Holden Commodore VE vs Ford Falcon FG
Two used rivals sold in Australia, side by side. Everything below comes from each car's guide.
Our verdict
The Holden Commodore VE is rated Good value in our guide, with 21 known problems (3 high-severity, led by AFM lifter collapse).
The Ford Falcon FG is rated a Top pick in our guide, with 20 known problems (2 high-severity, led by Coil pack failure).
On our data the Ford Falcon FG is the safer used buy, because of its better rating in our guides. Condition and service history still matter more than the badge.
Used price (AUD)
—
$8k–$45k (XR8 GS and FGX XR8 climbing rapidly)
Type
sedan
Sedan, Sportwagon, Ute (VE Ute)
Sedan, Sportwagon, Ute (VE Ute)
sedan
Sedan, Ute, Wagon (BF II carry-over to 2010 only)
Sedan, Ute, Wagon (BF II carry-over to 2010 only)
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
Engines
3.6L LY7 'Alloytec' V6 (port-injected)
180-195kW · 330-340Nm
10.5 L/100km combined
Tows 2100kg braked
Chain-driven, known weak point — see problems
Service: 15,000km / 12 months
3.6L LFX 'SIDI' V6 (direct injection)
210kW · 350Nm
9.3 L/100km combined
Tows 2100kg braked
Chain-driven, inspect from 200,000km+
Service: 15,000km / 12 months
6.0L L98 V8 (Gen IV) — SS
270kW · 530Nm
13.7 L/100km combined
Tows 2100kg braked
Chain-driven, inspect from 250,000km+
Service: 15,000km / 12 months
6.0L L77 V8 (E85 capable) — SS-V Redline
270kW (petrol) / 285kW (E85) · 530Nm (petrol) / 545Nm (E85)
12.6 L/100km combined
Tows 2100kg braked
Chain-driven, inspect from 250,000km+
Service: 15,000km / 12 months
3.6L LY7/LFX with LPG (LPG-i / Dedicated)
175-180kW (LPG-i) · 320-325Nm
12.3 L/100km LPG
Tows 2100kg braked
Chain-driven, known weak point — see problems
Service: 15,000km / 12 months
4.0L Barra 195/198 NA I6
195kW (FG) → 198kW (FGX) · 391Nm
10.0 L/100km combined
Tows 2300kg braked
Chain-driven, inspect from 200,000km+
Service: 15,000km / 12 months
4.0L Barra 270T turbo I6 (XR6 Turbo)
270kW @ 5250rpm (FG/FGX standard) · 533Nm @ 2000-4750rpm
12.0 L/100km combined (real-world 13-17)
Tows 2300kg braked
Chain-driven, inspect from 200,000km+
Service: 10,000km / 12 months
5.0L Miami V8 (XR8 — FG Mk II & FGX)
290kW (FG XR8) → 335kW (FGX XR8) · 520-570Nm
12.5 L/100km combined
Tows 2300kg braked
Chain-driven, inspect from 200,000km+
Service: 15,000km / 12 months
4.0L EcoLPi LPG (liquid injection)
198kW · 409Nm
12.3 L/100km LPG
Tows 2300kg braked
Chain-driven, inspect from 200,000km+
Service: 15,000km / 12 months
Known problems
21 known · 3 high
20 known · 2 high
Top issues
highAFM lifter collapse
highTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure
highHigh-pressure fuel pump failure
highCoil pack failure
highCoil packs (shared with NA)
mediumPlenum gasket failure (later miles)
Made
Australia
Built in Elizabeth, South Australia
Built in Elizabeth, South Australia
Australia
Built in Broadmeadows, Victoria
Built in Broadmeadows, Victoria