1996 Lada Riva 1500e review from UK and Ireland

Clutch wore out prematurely (look at the mileage!)

Steering column detached itself from the bulkhead - bolts had sheared.

Poor idling and performance.

Excessive corrosion.

Bought as a stop gap when I needed cheap wheels, this was a mistake. They are exactly as bad as everyone said.

Performance is very poor for a 1.5 engine, fuel economy pretty heavy too. It doesn't handle, the steering is very heavy, gearbox baulks all the time, the brakes are either on or off and lock up at the slightest provocation. Over 60 mph it's very hard to keep it in a straight line, due to the inbuilt slack in the steering. I took it to a garage to have the steering mechanism looked at, but apparently it was in perfect condition - they are all like that.

It was comfortable enough to sit in apart from the pedals and wheel offset to the centre of the car, and although mine never left me stranded, I really couldn't recommend this car to anyone. Fit and finish very poor, as for corrosion protection, these were already rusting on the boat over from the USSR.

When new they were the cheapest new car in the UK, selling for £3995, thanks to huge subsidies from the USSR govt to raise some foreign currency, I reckon even that was asking a bit much. A truly awful car.

I cannot believe the factory in Toggliatti is STILL making these! Rather than buying a new one you'd be better off getting a 10 year old Mondeo. Seriously.