2002 Holden Astra CD 1.8

Summary:

Love the car, but the brakes make me regret my decision

Faults:

Brakes make the most annoying sound imaginable. Nobody knows how to fix it - I have already had the car in for repairs twice and the sound is still audible.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd October, 2002

31st Oct 2002, 04:10

For some reason my comments about the brake issue has vanished from this site. To recap, there is an issue with the rear calipers - they make a squealing noise at slow speeds and also when reversing slowly. Holden has a fix for this problem, a redesigned linkage between the brake caliper and the hand brake cable. ASK FOR THIS FIX. I have had this done and no more problems. Holden will only do something if you complain about it. I can obtain the part numbers if required. Hope this helps.

6th Feb 2003, 23:37

Further information on the squeaking/groaning rear brake problem. My local dealer initially offered the handbrake linkage modification, but has now advised that GM will provide a set of new calipers for the rear brakes. It seems that GM/Opel has decided to revert to the type of caliper which was fitted before the switch to the type that has caused the noise problem.

Those of you who have been given the linkage modification may have received a temporary fix - you may wish to talk to your dealer about obtaining the new (old style) calipers.

2002 Holden Astra CD 1.8

Summary:

Good looks coupled with great performance and handling

Faults:

There have been only two problems with this car. The indicator switch was faulty from the start and was replaced at the 1500klm service. The other worry was the well known noisy rear brake syndrome which I was told (by the sales person) had been cured! The rear brakes were very noisy, especially when reversing. The problem is a badly designed rear caliper which allows the pads to drag slightly which seems to make the rotor resonate; very disturbing when in a crowded car park. Holden have since fitted a kit to the caliper which seems to have fixed the problem.

General Comments:

The car runs far better than a 1.8 should. It is well suited to city driving and the auto transmission works smoothly and reliably.

The suspension is the best of any small car that I have driven. It is firm, but at the same time smooths out bumps with ease. Handling is brilliant and the suspension works well under brakes.

The cruise control works well on flatter roads, but is not really suited to high speed cruising in hilly areas as it tends to make the auto select lower gears than may be necessary.

The body is very rigid and strong which gives the car a sure footed feel on the road. It is also a great looking thing as well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th October, 2002

23rd Dec 2002, 06:42

Agree with the writer, however I notice that on my 2002 model Astra I'm getting the dreaded door creaking. Has anyone else suffered this problem and was the dealer able to fix it?

6th Jan 2003, 01:16

You gotta be kidding!!! the torque is excellent! how would I know? well I towed my teacher's car down the road on muck up day!!! (this all happened while we were supposed to be learning history...ooops!!!)

6th Jan 2003, 06:38

My concerns relate to the temperature gage on my Astra CD. Even on relatively moderate days after traveling only a short distance the temperature gage shoots straight to halfway and then progressively increases to the red zone - although to date has not actually entered into the red zone, this concerns me a great deal. On inspection of the under bonnet it is also extremely hot - even after travelling 5km or so - yet the car has been serviced by Holden Dealership and traveled only 2500km to date - has this or is this happening to anyone else?

6th Dec 2003, 16:50

The person with the comment above get it checked its not normal it can damage head contact me if any probs.

19th Jan 2009, 04:27

To the previous two comments above, I have just recently had this happen to my car over the weekend and I have been worried. What was the conclusion with your car?