1993 Vauxhall Calibra SE2 8v 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A very reliable good looking car

Faults:

New alternator, suspension brackets at the front snapped. Dash bulbs blown and very hard to replace as it's a dash out job.

Front discs tend to warp and windscreens very expensive as have integral top blue tint, watch your excess if claiming on insurance as it comes in at £400 and most companies won't pay this much as part of your policy. So beware.

General Comments:

This car has the looks but not the get up and go, but insurance is fairly cheap and it always makes journeys appear shorter as it's so comfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th July, 2000

1993 Vauxhall Calibra Turbo 4X4 2.0 turbo petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Cracked cylinder head - replaced with Cosworth manufactured head.

ABS sensors on wheels keep failing and needing replacement.

Drivers window does not always fully close.

Occasional difficulty engaging 6th and reverse gear.

General Comments:

Great looks and handling. The car has been lowered and rides on 45 profile tyres so cornering at high speed is very stable. Engine modified to 250BHP and 270lb of torque with Turbo boosting at 15 PSI. This produces startling acceleration and rapid overtaking with no loss of drivability and little difference to fuel consumption.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th June, 1999

1993 Vauxhall Calibra 16v 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Nothing that wasn't caused by an inept mechanic other than headlining becoming detached at the back of the roof and the sunroof trim flapping about a bit.

General Comments:

Performance is good given the 30-35 mpg I get (with hard driving). Handling is OK. Try 30 psi (front) and 25psi (rear) to give a more neutral drift in corners, instead of the Cavalier-esque understeer. Ability to hit 60mph in second can surprise some drivers (even those piloting XK8's!!). Car has an annoying tendency to attract idiots in other Calibras who want to race.

Reliability has been excepional, problems I have had all being caused by carelessness / stupidity from people who I let near the car so that the service book's got a full set of stamps, or to get a VSIB certificate or whatever. When I can, I do the work myself - it's the only way to get it done properly.

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

Review Date: 21st February, 1999

7th Feb 2006, 18:13

Thanks This Review Has Helped me decide to buy a 2.0 16v Calibra instead of the less impressive 2.0 8V thanks a lot I am of to buy mine now cheers.

1993 Vauxhall Calibra Turbo 2.0 turbo EFI 16v petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Cylinder head porous. Turbo bearing failure caused by dodgy mechanic (fixed myself for £1000).

General Comments:

If you are going to tune this car, buy one with a good body, good 4x4 and good gearbox but with a knackered turbo & porous head. You could get this for £2500 off retail and fix it for £1500. Also if the head has not gone porous it will.

Top car with top handling and speed!

Mine does 0-60 in well under 5.5 (with 1st gear boost limit removed).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th January, 1999

2nd Nov 2001, 09:20

I would like to know what the writer of this means when he mentions the 1st gear boost limit being removed. How can I remove it and what does this limiter do?

Please e-mail me at stardakis@thecityvibe.com

2nd Nov 2001, 16:39

It's easy to get rid of the first gear boost limit. Instead of using the Amal valve... replace it with a boost valve and you're sorted, no first gear boost limit.

25th Jan 2002, 04:13

Where can I find the Amal valve, and where do I order a boost valve? I'd like to know this too, will it cause any damage to the transmission?

9th Dec 2002, 14:02

I would like to inform the public that I have information that says not all the 2.0 16v heads will get porous. Only the heads manufactured by Kolben Schmidt suffer from this problem. Those manufactured by Cosworth are fine. You can check if your car has a Cosworth head by looking at the transmission side of the engine. There isn't an oil gallery core plug in the head next to the sleeved brass tube on Cosworth. So if it does have a core plug, then it's a Kolben Schmidt head. For more info check out www.clubcalibra.com.

1993 Vauxhall Calibra 16v 2.0 16v petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Cylinder head became "porous" after 32k, Vauxhall don't want to know about problem! New head £2000 plus fitting.

Beware of emulsion in expansion tank. It can be reworked by re-sleeving the oil galleries.

General Comments:

Excellent car despite head problem!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th December, 1998

1993 Vauxhall Calibra 16v 2.0i petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Car has done 48,000 miles. Needed new axle bit last service. Vauxhall charged me £700. Front tyres every 12,000.

Door bracket gone.

I always used Mobil 1 oil, not cheap but worth it.

General Comments:

I still rate this car!!!!

Fast, reliable, looks the part!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th April, 1998

1993 Vauxhall Calibra 16v 2.0i 16 valve petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Cylinder head has gone all mental and spazed out, so has the fan belt etc.

But you expect some kinda problems with all cars at some times don't you!!!

General Comments:

Listen to me everyone: This car is a must if you want to pull all the girls.

They love it.

Back seats are good for a good ...well that's another subject.. goodbye!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th March, 1998

1993 Vauxhall Calibra 2.0i 2.0i 16 valve petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Engine management system but was soon corrected by the manufacturer under guarantee.

General Comments:

One of the best charisma stylish looking cars available, very fast and all the girls love them!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th January, 1998