2007 Holden Captiva Road Test
July 17, 2007 by Matt Brogan
CarAdvice rating: 
Test model: 2007 Holden Captiva CX 3.2 litre automatic – $38,990.00
- A bit of history
- Models & Engines
- Safety, Interior & Exterior
- Ergonomics, Road test, Price & Service
A bit of history:
Since the departure of Holden’s faithful Isuzu sourced Jackaroo in 2003, SUV buyers loyal to the Holden marque have been left begging. The Adventra filled that need for a time, at least that’s how Holden saw it, but many customers who wanted the looks and practicality of a full size wagon shied away from the station wagon on steroids. Enter Captiva.
As part of GM’s global design project, the Korean sourced Daewoo Windstorm was developed under the prototype name ‘S3X’, and, in its final guise, is marketed all around the GM globe (Chevy Equinox and Opel Antara being a couple of examples).
Our version, Captiva, is the brain child of former Holden heavy weights Simcoe and Wolff, who saw an opening in our market, and introduced the model to the Holden line-up in late 2006.
Although smaller, Holden set Captiva to rival Ford’s all conquering Territory and insisted this was what the motoring public wanted. But would patriotic Aussie buyers go for it? Surely Holden loyalists are not ones for taking the Korean alliance to heart. The sales figures seem to disprove this theory.
Since its release, the Captiva has quietly grown its sales numbers against the aging Territory, totalling almost 4,000 units to date, (Ford sold 6,958 Territory models over the last twelve months) and with the more fuel efficient diesel variant now available, these numbers could well increase.
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Can anybody tell me whats the deal with getting warranty on my 04 Territory. It has developed some major rust and my dealer is investigating it, but it has taken months with still no reply. I have since learned that it is a common problem, I had even written a letter to a Vic Newspaper, who agreed its a widespread problem.
Have read through all of these comments and am still no closer to making a decision for our next car.
I have just managed to write-off a 2005 Mazda6 that I loved (very minimal panel damage but unfortunately lots of water damage so they are calling it a total loss).
We have a 3rd child on the way and need something to fit 3 carseats. Hubby wants a diesel but would consider others that are fuel efficient.
Saw reviews dating back in 2006 that said Mazda had done a Mazda6 diesel but can’t find it on their website? Don’t think I could have fit 3 carseats across the back anyway.
So, would love to hear your opinion out of these or any others that fall around the $40k mark that can seat 3 babies:
1. Honda CRV (don’t do a diesel)
2. Holden Captiva
3. VW Jetta? Not sure if this is wide enough either
Thanks in advance!
Forget the Holden Daewoo Captiva the Ford Territory and Mazda CX9 are head and shoulders above this junk, just read all the endless complaints about GM Daewoo Craptiva..
Ford G Series, whats better WM series or G series?
I know which one, but which one do u think?
Anyone with issues or complaints in reagrds to their Holden Captiva, please feel free to email me at shame_on_holden@live.com
Hi,
I’m looking at buying a Holden Captiva, CX7 (or 9) or a Suburu Forrester. Managed to have the sales man agree to let me keep hold of it overnight this weekend so we can ‘try it out’ properly. Can someone (ideally that has driven all three) give me some advice on what they would suggest and why?
I have read that many reviews I am now more confused than I was when i started.
Cheers
I’ve had my Captiva diesal for 6 months and have had no problem with it. I also own a 2005 Mazda Tibute, which feels tinny, is noisy (inside the cabin),and thirsty (15l/100km around town) and has drum brakes in the rear. In contrast, The Captiva feels solid, is quiet (a passenger commented that she can now hear the GPS talking) consumes 10.9l/100km around town, has curtain airbags and disc brake all round, and cost exactly the same as what I paid for the Mazda 3 yr ago. Sure there are more serious off roaders and better appointed cars, Landcruiser, Kruger, Mx7, Santa Fe etc but they all cost at least $8,000 more. Which other car offer diesel, with leather, 6 stack CD, capacity for 5 adults and 2 teenagers but can still park in a car space designated for “small cars”,plus all the safety gizmo, for $41.5k?
Hey Jason, Don’t mean to confuse you even more, but I am currently test driving the Mitsubishi Outlander VRX and I’d have to say, it’s a good car. I have only test driven the Captiva out of your list, and the Outlander is probably my pick against this car. Here’s why. Responsive 3.0litre engine. Firm ride, direct steering, good level of features, quality interior finish.
Not bad recommending your own website on someone else’s………Not to mention calling it her car…….you can imagine what the guys would get if they called a site his car web site……..s e x i e s t,I imagine.
Hi Gents,
I have just had 15k service on LX DIESEL, I have found the captiva a great car, there is currently a recall on the right hand drivers mirror flasher. I am a rep and do a lot of k’s, just drove back from Griffith to Sydney on one tand with 70k’s left till empty, which would be in total 750k to the tank, not bad for size of car.
Regards
hi, im concidering buying a captiva sx turbo diesel manual, some say it’s good on fuel others say its not, if not what would be a similar AWD that is? i like the looks of the captiva and took it for test drive and it handled and drove really well, just off the mark it was a bit slugish but most diesels are, can someone give me some advise i want good and bad, thanks
Holden means great deal to Australia??
http://www.motorsm.com/complai.....p?aid=2139
Further to my previous posts in this forum re Lx Captiva
Diesel having a thirst for diesel at a rate of 15 litres per 100 klm ,well the car has now done 5000 klm and is still consuming the diesel at the same rate.
Complained to Summit Holden again and they did an 100 klm test on the vehicle which consisted of practically having the car roll down every hill and not touching the accelerator pedal or the brake the only thing that was missing in the exercise was a attaching mast and sail and waiting for a breeze to roll in ,but surprisingly using these methods they concluded that the consumption was 9.6 litres per 100 klm hence there was nothing to worry about.
I was not happy with this situation as it did not mirror a normal method of driving any vehicle and I complained but they stated that the car is performing correctly.
I started emailing Holden customer assistant rep a man called Anthony Laras I emailed him every day for nine days
with no response getting frustrated from this lack of response I called there 1800 number only to be told by them they had not received my emails.
They stated that I should email them again and someone will respond within 24 hours .
The next day their state rep a person called Olga Katsifolis called back and rudely stated “just listen to me
Holden does not determine their fuel consumption figures,
the government does and their is nothing they can do. and Holden is not in the business of giving people back their money
So thats were I stand they sell me a car stating X litres per 100 klm take my money and when you challenge their claimed figures they say bad luck and blame someone else.
Buy a Captiva or any Holden product thats were you stand.
re.Thomas
I am in no way standing up for Holden here, but did you do your homework on this vehicle before you bought it. It is a heavy vehicle 1800kg and it does have a 2ltr turbo diesel engine, it was never going to be a ferrari. I am a rep and drive around Sydney allday everyday in my LX DIESEL, I drive to the speed limit mostly and take my time and let the vehicle work easily. I consistently get 9.6ltrs to 10ltrs and are very happy. I know if I drive harder and do all the fast take offs which we know are not good for economy, than yes my fuel usage will go up. My advise take it easy enjoy, if still not happy take the car for an independent opinion.
Cheers
I have just picked up my Captiva and wow it looks great and goes well, it handles great and i cant wait to take it on a trip. I have had big 6’s for years and the 3.2 engine does a great job, the only problem is that the interior lights only light up the middle and 3rd row, the territory has power at more fuel cost and they do look very basic inside and out. i am so glad i got this car. well done GM, OPEL,CHEVORLET and who ever wants to badge this car. thats gold..
Thanks.
I have just purchased a 2008 CX Holden Captiva 3.2 petrol in May 2008. I have put 5000kms and have had no problem with the car. Recently did a trip to Lightning Ridge from Central West NSW and averaged 11.2Ltr per 100km. Just got back from Mt Selwynn this weekend. Very pleased with the performance. For those thinking of purchasing this car you should not make your decision based on some of the negative comments here, go see for yourself. Before I made the decision to purchase this car I drove 5 other suv/4wd’s including territory, forester, outlander, dualis, rav. Some I rated pretty well, such as the forester and dualis, one was dog ugly and the other a fraction small.
we bought the holden captiva our first major problem is the electronic malfunction light always appearing on the dashboard the dealer tried to fix it up but it always appear we are not happy for the reasons that it is a safety issue that needs to be deal with because it might
cost life and we are a family that always travel with kids on board.
I really like the look of this captiva.
i just recentley got a ford territory,Best car i have ever been in,Smooth as.nice shape etc etc…
but after a long drive there is a really terrible smell that comes from the exauhst it smells like rotten eggs its horrible.does anyone know if its normal or if there is something wrong with it?
I’m so upset with my Holden Captiva; I bought it in June 2007. It’s had windscreen wiper problems and various other issues. This year a light came up on the dashboard indicating a fault with the emission control system. I took it to Newcastle City Holden who said they couldn’t find a problem and just cleared the error light. It came back on. I’ve since taken it back another three times and had a service with still no fix. They’ve adjusted timing, replaced the catalytic converter, flushed the injector and basically just don’t have a damn clue. Meanwhile the car is even worse and shakes and judders and won’t accelerate up hills and feels like it will die any minute. I’ve made a complaint to Holden and have a case number and hope for a resolution. Meanwhile Newcastle City Holden have had my car for the last two weeks and admit they just don’t know what to do. I am so frustrated and angry.
Hi all, Bought a 2008 CX diesel as we needed seven seats due to having twins…ie surprise #4. We happy on the whole. Just wondering…do we need to have electric brakes fitted if we want to two a 16 foot Jayco Expanda…weight just under 1400kg unpacked…max 1700kg…I know that towing capacity is just over 2000kg, but was wondering whether I needed electric brakes as well? Thanks for your input! Fiona
Was researching captiva.. Think I will reach into the savings account for some more $$$ and buy Mazda cx-9 instead of Captiva. Had excellent reviews everywhere apart from city fuel economy. Frequently need to travel with 4 adults and 2 kids, did not like the square looking
Territory..
Any car that comes out of the factory brand new and needs to go in for warranty is a piece of crap. Full stop. That should never happen to a well built car with a manufacturer focused on quality control and not simply volumes, like Holden and Ford.
Ever heard of a people mover Jim, or are you looking to buy an SUV as also an opportunity to compensate, if you know what I mean…
Double Trouble (Fiona).
To tow your caravan you will definitely need electric brakes fitted, as I believe all Jaycos have them fitted.
It’s a pity that your Captiva is not a manual, because an Automatic Deisel Captiva is limited to a max towing weight of 1700kg.
Basically the Captiva is NOT suitable for towing your caravan and you’ll need to replace one or the other.
You cannot legally tow your caravan and will void any warranty and insurance if the loaded mass (inc water etc) is over 1700kg.
I’ve had a LX petrol since December 2007. only one issue with the emission light, which McGrath Liverpool fixed, and no problems ever since. paint is easily marked, especially noticeable in black.interior is also very easy to mark, so the low build costs are very evident. fuel economy is about 15/100km city, but on 2 runs from Sydney to Melbourne have seen 10.5/100km fully loaded. i’ve increased the tyre pressure to 37-38 psi to improve city handling, as 33-34 psi is just too sloppy. definitely needs a GPS and sun roof.
Did they say why the malfunction light come on as i have a 2007 LX petrol and has just come on for the second time. Both times i had driven on about 20 k’s of bumpy dirt road.
Hi,
I added a comment back in July 2008 when i bought the Captive CX, I have now racked up 45000ks in 10 months and this car is going very strong.
The smell for exhaust has be eggy since new, i think is happens becuase of it high back and fumes get trapped in the wind or vacuum behind the car.
Very happy.
Hi,
I’ve had this Captiva LX diesel for 4months now and done
12,000kms city driving is 10.2 and country is 9.6, and the car is faultless. I guess 9.9 L/100 combined. My last car was an Astra CDTI 1.9 and had 6.5 L/100 on city driving.
I would suggest that that Captiva LX diesel on 16 L/100 be returned to Holden workshop and make a full test on the fuel line up including nozzles and exhaust tests to know if there is an excess unburned diesel which will point to
turbo malfuction etc..
Just wanna help,
HEY MAN JUST LEAVE HOLDEN ALONE WOULD YOU!!!!!
I’ve had my captiva for 1 and a half years and it has’nt broken down once.
i love my captiva it’s the best in the world!!
Be warned do not buy one of these vehicles – 24 months i have been into the garage 15 times – different problems-
O2 sensors
ECU changed
stereo changed twice
bluetooth failure
crankshaft changed
ABS failed
Engine malfunction light to many times
Windows let in water
Lights let in water
Bonnet clasp broken
( due to the amount of times service had been in and out of the engine)
auto window not working- driver side
Reverses awfully
PLEASE DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE CARS – HOLDEN HAS A PROBLEM WITH THEM , AND WILL NOT RECALL THEM…..
ps im not bitter, just angry – that i am putting my family in an unsafe car – as it powers down as well…
oh fuel gauge faulty as well -
going back into tomorrow malfunction light on again…..
i have just ordered the new model year 10 captiva cx i can tell you now that the entire range of MY10 captiva and barina will be coming with electric sunroof standard. i took the new nissan murano and nissan xtrail for a test weekend and the captiva has great value for money. the murano was nice but a tad too pricey ($55000) and the xtrail was just cheap and nasty. my brother has a CX7 and the 4cyl turbo is gutless. the captiva was very responsive and handeled well.