1996 Vauxhall Frontera LWB 2.8 TDI ( ISUZU)

Summary:

Reliable economical great off road

Faults:

Water Pump leak sorted very cheaply.

Shocks changed, but what do you expect for a eight year old 4x4.

General Comments:

The 2.8 TDI gives me around 38 MPG which is not bad for a large 4x4.

It pulls well up hill better than a petrol

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd July, 2004

1996 Vauxhall Frontera TD 2.8

Summary:

Very good value for money

Faults:

Nearside rear electric window switch had to replaced at 55000 miles.

Oil dipstick steal split at 60000 miles and allowed oil to be sprayed around engine compartment, which then had to be steam cleaned to stop oil dipping down from under bonnet sound proofing.

General Comments:

I have found the vehicle to everything that I expected, with good performance and levels of comfort, when compared to other 4X4s of a similar price.

Off road performance has been greatly enhanced by the fitting of a decent set of dual purpose tires, this has caused only a slight increase in motorway driving tire noise.

A diff-lock would be a handy addition to the vehicle, but you have to just think ahead when using the vehicle off road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st September, 2003

1996 Vauxhall Frontera SWB Sport 2.0

Summary:

Good cheap great looking 4x4 - but could have been so much better Vauxhall!

Faults:

Exhaust needing replacement at an unreasonably low mileage (under 30,000) due to a bad design.

Various body panels - front wings, bonnet, o/s door, needing slight adjustment by me to avoid rattles etc (Monday morning car at Luton?)

Interior bordering upon appalling with plastic bits being collected and put away for safe keeping.

Tiny rust spot on the leading edge of the bonnet.

General Comments:

A nice car to drive as a FUN vehicle, also tows a 16ft. old Sprite Major caravan with ease, even up wet grassy slopes!

When you get a sunny day try taking off the roof and windows - great! But NOWHERE to store roof panel so don't take chances.

4 new tyres locally for £300 dead (not bad for a 4x4).

Ideal medium 4x4 - but not recommended as an only vehicle (we also own a Ford Mondeo Estate).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th March, 2001

13th May 2001, 03:09

UPDATE BY ORIGINAL AUTHOR: Try looking at the Landrover Freelander reviews in this website. What pieces of junk they have turned out to be but yet the 'in set' still have given them top sales! Forget the Frontera myths from ignorant TV commentators on BBC Top Gear etc. - just give one a try! Still enjoying our 1996 SWB 2.0.

1996 Vauxhall Frontera Diamond Estate 2.8 turbo diesel

Summary:

Best looking 4x4 for the price

Faults:

Back door sticks.

Had an aftermarket alarm put in.

Bonnet looks like it's going to pop up if I go over 70 mph.

General Comments:

A lot of body roll, sounds like a Transit van when cold, but it's a 4x4, not a car.

Good value for money.

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

Review Date: 11th January, 2001

23rd Oct 2006, 16:54

You don't say which engine your frontera has, they don't all sound the same. (diesel, petrol?)