2007 Vauxhall Signum Elite 2.2 petrol

Summary:

Interesting idea, but poorly executed

Faults:

Creaking suspension, replaced shocks and springs, noise is still there!

Alternator failed. Replaced battery as well. Expensive.

Center console display sometimes won't light up.

Rear wash/wipe stuck.

Climate control a bit hesitant to work. Passenger heated seat wont work either.

There was more, including a random breakdown when the car would not start, but later started OK. The car was bought used, but in good condition with history, and I have continued to look after it with all services.

General Comments:

Performance and comfort are the Signum's strong points. Everything else is average or just feels gimmicky. It is not a great car.

Expensive and not that reliable, this car is getting on and I will probably get rid of it soon. Value is pretty low at this age and mileage. Only kept it six years as a family run about. When the car is going great it is excellent - quite fun to drive with plenty of power, and the passengers have plenty of comfort. This car was designed with rear passenger comfort in mind and it does that well. But the car is basically just a Vectra with some fancy features. Elite model has leather and is very nicely equipped.

Tax is dear, but insurance is OK. Economy is poor by today's standards, managing only 34 mpg at best. Most repairs have been expensive. Averagely reliable compared to other cars I have had, and I have had a lot of cars.

You don't see many about anymore, and they were not that popular to begin with. An interesting car, just not a very good one unfortunately.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 15th January, 2023

19th Jan 2023, 17:14

The Top Gear Jeremy Clarkson review for this car is hilarious (can still be viewed on YouTube at time of writing this comment).

The Signum was exactly that - just a Vectra with a bigger rear passenger space and extra comfort.

My father had a 2005 diesel model quite a few years ago and was similar to the reviewed car here - just average reliability, and not that great. But a comfy car to be in, and being diesel, did nearly 50 mpg.

In reply to 19th Jan 2023, 17:14

28th Oct 2024, 23:01

I had one too, like the reviewed car, a 2.2 petrol. Barely did 30mpg, unlike the reviewed car which claims 34 mpg. Regardless I should have went for a diesel instead.

Still, I thought the Signum was an underrated car, I liked mine and only scrapped it when it was 15 years old with 170K miles on it, it was a sturdy car if looked after. I had an issue with the fuel pump, otherwise the car never cost me anything beyond the usual wear and tear.

2007 Vauxhall Signum Design 1.9CDTi 16v

Summary:

3 months on and happy, but time will tell

Faults:

Car only 3 months old so nothing yet, though the central locking has started to make a creaking noise when locking... maybe issues to come?

General Comments:

Chose this as a company car after trying the Accord estate (too big for the missus) and the Corolla Verso T180 (good quick car, but too small for a family's first car). The normal vectra is too common and the Signum was a compromise.

Engine initially felt lacklustre in performance, but it is slowly opening up. Bit slow pulling away and there is a noticeable turbo lag, but this is something you learn to live with. Excellent motorway cruiser, bombs along 85-90, with plenty of pull in 6th and manages 45-50 mpg.

Much more comfortable than my previous car, a Mazda 6. The rear seats are like arm chairs and the kids like the available leg room. Standard sat-nav is old fashioned, but works OK (always got me where I wanted to go) and the mp3 player is great with good sound.

Overall, a good family car. I just hope it doesn't start to let me down!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th August, 2007