We haven't had a commodore since the 90s. Last one was a new VS-II S-pack ute which had two transmissions and a diff replaced within the warranty and was replaced at end of warranty period with a far more useful and reliable $400 1981 L200 ute.
My nearly 20 years in the auto repair and modification trade (in an earlier life) showed me there are sad tales (especially if confined to an individual basis) for all makes and models. Some are more prone to certain issues than others, but they all have issues.
My VX has been cheaper and more reliable than any of the Euro's I owned, and the Toyota Cressida which habitually blew head gaskets every 80,000-90,000k (costing upwards of $3000 each time because of the shitty lightweight block with insufficient metal around the bore generally meant a total rebuild) - a well known issue with them (and Skylines of the period) so even Toyota is not immune.
It handles more than acceptably for a barge that can tow my van. My regular ride is a modified Honda VFR 800 (I believe you have a nice moded R30 coupe Floody) so the Holden just has to get me and my family from A to B reliably, affordably and safely (traction control, ABS, front and side airbags in 2001, oh and 1.7Tonne), which it has for over 270,000km. In that time it has had the diff replaced under warranty (@ 35,000km, GM failed to specify synthetic oil for them), steering rack, pump and radiator (all obtained from the local Eastcoast parts store on a sunday morning). I fitted a strut brace, adjustable rear geometry and replaced some bushes and shocks in any case to improve handling and ride.
Basically, I have (now) come to appreciate the merits of simpler engineering. More than enough for the masses actual needs in my opinion, but the market's not convinced.
