Holden Ute

1954 Holden FJ utility

1993 Holden Commodore utility

First Generation

The Holden 50-2106 was the first Holden Ute, based on the Holden 48-215.

Second Generation

The second generation 'ute' was a revision of the 50-2106 and was based on the FE to EK Holden and retained the sedan body as a base.

Third Generation

The third generation Holden-based ute was slightly more refined than previous models, however still retained the full length floorpan, although gained the station wagon's wheelbase.

Fourth generation

Fifth generation

The HQ-HZ was the first full body redesign of the ute and dropped the rear station wagon floor pan for a shorter, front row only style floorpan, along with introducing the Holden One Tonner cab-chassis, the HQ ute is highly desirable as it is the only 'Muscle era' Holden ute tagged to allow a 350 cubic-inch Chevrolet Small Block V8, removing the need to get an engineer to sign off on modifications. Although, as a result, these utes are highly restricted in states such as Victoria, for P-Plate drivers, although not surpassing legal power to weight limitations by a fair margin.

Discover more about 'Holden' Coupe Utility related topics

Holden FJ

Holden FJ

The Holden FJ series is a range of motor vehicles which was produced in Australia by Holden from 1953 until 1956. The FJ was the second model of an "all Australian car" manufactured by Holden and was based upon the established 48-215 series, commonly referred to as the "FX".

Holden Commodore (VP)

Holden Commodore (VP)

The Holden Commodore (VP) is a full-size car that was produced by Holden from 1991 to 1993. It was the second iteration of the second generation of the Commodore. Its range included the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VP) and Holden Calais (VP).

Holden 48-215

Holden 48-215

The Holden 48-215 is a mid-size sedan which was produced by the Australian automaker Holden between November 1948 and October 1953. A coupe utility derivative, coded as the 50-2106 and marketed as the Holden Coupe Utility, was produced from January 1951.

Holden FE

Holden FE

The Holden FE is an automobile produced by Holden in Australia from 1956 until 1958. It was also the first Holden to be assembled in New Zealand, where General Motors New Zealand built their first example on 31 January 1957.

Holden FC

Holden FC

The Holden FC series is an automobile produced by Holden in Australia from 1958 to 1960. Introduced on 6 May 1958, the FC is a facelifted and improved version of the Holden FE series, which it replaced. Although it is exclusively an Australian design, the styling is reminiscent of a scaled-down North American 1955 Chevrolet.

Holden FB

Holden FB

The Holden FB is an automobile produced by Holden in Australia from 1960 to 1961. Introduced on 14 January 1960, the FB series replaced the Holden FC range.

Holden EK

Holden EK

The Holden EK series is a motor vehicle produced by Holden in Australia from 1961 to 1962. Introduced on 2 May 1961, the EK series was a facelifted version of the Holden FB, which it replaced.

Holden EJ

Holden EJ

The Holden EJ is a motor vehicle produced by General Motors-Holden's in Australia from 1962 to 1963. Introduced in July 1962, the EJ replaced the Holden EK series.

Holden EH

Holden EH

The Holden EH is an automobile produced by General Motors-Holden in Australia from 1963 to 1965. The EH was released in August 1963 replacing the Holden EJ series, and was the first Holden to incorporate the new "Red" engine, with a seven main bearing crankshaft instead of the four main bearing crankshaft used in the "Grey" engine. At first, a larger capacity 149-cubic-inch (2,440 cc) engine was only sold attached to a three-speed manual gearbox or the "Hydramatic" four-stage automatic transmission with a column shift. The Controlled Coupling Hydramatic used in the EH was actually a four-stage, although it effectively worked as a three-speed unit, except at full throttle. The 179-cubic-inch (2,930 cc) engine was initially sold only with the "Hydramatic" transmission. The first EH with a 179-cubic-inch engine and a manual gear box was called the "EH-S4", and was fitted with an upgraded manual gearbox, having stronger gears than in the 149 gear box, and an upgraded clutch. The three-speed manual column shift gearboxes had no synchromesh on first gear, only on the second and third (top) gear.

Holden HD

Holden HD

The Holden HD series is a range of automobiles which were produced by Holden in Australia from 1965 to 1966.

Holden HG

Holden HG

The Holden HG is an automobile which was produced by Holden in Australia between 1970 and 1971. It was marketed under Belmont, Kingswood, Premier, Brougham and Monaro model names.

Holden HJ

Holden HJ

The Holden HJ is a series of automobiles which were produced by Holden in Australia from 1974 to 1976. The HJ series was released on 4 October 1974 and was an improved and facelifted version of the superseded Holden HQ series which had been in production since 1971.

VU

2001-2002 Holden Ute SS (VU II)

2001-2002 Holden Ute S (VU II)

Holden introduced the Ute range with the VU, replacing the Holden VS Utility. The VU's arrival was a full 36 months after the VT Commodore sedan, meaning it arrived in time for the launch of Holden's VX Commodore series. The VU utilises the same wheelbase as the VT Commodore station wagon and WH Statesman/Caprice, meaning a wheelbase increase of 116 mm (4.6 in). The Ute employs the same interior as the Commodore, while also picking up the VX's upgraded equipment lists and re-styled exterior design.

• Base : Built up from the Commodore Executive's specification. Available with 3.8-litre 152 kW (204 hp) Ecotec V6 - 4sp auto, 5sp manual or 5.7-litre 225 kW (302 hp) Generation 3 V8 - 6sp manual or 4sp auto
• S : Based on Commodore 'S' specification. Available with 3.8-litre 152 kW (204 hp) Ecotec V6 - 4sp auto, 5sp manual speed.
• SS : Based on Commodore SS specification, minus side-impact airbags. Available with a 5.7-litre 225 kW (302 hp) Generation 3 V8 - 6sp manual or 4sp auto

The range received a minor refresh with the VX Series 2 models 12 months later, with the major upgrade being an additional 5 kW (7 hp) to Holden's Generation 3 V8's.

In October 2001 The VU Ute came out in a special edition "SS Fifty" (pictured right) to mark the 50th anniversary. This model has only 500 units produced. Every SS 50 was identical in terms of color schemes, all 500 units were released with a black exterior and a partial leather interior that contained plenty of "hyper yellow" accents. Other items that made the SS 50 different were the chrome sports bar on the back, unique black-and-yellow engine cover, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, handbrake cover and gear knob as well as a color-coded instrument cluster to match the leather bolsters on the sports seats.

The VU's were superseded by the VY range in September 2002.

VY

Holden Ute SS (VY II)

Holden Ute S (VY)

The Ute range received its first major facelift in the form of the 2002 VY range. VY Ute's received the same upgrades as the sedan/wagon range, which involved a new, sharper-designed nose, and more European-styled interior. The same three specification models were carried over for the VY, and picked up the same upgraded equipment lists as the VY sedans. The VY range marked major change for Holden's Ute range, with the 2003 addition of two new models: the return of the One Tonner cab-chassis utility after an 18-year hiatus; and the introduction of Holden's first-ever 4-door utility, arriving in the form of the Crewman. The Crewman brought a longer wheelbase – 3,206 mm (126.2 in) compared to the 2,939 mm (115.7 in) of the Ute; and a shorter tray – 1,463 mm (57.6 in) compared to the 2,193 mm (86.3 in) of the Ute^[7] In December 2003, Holden released an all-wheel drive variant of the Crewman known as the Crewman Cross 8. Powered by a 225 kW (302 hp) V8 engine, the Cross 8 featured a modified appearance, more suited to an off-road vehicle.

Both the Crewman and One Tonner models added instant sales to the Holden range, sparking rapid expansion of the Holden Ute range, its first major growth spurt since its 1990 re-introduction. Once again the same three specifications were carried over for the VY, with the Ute range available in base Ute, S & SS forms. The same did not apply for the One-Tonner cab-chassis range though – it was available in just two model forms, base and S.

• Base: Based on Commodore Executive specification. Available with 3.8-litre 152 kW (204 hp) Ecotec V6
• S : Based on Commodore S specification. Available with 3.8-litre 152 kW (204 hp) Ecotec V6 – 4sp auto, 5sp manual
• SS: Based on Commodore SS specification. 5.7-litre 235 kW (315 hp) Generation 3 V8 – 6sp manual or 4sp auto

Crewman models were on the other hand available with the same three specifications as the Ute range, and were launched conjointly with the rest of Holden's VY Series 2 range, the major update this time being the addition of 10 kW (13 hp) to the Gen.3 V8. By December 2003 the Crewman range had expanded to include Holden's very first AWD utility in the form of the Crewman Cross 8. The Cross 8 received bolstered wheelarches, raised ride height as well as additional equipment, with the sole drivetrain being the recently upgraded Gen.3 V8 connected to a 4-speed automatic. V6-powered versions of the One Tonner & Crewman were only available with automatic transmission. The VY's were superseded by the arrival of the VZ range in August 2004

VZ

Holden Ute Storm S (VZ)

The final series of Holden's VT-generation was the VZ range, launched in August 2004. Holden's main upgrade for the VZ's was the introduction of an all-new Alloytec V6, replacing Holden's previous Ecotec V6's which had been in use since the 1995 launch of the VS Commodore. Whilst the sedan VZ range received both versions of the Alloytec V6, the ute range received just the lower-capacity Alloytec 175 - it was the standard engine across the entire ute range with a six-speed manual - an upgraded 4-speed automatic was available as an option. Once again the One Tonner & Crewman ranges shared the same specification models, as shown below:

• Base: Based on Commodore Executive specification. Available with 3.6-litre 175 kW (235 hp) Alloytec V6 - 6sp manual or 4sp auto
• S: Based on Commodore SV6 specification. Available with 3.6-litre 175 kW (235 hp) Alloytec V6 - 6sp manual or 4sp auto

This model was rebranded as SV6 in August 2006, and the 5-speed auto from the sedan became available for the first time as well as a power increase to 190 kW (255 hp).

• SS: Based on Commodore SS specification (minus side-impact airbags on cab-chassis). Available with a 5.7-litre 235 kW (315 hp) Generation 3 V8, or the new 260 kW (349 hp) 6.0-litre Generation 4 V8 'L98' - 6sp manual or 4sp auto

Crewman's were once again available in Cross 8 form, whilst the VZ range added the Crewman Cross 6, essentially a V6 version of the Cross 8.

One-Tonners were available with the following specifications:

• Base :Based on Commodore Executive specification. Available with 3.6-litre 175 kW (235 hp) Alloytec V6 - 6sp manual or 4sp auto or 5.7-litre 235 kW (315 hp) Generation 3 V8 - 6sp manual or 4sp auto
• S: Based on Commodore SV6 specification minus fog-lights. Available with 3.6-litre 175 kW (235 hp) Alloytec V6 - 6sp manual or 4sp auto or 5.7-litre 235 kW (315 hp) Generation 3 V8 - 6sp manual or 4sp auto
• Cross 6: AWD One-Tonner. Available with 3.6-litre 175 kW (235 hp) Alloytec V6 - 4sp automatic only
• SVZ: Based on the SV6 plus leather seats, paddle shifts on the steering wheel, Monaro CV8 rims. Available with 3.6-litre 195 kW (261 hp) Alloytec V6 - 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual

To make room in the factory for the upcoming VE Commodore, production of the One Tonner ceased in December 2005.

The Ute range continued without any updates for the next 18 months, until the January 2006 addition of Holden's new L76 V8's. Holden's new V8 range was introduced after its previous Generation 3 V8 failed to meet new Euro III emission standards introduced in Australia on January 1, 2006. The new Generation 4 V8's contained an additional 10 kW (13 hp) compared to their predecessors (the ute's had previously received an addition 15 kW (20 hp) of power, inline with the VZ Sedan range), but were missing two key features compared to their American counterparts: both Displacement on Demand and variable valve timing had been removed. The Alloytec 175 also lost 3 kW (4 hp) of power due tweaks made to meet Euro III standards.' The VZ Utes remained on sale well after the introduction of Holden's next-generation VE sedans, as did the VZ Wagons. By December of the same year, the Crewman and all AWD variants of the ute were gone from showrooms after Holden ceased production, whilst the curtain was brought down on the One-Tonner range once again after poor sales results. Holden's VZ Utes were superseded by the 8th-generation VE Ute range in September 2007.

Discover more about First generation (2000–2007) related topics

Wheelbase

Wheelbase

In both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels. For road vehicles with more than two axles, the wheelbase is the distance between the steering (front) axle and the centerpoint of the driving axle group. In the case of a tri-axle truck, the wheelbase would be the distance between the steering axle and a point midway between the two rear axles.

Buick V6 engine

Buick V6 engine

The Buick V6 was an OHV V6 engine developed by the Buick division of General Motors and introduced in 1962. Originally 198 cu in (3.2 L) and initially marketed as Fireball, it later became popularly referred to as the 3800 for its various 3.8 l (230 cu in) incarnations.

Four-wheel drive

Four-wheel drive

Four-wheel drive, also called 4×4 or 4WD, refers to a two-axled vehicle drivetrain capable of providing torque to all of its wheels simultaneously. It may be full-time or on-demand, and is typically linked via a transfer case providing an additional output drive shaft and, in many instances, additional gear ranges.

V8 engine

V8 engine

A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder piston engine in which two banks of four cylinders share a common crankshaft and are arranged in a V configuration.

VE

Holden Ute SV6 (VE II)

2007 saw the launch of Holden's eagerly anticipated VE Ute range, unveiled to the media in August, with showroom sales began later in the month. The new generation designated VE, based on the VE Commodore tackles an upward consumer tendency towards using utes as lifestyle vehicles. This further shifts the ute away from the traditional workhorse market.^[8]

• Omega: The base model, having similar standard features to the Omega sedan but can carry more than the SS-V, SS and SV6. It has the standard 3.6-litre V6 180 kW (241 hp) and 330 N⋅m (243 lb⋅ft). The manual version of the Omega came with the 3.6-litre High-Output V6 with 195 kW (261 hp) and 340 N⋅m (251 lb⋅ft) but only until the mid-2009 MY10 update.
• SV6: A sportier version of the V6 ute, the SV6 replaced the S-pack from previous models. This Ute has the 3.6-litre High-Output V6 with 195 kW (261 hp) and 340 N⋅m (251 lb⋅ft). Which has been recently updated to 210 kW (282 hp) and 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) engine.
  

  2007–2008 Holden VE Ute SS V.
• SS: The SS ute is the V8 version of the ute, it has the same 6-litre V8 as the sedan with 270 kW (362 hp) and 530 N⋅m (391 lb⋅ft).
• SS-V: A higher spec edition of the SS and based on the SS-V Sedan, it has a 6-litre V8 with 270 kW (362 hp) and 530 N⋅m (391 lb⋅ft).
• SS-V Redline (Series II):A performance version of the SS-V offering Brembo brakes, 19-inch Alloy wheels, FE3 Super Sports Performance Suspension and a mandatory tyre inflater kit.

Unlike the previous VU–VZ generation, no double-cab, cab-chassis or AWD variants are offered.

VF

Holden Ute SV6 (VF)

The VF Ute was basically a modernization of the previous model, being almost the same visually to the casual observer. Production ended in 2017 when Holden stopped producing vehicles in Australia and the brand was focused only on imported models by other GM brands, this also lead to the discontinuation of its Commodore base and the Statesman/Caprice ranges. Holden's pickup then became solely the mid-size Isuzu-sourced Colorado until 2020 when the Holden brand was completely retired.

Isuzu currently markets its D-Max model range (which is related to the Colorado) under its own brand in Australasia.

Discover more about Second generation (2007–2017) related topics

Holden Commodore

Holden Commodore

The Holden Commodore is a full-size car that was sold by Holden from 1978 to 2020. It was manufactured from 1978 to 2017 in Australia and from 1979 to 1990 in New Zealand, with production of the locally manufactured versions in Australia ending on 20 October 2017.

Chevrolet Colorado

Chevrolet Colorado

The Chevrolet Colorado, and its counterpart, the GMC Canyon, are series of compact and later mid-sized pickup trucks marketed by American automaker General Motors. They were introduced in 2004 to replace the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC S-15/Sonoma compact pickups. It is named for the U.S. state of Colorado.

Isuzu

Isuzu

Isuzu Motors Ltd. , commonly known as Isuzu, is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Japan. Its principal activity is the production, marketing and sale of Isuzu commercial vehicles and diesel engines.

Isuzu D-Max

Isuzu D-Max

The Isuzu D-Max is a pickup truck manufactured since 2002 by Isuzu Motors. A successor of the Isuzu Faster/KB, the first and second-generation model shares its platform with the Chevrolet Colorado. The third-generation model shares its platform with the third-generation Mazda BT-50, which is produced in the same Isuzu plant in Thailand.

Starting in 1992, Holden's performance outfit, Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), built a performance version of the ute named the Maloo.