1991 Vauxhall Calibra Reviews - Page 2 of 2

Mostly wear and tear: 2 new exhausts, new clutch, 2 new sets of tyres, ABS sensors on the front wheels needed replaced, new knock sensor, new battery and replacement of front and rear brake pads.

After having the car for 5 years and now approaching 90,000 miles, this car has been reliable and more importantly, great fun to drive. It is vital to service the car at the required intervals and treat it to quality engine oil. The only glitches have been the infamous random electro-magnetic interference on the knock sensor which resets the engine management system (sorted by using a screened wire conversion kit); and the sensitivity of the 4 wheel drive system to uneven tyre wear/pressures between the front and rear axles, requiring the replacement of all 4 tyres at any one time. This being said, I wouldn't part with my Calibra 4x4 for any other sports coupe on the road.

I don't care (see below).

Just look at the car. It's the best looking car on the road, bar the Peugeot 406 Coupe. People saying they'd buy BMWs next time just don't appreciate good looks. It's like going for Carol Vorderman rather than Kate Moss, just 'cos she can do sums quicker, know what I mean???

Front suspension strut broke, cat went shortly after buying the car. Hint of rust where rear wheel arches turn under.

I've had this car two and a half years, mileage was 85k when bought, I've just turned 115k. Extremely reliable, great performance (0-60 in 8.5-ish, I believe. But whatever, most people get left behind!) And those looks! Mine's white, and it looks a dream whether slicing through the wet spray or cruising in the summer sun! It's also incredibly practical, what other sports coupe can you fill full of band gear?

OK the interior's a bit naff, but what interior doesn't seem naff after a couple of years anyway?

Internals of the original exhaust back box finally disintegrated and blocked the exhaust system ruining performance.

Alternator needed replacing.

Heater panel lights - fiddly job!

Front suspension bushes are badly designed - replaced with polyeurethane - much better!

Very beginnings of wheel arch rust.

Looks better (and is better) than Ford Probe. Especially in Silver. As people know it is based on a Cavalier they expect it to handle badly. In reality Calibra's rear suspension is independent unlike all Cavaliers except for the GSi, and people are crap at driving. The car is by no means the best handler in the world but given a bit of empty road and a GOOD driver, Calibras can be enormous fun and quite spectacular when taking corners sideways.

Stick you head under your Calibra - look at the fully independent rear suspension and go and drive the bloody thing and stop moaning. If Vauxhall made a really good handling car, you'd all be moaning that it span round on a wet corner when you were half asleep. The technology to balance safety and handling (and expense) is only just starting to become readily available, let alone 9 years ago.

Drive a Probe if you want the experience a laughable car - and people laughing at the name of your car.

(No I don't work for Vauxhall)

I've had the car for 8 months and it's done 112,000 miles 12,000 of those are mine!! I needed a new cat, 4 tyres and a fuel pump relay, total cost £600.

The car is fantastic. Even after all those miles, the engine sounds perfect and the performance still leaves most cars dead. It looks fantastic in red and has NO rust at all!!!! The most serious problem I have with the car is that the radio reception is poor. It cost me £4995 and was worth every penny!

I've owned the car for two years. Whan I bought it, it had 78,000 on the clock. It is now 100,000+. I can honestly say it has not missed a beat. Absolutely stupendous reliability.

Being only 8v, overtaking is EXTREMELY hairy, but in most normal driving situations, power is sufficient. Handling not the best, but looks very sexy in white, so that's alright then.

I plan to upgrade to a V6 or a Turbo soon, and can see myself driving Calibras for years to come. There is nothing on the market that can touch this car for reliability, performance, and looks.

Electrics in the lights.

Electrics in the steering column (the circuit to the horn started shorting on the bodywork, so everytime I went round a corner the horn came on!)

Petrol pump.

Temperature sensor in engine.

Exhaust.

Various electrical relays.

Rust.

Looks wonderful, especially in silver, but it is a cavalier in drag, handling so so.

Destroyed my respect for Vauxhall and their dealers.

I am going to buy a second hand Corrado or BMW!