A great looking economical car
Nothing has gone wrong with this car. I just service it at the required intervals.
I previously had a 2.5 V6 CDX. I miss the leather interior and the 2.5 engine. I do though prefer the lower suspension and the handling on the SRi.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd June, 2001
Performance and reliability do not justify the running costs
About every 3 months or so, despite on the nail servicing etc, a fault develops with engine management, repairs to date - anything from a busted cam belt sensor to "could be alternator loosing charge". Vauxhall dealers' diagnostics not exactly reliable, the car now spontaneously revs when idling and no fault can be traced through plug in diagnostics.
Also had problems with the power steering, and rear wheel bearings - not expected at 50,000 miles.
Also extremely thirsty - a tankful can get you anything from 270 - 450 miles depending on the journey.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 21st February, 2001
Silly depreciation makes nearly new Vectras a bargain buy
Minor engine management problem causing the engine to race at idle.
Don't believe what the likes of Clarkson say. The Vectra has proved to be totally dependable over 40,000 miles including trips all over Europe. The build quality is the best I have experienced in 20 years of motoring. It may not be the most exciting driver's car ever, but as a family workhorse, in my experience it provides sensible cost effective motoring for those who are not seduced by or can't afford the so called prestige brands.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th September, 2000
Keeps the AA in business
In the three months that I have had this car I have had a new steering rack, wiper motor, 'cam valve'!? and washer return valve replaced.
Both headlights have blown, side light, dashboard illumination replaced.
Countless brake and rear side lamps have gone.
Remote control central locking serviced.
Alarm serviced.
The engine has in the last month, developed an alarming knocking sound. Thank the stars that this is a company car!!!
Why are Vauxhalls so bad when it comes to the electrics? The only good thing I can think of with Vauxhalls are their engines. Usually they're pretty good. I just must have a Friday afternoon car.
I am getting shot of it now.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 26th August, 2000
No car's perfect, but they're 100 times better than any Renault or Ford I've driven! Then again, a 1930 double decker bus handles better than any Ford and has a more comfortable seat!!
Vauxhalls are very poor cars, as you say, especially on the electrics, UNBELIEVABLY bad then! I recommend Japanese or German stuff! Vauxhall can only dream of being as good.
I have out cornered loads of cars in my Ford Escort.
Good performance at a brilliant price
Nothing major has gone wrong apart from the ignition switch contacts burning up, but it was replaced free of charge by the dealer under waranty with no quibbles.
Excellent driving machine. Not an obvious power machine but when you hit the gas it goes well.
Takes a bit of getting used to the rear spoiler blocking your rear view mirror view slightly.
Cup holders are great, really smooth operation!!!!!
Would recommend joining the performance car club to get the most out of it.
On board trip computer is a good idea too as you can get to know how much fuel you are burning and can adjust your driving to suit yourself.
Traction control is wicked and pulls you out of trouble in the wet.
Buy a second hand one about 2 years old which is already tamed, great car, nice to drive.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th July, 2000
Hi alright mate, quick question about the sri, can you switch the traction control off? I know you can in the GSI, but not sure if you can on the sri, I'm tempted to buy a sri V6 next as they're going quite cheap now, but I hate traction control in front wheel drive cars, it can save your life in a powerful rear wheel drive car, but I think it's more likely to help you lose it in a front wheel drive car
I own a 1998 V6 SRi and there is a switch to turn the traction control off. Even with it off though, the car handles very well due to the lowered suspension and the sheer size of the car keeping it planted.
9th Aug 2001, 03:31
Hello I find it strange that you have had problems with this car, I have owned my 1997 GLS 2.0 Vectra Automatic since new and bar routine servicing, 1 set of tyres and 1 new battery, it has behaved faultlessly. As for your comments on MPG, I can only think your problem comes from how hard you drive the car. I admit to being careful and possibly slow on the roads, but have never got less than 350 miles on a tankful.
In conclusion I would not hesitate to buy another Vectra or possibly Astra this time (do not need anything larger).
I wonder if you have bought one of those Friday afternoon cars which all manufacturers can suffer from. I hope you get better luck from another manufacturer.
Michael.