1997 Vauxhall Frontera Reviews - Page 2 of 3

14th Mar 2008, 15:57

Spot on review. I had the same problems; mainly the diff cover on the rear axle. I know this is a common trait with this vehicle, but otherwise it's a smashing vehicle and very underestimated.

1997 Vauxhall Frontera LWB 2.5 Estate 2.5 TD from UK and Ireland

Model year	1997
Year of manufacture	1997
First year of ownership	2004
Most recent year of ownership	2006
Engine and transmission	2.5 TD Manual
Comfort marks	10 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	10.0 / 10
Distance when acquired	86000 miles
Most recent distance	186000 miles
Previous car	Vauxhall Civic

Summary:

A1 all round vehicle economical for size and safe

Faults:

Head cracked at 100K fixed it and all was well.

Blowing blue smoke and using water! But runs a treat. Is this another head away again?

Can't fault the vehicle so long as it's well maintainrd and plenty of TLC.

General Comments:

Good all round vehicle..a little underpowered, but has been a good worker.

Planning to buy another if it behaves it's self for the next year.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd March, 2006

1997 Vauxhall Frontera 5 door estate 2.5 TDS from UK and Ireland

Model year	1997
Year of manufacture	1997
First year of ownership	2005
Most recent year of ownership	2006
Engine and transmission	2.5 TDS Manual
Performance marks	7 / 10
Reliability marks	7 / 10
Comfort marks	8 / 10
Dealer Service marks	7 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	8 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	7.4 / 10
Distance when acquired	100000 miles
Most recent distance	104000 miles
Previous car	Ford Mondeo

Summary:

First class!

Faults:

New battery

Rear nearside electric window fault

That's it!

General Comments:

I looked at buying a Toyota surf, Isuzu trooper, and a discovery, before settling on the Vauxhall Frontera, and I'm glad I did, It's a brilliant car and I'm very happy with its on and offroad capability. Its well built and the performance from the 2.5 turbo diesel is good. The Frontera is excellent value for money compared to what you pay for shoddy examples of other makes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th February, 2006

22nd Feb 2008, 17:06

Since I originally posted this comment I still have not had any problems with the vehicle except the rear axle diff cover started to leak due to corrosion, which is a common problem on the frontera, not really a major prob although the replacement cover is about £50 to £60, which is quite pricey for a bit of pressed metal.

6th Mar 2009, 16:19

Another year on, and I'm still very happy with my Frontera, still no problems other than new tyres, brake pads, which are your normal wear and tear stuff.

Best bit was the recent snow we had, the Frontera performed excellent both off road and in the snowy and icy road conditions, and here's the best bit! I had to tow a 2008 Range Rover out of trouble after the driver got it stuck in a snow drift! So all your doubters out there, yes the Frontera has its little niggles, but it's great value for money, and I have no intention of parting with my 1997 model.

12th Jul 2011, 13:03

And another year on, still no problems with the Frontera, all she needed was a couple of brake pipes and a front wheel bearing for the MOT. The motor still runs well, and no real niggles except the annoying door rubbers that came unstuck on the back doors, which I cured with Gorilla glue (good product).

1997 Vauxhall Frontera 2.5 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Year of manufacture	1997
First year of ownership	2005
Engine and transmission	2.5 turbo diesel Manual
Performance marks	8 / 10
Reliability marks	8 / 10
Comfort marks	8 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	6 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	7.5 / 10
Distance when acquired	40000 miles
Previous car	Citroen Xsara

Summary:

Very nice, apart from that black smoke

Faults:

I seem to have a lot of black smoke coming from the exhaust, especially when I'm changing up a gear, but even on the flat, when I go to change, it lets out a puff of black smoke. I have had this 3 weeks, and had it back in garage twice; I am thinking of forgetting the deal. Is this black smoke normal?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th March, 2005

13th Mar 2005, 08:15

It is a diesel. They all make black smoke. This is because of unburned fuel being chucked out of the exhaust. All diesels do the same. It is quite normal.

15th Sep 2005, 10:28

I have a 97 Frontera 5 door estate. I bought it when it was 3 yrs old. I change the oil and filter about every 6000 miles and use Castrol Magnatec GTD. There is no black smoke except a little on start up which is normal. If your vehicle is putting out a lot of smoke. if it is a diesel perhaps it needs the injectors overhauling. If it is petrol a good service may help if not get rid because the rings may be shot.