2004 Holden Vectra Reviews from Australia and New Zealand

Slipped a cam belt at 123000km. Covered by warranty.

Oxygen sensor replaced.

Rear suspension bushes replaced, normal wear.

Rather disappointed that the chrome surround on the gear selector is flaking.

This is one quick car. Has very impressive overtaking ability. Corners like it's on rails. Is economical, giving an average 8.9/100km.

The leather seats are very comfortable on a long trip.

I can honestly say it is the best car the family has ever had. Due to the high K's, I have looked at a replacement, but the cars I have driven are not a patch on the Vectra.

It's sad that Holden stopped importing the Opel Vectra in 2005.

Nothing - this car is amazing. I have heard numerous accounts though that you should not touch the base models, but the CDXi is faultlessly amazing.

Amazing is all you can say, what a power house, such luxury and such stand out looks. Regardless of what anyone else thinks, there's nothing else that looks like it on the road.

Due to the design of the seat bolsters (the CDXi is equipped with a "sports" seat design), my clothing rubs against them as I am getting into the vehicle. Unfortunately, this cannot be avoided. As a result, the edge of the drivers seat trim has started to wear prematurely.

Occasionally, a warning light (low water level, blown brake light globe) appears on the dash despite there being no actual problem. In these rare instances I simply turn off the ignition, wait a short period, and then restart the car. This "fixes" the problem.

The chrome trim on the boot kept coming loose. Some Loctite threadlocker on the offending loose nut solved this problem.

This car is a dream to drive. Passengers often comment on how comfortable it is, and on social occasions friends usually request to travel in my vehicle over others.

The 3.2 litre V6 propels the Vectra from standstill to 100 kph (62 mph) in under 8 seconds, which is quite respectable for a car of this size and weight.

The luggage capacity in the hatch back is generous to say the least, especially with the rear seats folded down. These seats feature a 60/40 split folding arrangement (with a ski hole), and will quite easily swallow anything you throw at it.

The semi-automatic transmission is responsive, and adapts the shift pattern over time to match the style of the driver. It will hold the gear selected to red-line, at which time it will automatically up change regardless of driver input, in order to avoid engine damage. Bringing the vehicle to a standstill will automatically put it back into first gear. I find the Vectra's semi-automatic system far superior to that found in other cars I have test driven, including the Porsche Cayman S and Ferrari 360.

The ZC Vectra CDXi combines versatility, luxury, and a touch of sportiness to make a great "all-rounder". You will not be disappointed.

Condensation in the driver's side fog light (warranty).

Cruise control stalk switch replaced (warranty).

Front rotors and pads need to be replaced at approx. 40,000k.

Got the car when only 2 years old. Apart from the three reliability problems mentioned, the car has been a delight to drive. A drive from Brisbane to Cairns (1600klms) proved that the car was rapid when overtaking was required. Fuel consumption for this trip was a remarkable 8.0/100k @ 91kph av. This was bettered when I had a trip of 1300klms (Cairns, Tablelands, Port Douglas etc) and it returned 7.8l/100k.

The handling justifies the sports touring label; firm yet compliant. Loves mountain bends especially with the low end torque at hand.

Structural rigidity and general quietness is excellent, and these aspects were also mentioned by a guy who drives a BMW 530. Really a fine car to drive.

The huge boot consumes luggage with ease.