Holden Viva JF (2005-2009)

Great car for price – I’ve owned my viva for 8 years get it serviced every six months and never had any issues with it .all the people that have left negative reviews about this car must have poor mechanics that don’t know how to diagnose and repair correctly you get what you pay for I know people that own cars made by the famous brands and they also have trouble it’s all about maintenance and getting your self a good mechanic

This is no wooden axelled foot-driven runabout – Recently purchased, the Holden Viva drives like a mountain lion with foot pads of silk. I feel I have just come out of Egypt, I have the commandments including thou shalt not take your car in vain, nor bear false witness against thy engine and I am ready to nurse this newfound friend unreservedly. Show details

Deservedly Did Holden's Name No Favours In The Long Run – I needed a small car quickly and thought anything with a Holden Badge would not be all that bad. Hardly expensive upfront but things that last years just kept needing doing way soon. The engine was harsh and just something that generally Holden should never have associated themselves with, Had a few Holden people thoroughly agree on that last bit, so not just my opinion. I was pleased to see the back of it. Show details

Love my Viva had it for years easy to maintain yourself with no mechanics – Holden Viva JF. Instead of taking this car to the Mechanics I decided to maintain the car myself. I bought all the tools i needed to do timing belt and waterpump changes every 60,000Kms. Oil and filter changes are easy as and done every 6,000 to 8,000 kms.. Replacement parts are very cheap and easy to get. This car just keeps going and going and I… Read more

have learned so much about cars. You just need to read a lot and use logic. a car service could cost you a whole day's or two days wage why not just get dirty and fix stuff yourself. When ever there is an Issue my OBDII reader tells me what is wrong that was cheap from Ebay. airbag light can be reset with the obdII reader it's just a maintenance thing. And a mechanics Manual is available online... all these bad reviews people wouldn't write a review when they have a car that isn't an issue . i have no issue with mine but I had to defend my little Viva's reputation.

Biggest piece of crap! – Looks and features of this car are great - but DON'T BE FOOLED! This car is nothing more than a "re-badged" Korean Daewoo Lacetti piece of crap with enough mechanical problems to sink a battle ship! I purchased this car in 2011 with only 34,000ks on the clock for $15,500. Less than 12mths later - the engine light came on for no apparent reason… Read more

sending the car into "limp mode" Nothng wrong was detected with the engine but it's an "O2 sensor" issue, and the only way to get it out of "limp mode" is to "reset" the computer codes. Even Holden didn't know how to fix it!

Move along some 18mths later and some 35,000ks - the timing belt suddenly gave out! What they don't say is these cars need the timing belt/kit redone every 40,000ks - and not the general 90,000 for most cars that have timing belts. Cost for that to be done was approx. $800.00

Another 3mths along in late 2013- and the motor suddenly seized! Replacement cost for a "fully reconditioned" motor plus labour $5,000 - and - the O2 sensor STILL! wasn't fixed!

Back in March this year - the oil light suddenly came on (this car was serviced regularly too!) - computer was thrown into complete turmoil and car stopped... There's no way I'm spending another $5k on this car as it looks like this engine is also "seized"!

Biggest regret is not doing my homework properly and looking at forums like this PRIOR! to purchasing....which is what I'm doing now to get another car...

Holden Viva - best car I've ever owned – Previously owned very expensive cars.. When I left work to have children looked at a car for space, that was economical, and great value. I found it in the Viva. I have a manual. Had it now for 8 years.. never any trouble, cost p.a. for service approx. $300 per year. Breaks fixed once in 9 years, new battery once in 9 years. Best car for me… Read more

ever! Admittedly I don't do a lot of long distance driving. So economical with E10 petrol. Couldn't be happier. It is getting old now and probably time for a new car which I am so sad about. I love my Viva. Sorry to hear others haven't had the experience I've had.

Still have my Viva and it is going very well. It isn't running as smooth as it was but hey, it's 10 years old so it is to be expected. I have definitely got my monies worth and it has been a great family car for us. I will be getting a new car in the next 12 months. Sadly won't be getting another Viva as with the kids getting older, and with 2 dogs, we need a bit more room than the Viva offers especially for trips away.

Well, 12 months has passed since I planned on getting new car and I have done nothing about it. My Viva is still going strong, heading on to 12 years old.. still looks new on the outside and runs beautifully considering it's age and soooo economical. To be honest I think the Viva is like everything else in life, if you look after it, use it as it was designed to be used, you can't go wrong. Still loving the Viva!

Update.... I have a new car (Isuzu - by the way also fantastic so far), my Viva still lives on, my brother was without a car for a few months so he used it, now my dad has it as a spare car - lives in the country. He drives it an hour each way into town every week and he and his partner love it. They say it is zippy and drives smoothly and economical. They did have to spend a couple of hundred dollars on a few minor parts but they say for the age, now 13yo car it is brilliant. Long live the manual Viva!!

perfect low maintainance easy access parts.. just use common sense – could not say anything. i love my viva wagon. just dont abuse using it. look after with regular setvice and my viva wagon looks after me. easy to maintain. essy access with parts. cheap parts. parts can buy in ebay or find through goggle. quiet car. stereo is excellent even i have used this since 2008. body is best quality stainless steel/tin, harder than other new cars now.  Show details

drainage plug where is it on a holden viva 2007????????? – everyday for work it gets seviced every 2 years the macanic says theres no issues iam trying to give my car a flush out and place new in it so please just need to know where the drainage plug is cant find it can see anything on google showing me need help asap thanks  Show details

Hi I have problem my holden viva 2008 automatic its hard to put into reverse can you help?? – I brought a car 3days ago its Hard to put into reverse I have to put my foot on the break its a automatic holden viva 2008 and a engine light was on the gears jerk abit I didn't no what to do and manifold needs doing on it was it worth buying  Show details

Rebadged Daewoo Lacetti – You have to know the car is designed to last 5 years with no service, then recycled. It is made cheap! Parts are cheap on Ebay. If you service it regularly and take care of the car, it'll take care of you. It's no suzuki alto when it comes to fuel consumption getting about 9.2L/100km. Too many complaints about this car. Don't complain the car is terrible if you don't know what you're buying. Or what you're buying it for. Show details

Holden Viva are not good cars – Not a reliable car. Constant issues with car. Cost a fortune to run and maintenance. I would never recommend this car to anyone as I feel it is not safe or a sturdy vehicle. Transmission and engine problems has been the most issues that have arrised over the past 2 years.  Show details

Good size, uses alot of petrol – It is a good size car for one person.. It is reliable and easy to park. It drives really well. The interior is great. I wouldn't mind cruise control or heated seats! Recommend for a first car. Would be easy to learn to drive in. I would definitely shop around.  Show details

Never again – This is actually the worst car I have ever had. Constant stalling, low idle, shuttering. Taken to 3 different mechanic and they haven’t been able to fix. All them like to steer clear to be honest. I finally got to give t back to the car yard I got it from thank god  Show details

The worst car I have ever bought – I bought a brand new one for my wife in 2006. From that day onwards it went back to the dealers for a new dash board. Then the drive shafts had to be replaced and front discs and brakes. It went Ok then until the three year warranty ran out, then all hell broke loose. The front shocks, The coil pack, Oil leaks and engine and airbag lights on. The… Read more

car had less than 40k on it, only used for the school run shopping and garaged every night. We got rid of it last year with only 109k. It had been nothing but trouble and expense. We traded it in with loads of faults on it still and bought a proper make of car.

Blown head gasket – Bought second hand with around 80.000 km on the clock. I bought it because it was a cheap car but you do get what you pay for in this case. I have been left stranded 3 times, each time with a different hose blowing and subsequently the car overheating. Problem = blown head gasket. Airbag light came on and off multiple times on its own and I had… Read more

2 total electrical failures that also fixed themselves.

Happy to see the back of it and part ways with the definition of a lemon...

Death trap on wheels – Terrible car, money pit of issues that Holden can't diagnose the fault. Shuts down when driving leaving no lights, no brakes or anything. Have to try and restart car whilst free wheeling. Despite sinking $2k in repairs and diagnosis to Holden and mechanic no-one could fix the issue. As too unsafe to drive due to random engine switch off got rid of it. Contacted Holden and they didn't really care. Don't buy one of these. 2006 low kms.  Show details

Engine light switches on randomly – Ever since i bought it there have been problems . The airbag light switched on. That was luckily fixed but the engine light comes on randomly while driving at the same time the car loses pressure. Its too dangerous to drive long distances. Have taken it to be repaired . They cleaned it out but the problem has started back again. They dont really… Read more

know what the problem is. Will take it again but scared they will tell me it needs a new engine. If thats the case, this car is not worth buying. I will get a toyota next time.

Buy one if you enjoy "Limp Mode" – I've the 2006 model, 4 cyl, wagon and up until a few days ago I assumed it was a Holden because that's what the badge on the front says. I feel that is deceptive. It only comes up on the computer checker as Daewoo. Had I know that at the time of purchase, I'd not have bought it. I did have four years trouble free motoring then I had to use… Read more

premium fuel - and the warning light came up. No-one could find the cause, other than the non standard fuel, so we re-set and our troubles began. Every few weeks the warning light comes up and eventually she starts to flicker at me and limp up the hills. I can certainly see why Holden has discontinued this model. Pity that it was ever put on the road in the first place. From what I'm reading on the net there is no real cure and it's probably time to kiss her goodbye. I wonder if I can get the dealer who sold it to me to trade it in?

Crap all round! – I have the 2008 manual 5 speed, 4 cyl, wagon. Highly disappointing and a shame it has a Holden badge on it because it sure as hell is not! Fuel consumption is quite a lot for a small cylinder and used more than my 8 seater! The colour coded handles, paint coming off, The air con is poor at best and kids in the back receive no benefit! It is… Read more

sluggish and has no guts at all, gears do not change smoothly, like other cars it's age!

Car handles well but has many wheel noises that cannot be accounted for!

Car was well maintaned, all log books came with car and had regular servicing. 140,000on clock

Good serive history hemce purchase.

But after driving it further and for longer periods, realised all the issues,

Do not bother!

Massive disappointment!

Its crap!!!! Don't buy one!! – This car has given me nothing but trouble! The engine light came on with in the first few months of owning it, it would lose power or even stall making driving an hour to uni most days extremely dangerous and scary! it has had 2 oil leaks in the last year at one point the oil leaks were in 3 different places. The airbag light comes on and off as… Read more

it pleases and to top the cake it the transitimation has completely died and is in the process of being fixed this is costing me $2500 not including labour hours and the other problems that are being fixed as well.

Worst car I have ever owned!

Nothing but trouble and expense – I bought this car for my university student run around. It had about 100k on it. For the first few months it was running fine, then the issues started- airbag light on. Suddenly losing power whilst driving or when first go to turn it on. Also a fuel guzzler. This model should absolutely be recalled. No mechanic has been able to find out what the issue is. It is dangerous and a piece of crap.  Show details

Issues – 2007 Holden Viva - worst decision ever. I was looking for a car that was affordable, follow-up on servicing plus my son was learning to drive and easier for him to learn on an auto. Issues with the engine light and climbing hills. I should have stuck to my first decision instead of the Holden Viva.  Show details

Problems – A 2006 viva hatch was my first car, still on my Red P's. bought it at 96,000 kms for $4k and have already had to fix the oil it was leaking. The engine light comes on randomly and it fails to accelerate, being very sluggish (think it might be a problem with the fuel injectors) The car seemed very nice on the exterior and the features inside, but… Read more

practically the car is already failing, don't be fooled by its nice looks because you will be disappointed. When the car works it's very nice, but the problems keep progressing and it just means more money to fix it - Viva is over all unreliable from my personal expierance and from what I've heard from others, quite dissapointed.

Problem with inability to reset ECM on changed engine – Engine failed due to lack of maintenance, by other family member. Bought another engine from wrecker, but when it turned up without computer I didn't worry because I had the ECM from the old engine. Had warning light come on ever since with a 300 code which is misfire between cylinders. Checked it over took it too several mechanics, but the Holden… Read more

dealer ended up telling me that you can't reset an old computer to another engine, and said it could be replaced for $1000. The car runs fine,so I'm running the car with the warning light on.

My first car but few problems – My 2007 viva hatch has had engine light come on then it will drive very sluggish and slow for a while mayb 20mins in drive them pretty much normal again. This is problem ive had aince buying car from car yard over a year ago. Dpes anyone know what this is?. I think its a transmission problem. Also at first a fault showed ..saying was inhibitor… Read more

switch so put new one in $300!!!still have this problem . Then fault showed brake switch so put new one in $100!! Still have problem. But then again may just be fail safe mode...and i probly have another fault.. bot a good car . Also wasnt starting first turn of ignition a while back so put new fule filter in and that fixed that. Wouldn't recommend this car at all.

Help please viva stationwagon 1.8 l – Great car just the one fault occasional stalls at lights etc , common fault I'm told however variations on the fix are vague , I've pulled the throttle body apart and thoroughly cleaned , replaced fuel and fuel filter , plugs , been told having the engine reflashed by computer can solve it plus most other common faults , just unsure which way to go , any specifics appreciated. Cheers  Show details

Found common fault – Hi my 08 viva wagon idle got alittle ruffer evey day and then today started to run on 2-3 cylinders traced it back to right hand side of thottle body pcl valve black siemens valve looked and behaved normal but the plastic holding the screw out plunger had like all holdens plastic craped out letting plunger to stay in air mixture hole causing bad then no idle hope this helps .  Show details

Loved my viva! – While not a powerful car (really rumbled going up steep hills!), my viva was the best car I've driven. It offered an uncomplicated driving experience, combined with all the comforts you could ask for in its class. Smooth and reliable. Easy, affordable care. Big storage and a good stock radio/stereo system. It's perfect for small families and I would really recommend it to anyone with a modest budget.  Show details

Great car – I think i am like the 4th owner ive only needed to get the crank sensor cable replaced because it was having problems with idling. So reliable !!! I love it !! I even named it vivian its such a great car. I think i got lucky with it though i have seen some complaints about the 2006 model. But i recommend buying a car like this of a person you can trust :)  Show details

Never Again – I will never buy a Holden again, I purchased my Holden Viva 2006 on 2007 brand new so excited I saved for 6 years prior (first brand new car) was Fine for 18 months then issues with the steering wheel, my car had a mine of its own It veered to the left constantly on the road whilst driving was advised by the dealer's specialist mechanic that I… Read more

had too many roundabouts where I lived that is why ( no joke) if I did not hold the steering well enough it constantly veered to its left. took it back to Paul Wakelling the dealer and they palmed me off as they can being a profitable dealer. Don't trust them at all, my car was still under full warranty and they agreed/ pretended to swap my car for another. It never happened I still have the car on moral grounds felt I would have to keep it as another owner could have a serious accident from

This, and yes my handles have been flaking off for three years now and will cost $350.00 to repair. Also my car stalls and dies on me sparatically in the middle of driving and the mechanic states it is a known issue and the part to replace will cost $150.00 . Never buy a Holden again ,car dealers and car makers have to make profits and consumers pay the price. The moment you drive your brand new car out of their drive away they wash their hands. Even being under warranty means nothing.Quality and Proper skilled manufacturing pays the price now for greed and shares domination in the world so immoral.

Great car – Purchased the Viva 06 as a second car, Now it's the main car and love it. I drive a lot and no problem. Some people, like with all cars owners , there are some weaknesses. Yes I had a coil problem, $40.00 from the wreckers and 20 minutes later. Yeehaa, go's like a rocket. Nice car to drive. Looks fantastic.  Show details

worst car ever – Bought my Holden Viva 2006 from a car yard about 9months ago.. since then have had nothing but problems. Engine light has been on since ive taken it to car shops to get it checked and they dont even know what the problem is!! It stalls on me when my revs are to low so have to pretty much keep reving it when i come to a stop so it dont cut out on… Read more

me. Stalls at round a bouts. Because i have to slow down. Pretend much a lemon. Would not recommend this car for anyone to buy! Sad thing is i used all my savings to buy this dam car. Worst thing ever terrible on fuel as well

Great Viva – I brought a bland new manual Viva in 2006 always had it service at Holden, traveled 432,000kms before hitting a kangaroo. I would be still driving it, only issues was a broken plastic fitting on fuel line, tension pulleys, idle pulley normal wear and tear for the amount of traveling.  Show details

A good buy – 2008 viva wagon I have been the only owner. Have traveled much over Australia with it and it still runs well. It is serviced regularly and is economical to run. Have had no major mechanical problems with it however the paint work in the last couple of years is beginning to flake away particularly around the door handles. I still love it and will probably keep it for a few more years.  Show details