2005 Opel Vectra 1.8 Comfort 1.8 from Bulgaria

Summary:

A comfy and classy sedan from Opel

Faults:

Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with this car. It has been perfectly reliable without any annoying noises/rattles.

General Comments:

The 2005 Vectra is really impressive in terms of comfort and style, particularly when compared to its predecessor and some of the other offerings in the marketplace. The seats are firm, but very comfortable and lumbar support is just great. There are plenty of things I like about it like the self-dimming rear view mirror, automatic wipers and lights, cruise control, and a great stereo with plenty of punch which reads MP3s. Add to this the second stereo controls for the backseat passengers and two 12V outlets plus expensive-looking materials and you have a really desirable car. It is also a quiet one, a perfect vehicle for the highway.

The feel of the car is solid and nice and there are no worrying noises and rattles at speeds of up to 180 km/h (I haven't dared try higher speeds on local bumpy roads).

One thing the car lacks is performance. Its acceleration is far from spectacular and seems almost to stall at certain speeds. Of course, that is due to the 122 hp engine (I should have gotten a bigger one, I guess).

The steering is of the kind one would more often associate with an American car -- a bit too light and unresponsive, but one can get used to it. The brakes are good and there is also the traction control which might keep you out of trouble, although I have seen it engage just once.

All in all this is a better car than most of those that I have driven or owned in the past and for the price of 15,500 euros (I got it on a year-end sale) it was a bargain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th September, 2006

2005 Opel Vectra SRi 1.8i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A stylish take on the family car

Faults:

No problems at all with the car.

Everything works perfectly and is design to a high standard.

The indicator stalk takes some getting used to though. after 200km its second nature.

General Comments:

The car is average speed, but then I am not a boy racer. It has good acceleration when necessary.

The spec level is very good. on board computer, cruise control, CD, front fogs, 17 inch alloy wheels, lowered sports suspension, leather steering wheel and gear stick.

Comfort level is very high. the lumber support seats are excellent.

The practicality of the car is amazing. huge boot, massive and easily accessible from the hatchback model. 2 electric sockets, front and back.

Rear cup holders are great for young kids. Rear armrest makes back seat passengers comfortable on long journeys.

The safety level is 4 euroncap stars giving a total score of 88%. it comes with 6 air bags. ABS and EBD with power steering and adaptive breaking.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th April, 2006