1997 Vauxhall Vectra Reviews - Page 9 of 13

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.

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.

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.

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

However it drives like a tank and is noisy.

Idler valve x 2.

Uneven tyre wear.

Steering coupling.

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.