1995 Vauxhall Frontera Estate 2.8TDI from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A lot of metal for your money

Faults:

Clutch required replacement at 88,000 miles.

Steering idler pivot requires replacement at 108,000 miles (probably due to excessive off-road use)

Front wheel bearing required replacing (again, probably due to excessive off-road use and fording).

General Comments:

The Vauxhall Frontera is a very underrated and extremely competent on and off road vehicle. My 2.8 Estate has covered a lot of miles off road either for leisure driving on "green lanes" and as a safety marshal vehicle for motorsport events (including the British Off Road Championship).

A friend with a Land Rover has commented that the off road passenger comfort in the Frontera is luxurious compared to that of a Land Rover 90 over the same terrain.

On road, the 2.8TDI will easily cruise at the legal speed limit, and while there would be a little additional road noise (probably down to tyre choice), a normal conversation can be had by all five occupants.

For a big heavy car, the Frontera estate handles itself reasonably well on the commuter run, and can keep up with traffic (and can be quite surprising at the traffic lights if you are so inclined).

Maintenance costs are surprisingly low, with most service items being available from the high street motorist stores or the side street motor factors. Most of my maintenance has been carried out on the drive with limited tools.

As with many 4x4 vehicle owners, there is an array of accessories available from specialist suppliers, with many parts shared from the Isuzu brand.

A practical every day transport that regularly returns between 28-34 MPG, helped in some way by being a 2-wheel drive vehicle on tarmac, with 4-wheel drive being selectable in either high or low ratio.

For further information on Frontera ownership, feel free to visit www.FronteraOwners.co.uk.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th December, 2006

1995 Vauxhall Frontera longwheel base 2.8 TDI from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Excellent 4x4, cheap to run and maintain

Faults:

Hardly anything!

3 Illuminated switches - bulbs failed.

Creaky center console - in cold weather.

Wheel bearing adjustment @ 80,000 miles!

General Comments:

Isuzu engine in 2.8 is very reliable, reasonably refined & bags of power.

Decent rear suspension - It tows very well, a lot better than your standard LR discovery!!

Good economy - never had less than 27mpg even when towing caravan. Normally get 30mpg from it.

Comfortable & easy to drive.

Poor rear vision when reversing - rear pillars & spare wheel create blind spots!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th February, 2003

25th May 2004, 06:17

Update -

With a growing family I decided to opt for a 7 seater discovery. This proved to be the biggest mistake I've ever made in my life! The Vauxhalls engine was smooth,powerful suspension - firm with little body roll, economy never less than 28 mpg. However Land-rover suspension wallows about is downright dangerous when towing over 55mph - sways all over when being overtaken by anything similar in size or bigger. Economy averages 23mpg & something needs repairing constantly! To date cylinder head gasket, steering box, master cylinder. Bearing in mind both cars were of a similar age & covered similar mileages.

I WANT MY TRUSTY FRONTERA BACK...NOW!!

1995 Vauxhall Frontera Nautilus 2.3 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good looking motor

Faults:

Headlamp wash system failed.

Replacement glow plugs needed.

General Comments:

Overall very happy with my purchase, it makes a great towing vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th October, 2001

1995 Vauxhall Frontera Estate 2.8 TDI from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good looking car let down by the engineering

Faults:

Worn steering.

Poor starting from cold.

Horn stopped working.

Rust on the leading edge of the bonnet.

Smoking under acceleration.

Misfire between 2500-3000 rpm.

Poor response under acceleration.

Alarm fault.

Central locking fault on the rear door/window.

General Comments:

A good looking 4x4 for the money. Spoiled by what seems to be "common faults" that the manufacturer has done nothing about in the mk.1 & mk.2 models.

Totally surprised to find that it is rear wheel drive and that it is totally useless in the snow in 2 wheel drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 31st December, 2000

22nd Jan 2001, 15:56

Perhaps the servicing has been a little slap dash, I've had a Frontera 2.3TD LWB for 5 years, it's now clocked 90,000 and there have been very few problems.

Try buying a Discovery or Range Rover!! Then you'll have something to moan about.

For the cost of the car, the Frontera, if properly maintained, is outstanding value for money. When you look at the competition they can be twice as much!

View 19 more comments