Holden Viva JF (Sedan) (2005-2009)

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 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.

We have owned many vehicles, but this is without a doubt the worst example of automotive engineering I have come across. Unknown at the time, due to a lesser presence of web reviews, this is a re-badged Daewoo, known even then to be a poor quality vehicle.

We experienced problems from the get-go, with engine rattles, stalling, poor braking, gear changing issues and interior/exterior paint finishes failing. None were fixed by the dealership, all the time getting the run around until the warranty expired. We were then told the intake manifold ...

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 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.

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.

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 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 of...

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.

I bought my holden viva sedan 2005 brand new. I used it for work & going to Melb. for appointments. Never had a problem with it. it runs smoothly, airconditioning is good & petrol wise it's economical.
it's yearly serviced by holden so am confident that this car should last me for a while.

I also have a 2008 and am having heaps of trouble with transmission (auto). Often clunks into reverse and then engine light comes on and drives like a golf buggy for a few kilometres and then feels like it is taking off in 5th gear, this will normally last for about 20 klm and then it rights itself. Have also found that if you put premium petrol in it the car won't start in the mornings.I also hear the constant ticking noise both when driving and idling. The aircon switch isn't working (won't stay in) and it will cost minimum $190 cos the whole...

Had nothing but trouble with this car ever since I got it. First the driver side window stopped working then the back right hand one, got a new retractor motor put in driver side $600 dollars, parts are hard to find and had to send away retractor to get fixed. Still need other window fixed. The handle on passenger side snapped off out of nowhere got that replaced. The engine makes alot of ticking noise when driving and in idle aswell Idk if this is normal but it's pretty loud. I've had a timing belt replaced slot earlier. Another problem I'm ha...

the sub frame fail and only done 73,000km it almost kill me. I lost stiring in Liverpool st Sydney. The cost of fixing the sub-frames was $2,000 of repair and still does not drive well it make a clunking sound when go over bumbs on the right hand side. I have family of 3 children and feel the car is not safe. I scared to drive this car. I upset pay $26,000 for this car and I suspected it to be a good car.
good size for family car
stiring fail due to sub-frame friction

I bought my Holden Viva end of 2007, got the sedan manual in blue. I must say being the first car that I bought brand new it has done the job and continues to do it. I have had it since 2007/8 so for almost 6 years now and the first thing to break on it was the driver side silver door handle which cost $30 to replace. I have had no other problems with it since then and has been great for my use. Can happily fit 4 big blocks two snowboards and gear in the car for a 6 hr drive no problems and fuel economy is good. I don't know how everyone else d...

iv owed for a yr, when purchached the caterlittic converter was stuffed!! iv just found out 3 valves are bent has any1 else had this problem?? iv also heard its common for the crank sharft to go in these cars??? has any1 experianced this problem??? i havent yet!! touch wood!!
Its smooth drives well! all over good car! only problem is the valves bending!!
caterlittic converter when purchaced! yr later 3 valves are bent! im replacing all 16 & the head has to be shaved.

Good car, runs always, all variants of the viva are powered by an economical and reliable 1.8 litre DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine that produces peak power of 89kW at 5800 rpm and peak torque of 169Nm at 2600rpm that is sufficient to get around smoothly and cheaply
Great little car would recommend!

Nicely re-styled version of Daewoo's Lacetti but with a fresher, sportier interior and nicer choice of body colours. The car was very good value and performed acceptably well. Holden dressed it up a bit to make it fit the styling of the rest of their range, but basically it's a small family car, not a mini HSV.

The 1.8L four cylinder engine was functional rather than sporty, but provided adequate performance and very reasonable economy. The interior was roomy, with lots of storage space. The boot was of acceptable size. I found the seats ...

I have the 2009 sedan which I bought new. There have been no major issues with the car. There is plenty of room inside and the boot is quite large for a small car. I use this car mainly to get to work and back but we have used it for trips away. The only issues at the moment are the brakes, the pads seem to need to be replaced fairly often. The engine light has come on twice, but no fault could be found.
Looks good, plenty of room, running costs are not too bad.
Service costs are quite high, issue with brakes