|
By
EWAN KENNEDY
24 May 2004
Holden Frontera is actually an Isuzu, being built in Japan
by a company highly regarded in the light commercial field.
A mid-size vehicle, it’s a genuine 4WD not just a people
mover with macho lines.
Somewhat bizarrely, this has told against it in the sales
race. Because most 4WD buyers don’t actually want a 4WD,
just the macho credibility it provides. They aren’t happy
to put up with the below average ride comfort and refinement
of a vehicle like the Frontera.
This shows up particularly in the older Fronteras. These can
be described as a Holden Rodeo ute with a three-door wagon
body. It uses a conventional part-time driveline that
normally drives the rear wheels. The front wheels are
brought into play when needed by way of a selector lever on
the transmission tunnel. The rear differential is a limited
slip unit.
The first-series Frontera (1995 - early 1999) is a competent
‘real’ 4WD in everything but engine performance. The
2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is built by Holden in
Melbourne. As mentioned it struggles in this heavy off-roader,
but to its credit it’s surprisingly economical unless
thrashed to get good performance.
Originally the Frontera was sold only as a two-door, with a
rear hardtop that can be removed, though it’s not an easy
task. The latest model is sold as a two-door and four-door,
but the removable rear has gone.
This first Frontera was designed in Europe and early imports
were from Britain. The virtually all-new 1999 Holden
Frontera is built in the USA and most components are
specific to it. This new model is far more stylish than the
old and is far more pleasant to drive and to ride in.
This later model has a choice between four-cylinder and V6
engines, the latter being borrowed from a Jackaroo and
giving decent performance in the Frontera for the first
time.
Despite all these upgrades the newer Frontera still hasn’t
made any real waves in the sales race.
Frontera is simple to work on with good underbonnet and
under-vehicle access. The good home handyperson can carry
out just about any work, but, as always, don’t delve too
deeply without a workshop manual. Spare parts for all models
are readily available, though we have heard a couple of
complaints, and prices are normally reasonable.
Holden Frontera usually listed favourable by most insurance
companies and we don't know of any that significantly
differentiate between the four and six-cylinder engines.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
A four-cylinder engine that has been thrashed all its
life to get decent performance may need major work. Make
sure it starts quickly even when cold, and idles reasonably
smoothly as soon as it fires up.
Check the oil-pressure light goes out promptly, if it
doesn’t, listen for rattling from engine bearings which
are starved for lubrication.
Look for exhaust fumes after it has been idling for a minute
or so and then accelerated hard.
Listen for rattles from a loose valve timing chain in a
four-cylinder, problems can be very expensive.
Frontera V6 engines are generally in good condition, but
it’s still wise to have check if there’s the slightest
doubt.
A manual gearbox should be light and easy to use with no
crunching of fast changes. Check an automatic transmission
work smoothly and quietly, most are still relatively new and
we haven’t heard of any complaints about them. Nor do we
anticipate troubles.
The transfer box is moderately heavy even when working well,
if it seems too bad, have it checked by a professional.
Listen for groans and clunks in the transmission components,
these are best tested off road rather than on as they will
show up sooner.
Look for damage to the protection plates, lower bumper-bar
corners and door sills.
CAR BUYING TIP
Shop around for finance and insurance with the same
intensity that you do the vehicle itself.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
|
|
