1997 Vauxhall Vectra Arctic 16v 2 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good all round family car

Faults:

When idling at around 900 RPM, which seems fine, the engine will automatically rise to around 1100 RPM and then cut out completely. This has happened when I have been entering corners at slow speed, only to find my engine has died. Scary as you lose the power steering, this can take you by surprise (very annoying). Had the car back to the dealer who say they cannot find anything wrong when they link it to the diagnostics computer.

Thumping noise from the rear at certain times. I think it is the exhaust hitting the floor (very annoying).

When I bought the car, they had to replace the digital display as it only read some info.

General Comments:

I still like the Vectra, it has good handling and I find it comfortable.

Very roomy and a good sized boot.

Good pulling power for a 1.8 when loaded with adults.

Good looks all round.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th August, 2001

1997 Vauxhall Vectra CDX 2.0 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A typical mass-market car

Faults:

Refused to start from cold.

L.H. front speaker stopped working.

Reversing lights don't work.

Parking lights fused.

Climate control lights fused.

Seat belt / airbag warning light stayed on.

Uses oil excessively.

General Comments:

Generally the car is a solid, cavernous vehicle that accommodates a family.

However it drives like a tank and is noisy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 31st July, 2001

1997 Vauxhall Vectra LS 2.0 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Don't waste your money!!!

Faults:

Idler valve x 2.

Uneven tyre wear.

Steering coupling.

General Comments:

This has to be without a shadow of a doubt the very worst car I have ever owned... (I should have bought the Omega!!) - And as for the dealerships... Bloody diabolical!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th July, 2001

9th Jan 2003, 07:16

I agree 100%. The cars have been designed to require the maximum amount of maintenance at the highest possible cost. My Vectra has had a new gearbox,gearbox mounting bolts which sheared, petrol cap lock, dashboard bulbs, cam sensor, faulty air-con, screaming clutch bearing, etc etc its just simply made from poor parts the costs of which are phenomenal. My advise to any new or used car buyer is to a) check the internet and publications for info relating to the car you want for common faults, all cars are not perfect and even the most reliable have faults.B) Price the offending items-you will at least have an idea of cost in the event of repairs required you may be shocked. This is no way to guarantee trouble free driving you can only try to reduce the risk. My final tip Don't BUY A VECTRA.

1997 Vauxhall Vectra Arctic 1.6 16V from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A useless pile of rubbish

Faults:

Multi function display is rubbish, been changed twice, both times it loses digits etc, cannot read it.

Drive shaft joint failed.

Gears very unsmooth.

Suspension is a joke.

Paint on the bumpers chips off like emulsion.

Suspension is useless, if you ran over an empty fag packet you would feel it.

Back quarter panel window leaks, stay away from the jet wash.

Steering wheel rattles over bumps and feels loose and unsafe.

General Comments:

This car is so bad at everything except going straight down a motorway.

The car is a joke, joke to drive, joke to own, joke to be seen in.

Vauxhall should recall these piles of crap and crush them for other manufacturers to make proper cars from.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th May, 2001

1997 Vauxhall Vectra Sport V6 2.5 V6 24v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A fast car let down by poor build quality and cretinous dealers

Faults:

Power steering failure due to a burst hose.

Knock from the steering on sharp left turns, took 3 visits to different dealers to a fix defective suspension joint. Now starting to re-occur.

Clunk from inside the driver & passenger doors when braking or accelerating. No dealer has ever been able to fix or even reduce the noise.

Steering noise inside the car caused by worn/dry slip-ring (squibb) behind the steering wheel. Dealer lubricated twice, 3 replacements fitted so far. In attempt to cure it the dealer fitted a new steering rack. Fault re-occurs from time to time.

Replacement steering rack from above the fault leaked immediately, dealer fitted a second replacement.

Poly Vee belt (water pump, power steering, air-con & alternator) broke due to damaged pulley (probably caused by the dealer when replacing the steering rack).

Driver's seat-belt not retracting.

Power steering fluid leak.

General Comments:

Performance is reasonably good.

Slight midrange flat spot.

Gear-box is a clunky old sack of cogs.

Handling not bad, would be better with larger wheels and lower profile tyres.

Brakes are superb.

I'm glad I bought this car with a 3 year warranty, would have cost me thousands otherwise.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th May, 2001

28th May 2002, 06:43

Jeez, mate. You seem to have the same problems with General Motors where you are as we do here in Australia!

Problems we incur are denial campaigns in legitimate warranty claims, lack of knowledge, overcharging & yeah! Like you said-cretins at dealerships!

Over where you are, however, you have the services of Top Gear magazine-its annual J. D Power Quality surveys expose these trashy dealerships for what they are-yet spokespeople for GM Europe have the hide to blame Top Gear for GM's own incompetence!

Sounds like the process used to make a warranty claim at a General Motors dealership-How do we blame the customer? A friend of mine used to work at a General Motors dealership as a service advisor. Every time that he had to phone through a warranty claim to attempt to gain approval, the response that he received at the other end was,"Can we cast the blame onto the driver again?"

Oh, gee, one day all of us motorists dreams will come true, & J.D.PowerIII's surveys will be here in Australia!