The VQ Statesman was used as an official car by government ministers in Australia, and some were also converted into hearses for funerals or limousines.

After General Motors Holdens ended production of the WB Statesman in 1984, Ford was left to market its Fairlane and LTD with no local competition.

Unlike the Ford NA Fairlane, Holden focused mainly on creature comforts and mechanical improvements in the VQ rather than appearance.

Criticisms of the car looking too much like a Commodore in a dinner suit meant that Holden spent a considerable amount of time on the successor, the VR Statesman, re-designing its panels to look unique.

It was based on the longer station wagon wheelbase which made the car physically larger than the Commodore sedan and improved rear legroom.

The pillars were reinforced not only to provide improved strength, but also to give a more solid 'thunk' sound when closing the doors.

Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) offered several different versions of the VQ Statesman and Caprice, with enhanced performance and appearance.