2003 Holden Vectra CDX Hatchback review from Australia and New Zealand
"A vehicle this good with a more prestigious badge would sell for 50percent more"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
R.H.rear Bumper Iron to rear chassis rail bolts completely missing from the factory. I rectified this myself.
Squeak in Brake Pedal. I also rectified this myself with a squirt of CRC 5.56.
General comments?
The new V6 Vectra is the best all rounder you can buy new in New Zealand for under $50K. The car is extremely powerful (0-100kms in 7.5 seconds) but the most impressive thing about the power delivery is the performance is readily available instantly at any engine rev's above 1500rpm. Unlike a Japanese V6 which requires a downchange and at least 4000rpm on the tacho to perform the Vectra responds instantly and by the time you reach 4000rpm you are going seriously fast. Maximum speed is 248km/h which I am never likely to do!!
The car is very quiet and refined to drive with the engine noise intruding only at high rev's and then it is a lovely deep sound, very European.
The attention to detail is what originally sold the car to us and one only needs to view the car to see this both inside and out. The assembly seems fastidious (apart from what I have mentioned earlier) and after 15000kms there are no rattles, squeaks, or wind noise.
On the negative side the road holding / handling is not as good as expected -probably a trade-off of the good ride. The seats are comfortable both front and rear if a little flat in the cushions. I believe the Vectra CDXi has a slightly harder ride, but the roadholding / handling is much improved as are the seats with wrap-around front buckets.
Recommended reviews
| 2004 - Vectra CDXi 3.2 V6 petrol German engineering without the typical German price |
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| Prestige quality at a Holden price |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.2 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 15000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Toyota Camry |
| Date of Entry | 6th May, 2004 |