years and it was an awesome car, Performance wise needing power or to go quick it was great, could Tow or have a tray full and still sit on 110km on the highway and go up hills with ease. was Generally quiet until you give them a bit and then you get that nice V8 Roar! leg room was average for rear seats but… Read more

good up front.

dashboard and all that stayed good no issues.

only Issues:

Mine had Leather interior and stayed in good condition, i have seen tho it is common for the drivers seat leather to wear at bottom rhs a bit so something to check when buying.

Suspension was hard, could feel a lot of bumps my wife's car you wouldn't even notice, So recommend checking the suspension.

Only other thing was These Beast Eat the fuel.... Cost me between $80 - $100 to fill up and on a good week it would last 4-5 days depending on how much of a rush you are in!

driving on the highway staying on 110km all the way they are good, but during the week in peek traffic stopping and going all the time they go through it heaps.

other than this i loved it, only reason i got a new car was because a lady hit me on the LHS at a round about!

and the fuel consumption.

very good after a coupe of changes – Had my VY SS manual crewman for 7 months, and i wasn't super satisfied with it, huge problem is it is geared way too high, making it a problem when doing an off the line start, and horrible for towing, giving the clutch a workout, so I changed the diff gears to a much lower ratio, plus the installation of a reverse camera/bluetooth and perfect! now I love it,  Show details

Maybe a 3 if you twist my Arm – Ok to kick of I bought this car as it has a canopy, pull out draws, 190Kw mule and only 64K on the clock in 2015. As a practical Vehicle I would give it a 9.5 out of 10 but that is about where it stops. I traded a courier 2006 Dcab in for the car because I was sick to death of not being able pass idiots that hit the passing lanes at 80K's and… Read more

then took off: Annoys me off big time. So the Holden had reasonable power and comfort leaving those dual lane accelerators in the dust.

I had the car for another 20K and the 4sp auto hits the dirt so I am back to the BA ford I drove for work in 2010 as it is now my misses car. Something interesting happen, I can now compare the characteristics between a 2005 Holden and a 2003 Ford swag, both with a bit of weight added and both with air bag assist.

So to start.

Driving Position - Holden has it all over the ford. Good seats, controls are easy (except for power windows) and quality feel.

Road handling - Holden again. Just has that bit more of a feel around the corners and predictability. Ford seems to have a bit of a "floating feel".

Transmission - Ford kills the holden. The holden 4sp is antiquated compared to the ford. The ford is smooth and best suited to the engine. As well as having the triptronic? + -. I really mean it is chalk and cheese.

Power - Ford kills the Holden. Where the holden needs to kick to 2nd the ford inline 6 pulls like a mule. I did 600ks today over large climbs and large decents so give me the ford engine and gearbox anytime, The ford will pull in third were the holden needs to drop to second and scream its little heart out. The holden really is a slug unless you give it a kick in the guts and hit the limiter.

Practibility - Holden Crewman is such an easy car ( in my particular config - Canopy, roof racks, etc) to work around compared to Ford swagon.

Overall - Would I buy crewman again. No, I would actually go back and buy a recent dualcab with service canopy/roof rack - if only I could have the Barracuda 185 and gearbox.

Owned this from new – Had a few issues over the years the first being that holden didn't honor the warranty when the gearbox started playing up at about 80k wanted me to pay 3800 for reco at 95k end up getting it done my self for 600 in 2 hrs this was fine up to 265k where it needed a reco 2700 still cheaper that holden i'm now at 395k haven't serviced in 80k still… Read more

going strong all in all its been a good car for towing and power and gets better fuel economy than most six i've had a couple of new batteries and radiators in this time but not a single issue with the v8 now that the kids are older they find the back seat uncomfortable on a trip over an hour but like i say to anyone who winges they can always walk.

I love my VYII SS crewman – I bought my SS Crewman with ultra low km's on it as reposessed by financiers in 2006. I love it sooo much, I have installed air suspension, alloy tray, electric trailer brake regulator and some other small mods. I have owned many japanese utes and yes some were toyota's purchased new. I have had minor mechanical issues with my crewman but nothing… Read more

any worse than mechanical issues with the jap utes. I have kept my crewman longer than any of my previous utes due to the fact it does it's job so much better! I have been on the freeway carrying 800+ kgs on the ute with ladders on the racks and heaps of tools in the boxes, towing a dual axle box trailer with 1.5 tonnes in it ( and 3 other people in the ute ) doing 120kms on cruise control returning 14.5ltrs per 100kms . My wifes mazda 3 does 10ltrs per 100kms doing the same trip and with only the same people in it !! The ute is everything you could want really , handles like a car , corners like a sedan and looks the part as well . Some clients don't believe the age of mine and don't realise it is already 10yrs + old . It tow's trailers well and pulls like a freight train up hill ! I wish they made a VF version !!! ( I may just commission/custom build a VF in a couple of years ) The V8 power and car like features, other utes are only just catching up on safety features of my 2004 VY CREWMAN !! There is a well documented issue with the rear differential, I have resolved it with a complete new unit but Holden always new it was a fault !

Versitile and comfortable, drives like a car! – After my VY Crewman was declared a total loss, I replaced it with a VZ S Crewman and thought I would share the differences. Both cars had similar KLM, the VY had 217,000 and VZ 201,000 (hey, its a commodore, they're good for at least 400,000) and both are/were auto's. Asthetically, the VZ is a better looking vehicle, and mine has the SS bumper… Read more ·  1

with the fog light recess.

The VZ handles better, and the steering is much more precise. The S has better features such as elec windows and the standard stereo speakers seem allot better than that in the VY.

Performance is where the VY was better (though I am a little reserved as I think the VZ needs a service). My girlfriend has a VY sedan on factory LPG, and when I used to jump in my VY crewman, I felt the crewman was a little more responsive. Not the case with the VZ, the motor, while smoother and quieter, is less responsive at low RPM, noticeably less. I also recon the fuel consumption of the VZ is worse around town but a little better on the freeway. Allot say the crewmans are bad on fuel, but the small fuel tank is more the issue. They hold around 10 litres less than the sedan, and when empty on the guage there is still about 10 litres left in the tank. The most I have ever got in the tank is around 55 litres.

Bottom line, if you are looking at buying a crewman, buy a manual. If you can't drive a manual look at the V8. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy with mine and fingers crossed within the next few months it will be on injected gas and have a better exhaust to help it breathe.

Insurance is pretty good if you shop around, I am currently with AAMI and pay less than $400 a year for full comprehensive.

If I was a tradey though, I would be looking for a more robust vehicle, such as a Triton, Hilux or Rodeo. The crewman is in my opinion, more of a family dual cab, althogh the main reason I say that is they made more autos than manuals, and an auto crewman especially the VZ would be underpowered with 1/2 ton tools in the back every day. Reliable, comfortable, cheap to repair, drives like a car. Small Fuel tank, low end power of VZ alloytech motor.

Best of it's type – Very comfortable, with great accommodation, everything works and is user friendly. Things like when you turn off the ignition, the lights turn off and you have a minute or so to put up the windows down, without the keys in the ignition. It handles well for a twin cab. The rear seats take adults comfortable without giving them carpule tunnel,… Read more ·  2

unlike most other twin cabs that can only take small children.

Fuel economy around town is about 13 litres to the 100k. We have experienced exceptional economy, traveling interstate, with half a ton of gear under the tarp, five people on board. Set the cruise on a hundred and we got over 900k to a tank.

It's a big car, you pass up some car parks because you can't get in. Parking sensor are useful. The rear vision isn't great. The carp is well thought out and works well.

We have had an annoying problem with a sensor on the transmission, which indicated a "drive train error", when it gets damp. Like a car, very flexible, handles, very user friendly Fuel economy not great, rear vision.

OK – my dealer cant tell me whats happening???? can someone else please as i have just gone thru the operating range of oil in 1200 km and im heading down the same path again best looking service vehicle i ever had went thru six litres of oil to 10000 km.Rebuilt by dealer and now having same problem again.TEMP problems on restarting of car whilst… Read more

warm.Such as filling up with fuel, then restarting,engine block possibly air locking and shooting temp to just under hot on gauge,thermos kick in and bring temp back to normal.I also must add that piston no.2 had cooked when stri[ped and searched by my dealer which makes me wonder why i kept driving it the day i picked it up after being rebuilt when it airlocked again

OK – Having had experience with alot of the crewman range, VY Exec ECOTECH AUTO V6 Vz Spac ALLOYTECH AUTOV6 Vz SS Gen3 6Spd MAN V8 I can honestly say, get the V8, if you can find one get the V8, The V6 will not achieve as good fuel consumption around town or on a trip Due to the weight of this vehicle, all models are under braked when… Read more

carrying any load,and even when moving along and needing to pull up in a hurry without load, i have had experiences with Rust in the Roof of the Vy, and the rear bumper falling off the VZ, the finish on the outside is much better on the SS.

The rear leg room is at best for Children adults will find it most uncomfortable with the upright seating position, But from the Drivers seat it is a nice place to be, with steering wheel mounted stereo controls, lots of adjustment on the seat and steering wheel, 4 doors, sedan interior with the convenience of a ute without the height of a 4x4 styled ute Poor brakes, Poor Fuel Consumption, Average Fit and Finnish of body work,Poor rear vision

Good – This is such a mixture with all functions of vehicles.Comfortable, like luxury sudan.Big space,like a truck.Cool,like a sporty.Steady,classic european standard.Just one thing not convenient,it's too long to park easily,especially for new learner.Need more driving experience. Cool,multi-function too long,not easy for parking

Excellent – Love my Crewman, want a new one not really bothered about a V8. friend had one and that was even worse on fuel, would definately rate it if your not looking for a performance car and more of a Ute, really practical and comfortable for even a small woman to drive(me) wether out bush or around town I love my Crewman best vehicle I have ever owned… Read more

and that includes Mercedes sedan and Alfa Romeos. Love how functional it is. I can get a motor bike in the back, canoes, ski gear has towed a boat in summer carries dogs and still have room for kids in the car. Always moving things with it and cart wood in winter. I do live in the bush so maybe its more practical for me and suits our lifestyle, would love to upgrade to a newer model but cannot see me getting rid of it,if the Crewman is out of production I own a 3.6 and its not great on fuel and would agree that I am lucky to get 450km out of a full tank. It is long but experienced drivers should have no problem parking it. Have hit a roo cleaned up the front end, passengers safe but very expensive to repair and Insurance and green slips not cheap

Bad – I have had the crewman given to me as a work vehicle. In truth I would never buy one myself. I only manage to get 450 kms from a 65 litre tank around the city. On the trips in the country might get 600 at best- nowhere near 900. Its a pain to park and your vision is just about nill out the back, I believe they have parking sensors now because… Read more

without them its almost impossible to judge the rear of the vehicle.

I would say that it definately needs a V8 The 6 hasnt got enough grunt to get it moving especially when loaded. 4 doors. Comfort from drivers seat. Well fitted out. Feels like a sedan more than a work ute Poor fuel consumption. Rear vision. Lack of power. Lack of space in the back. Braking

Excellent – have done 112k kays since new, replaced tyres at 92k kays, battery at 101k kays, it didnt fail just worried, spark plugs at 105k kays, still has original brake pads and everything else in it original, used mostly for deliveries around town highway work gets around 900 kays each tank [65 litres] lease is about to run out but have decided to keep… Read more ·  2

it as anything else could only be downhill reliability, economy, quiet ride, gearbox [ 6 speed 7 synchro ] running costs air con drones and slow to cold, rough idle, speedo UNDER reads by 2%, instrument glare

Good – Would have preferred a manual mainly for hill decents and general driving.Better value for money than a hilux or similar dual cab of same year.Overall pretty happy. Good ute for a tradie fit all your tools in the back and fit the family in too Small fuel tank ave 11.8 L/100 km with a tray full of tools, don't even try to look out the back with an arb canopy.Reverse sensors are a good thing.

Excellent – I do minimum 250 km daily , on my second VZ Crewman co. car , great touring vehicle , rides and handle very well , very stable at speed , carries weight very well ,definately need to make them again , very popular co. vehicle , damn sight better to drive than a asian ute. love it , come on gm make some more !!!! rides well , handles very well… Read more

, good size ute back , got 140,000km out of the bridgestone duravis tyres ,good fuel economy for vehicle weighing nearly 2 tonnes fuel tank should hold min 75ltr

Excellent – I've had the ute almost 12 months now and have held off submitting a rating until I have had some time with the vehicle. Overall I am impressed by the handling and ride of the ute. It very smooth and car like, and even the missus loves to drive it, despite the long length of the vehicle. I guess I expected bumps and rattles as I have owned… Read more

kingswood utes in the past and they are a generation away from the Crewman in technology and refinement. I was surprised at how quiet the crewman is. My last vehicle was a Ford BA Fairmont Ghia, and the ride is almost as good as Ghia. The Crewman comes with just about every option you want and easily matches the Ghia in that department. Fuel economy is not much different to the Ghia although I tend to drive the Crewman more sedately because of the available power on tap. I have had none of the problems the other guys who have submitted rating have had, and I have done about 20000km now. I don't know if it is just luck, or that I have a good one, or that they just have bad ones. The only problem I have had to take it back to the dealer for is squeaking brakes, and that was fixed. I tow a 6m boat with the crewman, and compared to the Ghia, you wouldn't know that the boat is on the back of it. All in all I am very happy with the Crewman. I still get a kick from the looks people give you when you when you drive past especially with the V8 rumbling. I'd buy another one, but it looks like Holden won't be building a VE version, so I guess my next twin cab ute will have to be a Nissan or Toyota. The power from the 6L V8,The style and handling,Fit and finish of the panels adequate for an Australian made vehicle. Too little room in the back seatVisability out of the rear window is poor.

Terrible – I think the concept and look of the car are great pitty it doesn't mechanical back that up Does anyone now who actually nows anything about fixing diff, gearbox problems other than Holden???? who do the usual oh we checked it and nothing wrong with it (except for the vibration numbness in body from driving the thing) look!!!!!!!!! diff vibrations & geabox whining