1999 Vauxhall Vectra Reviews

Nothing... aside from...

I did have sporadic idling, and the engine cut out a few times after purchase. But after driving the car very quickly, the problem went away in a couple of weeks. Maybe I cleared something out?

In the cabin:

There is something very comfortable about this car. You just jump in, drive, and feel like you have exerted no energy in reaching your destination. It has very good road noise insulation, which is part of it, as I find this to be the most draining noise a car can have. The steering wheel is big and chunky, like a bumper car's, and the pedals are very well placed. The gear shift is a very comfortable shape. The colour scheme and soft dashboard make you feel like you're driving around in your nan's lounge.

Negatives are a slightly hard seat; not great after an hour of driving, and the steering wheel has no reach adjustment (IMO the biggest fault of this car).

Driving:

The handling has nearly no feel. The steering rack is very loose, lots of turns are needed to do anything! However, this belies quite a grippy chassis with consistent safe and assured understeer. It's a heavy car, but very softly sprung; I like it!

Fuel economy is great for the size of vehicle, considering it's a petrol. I get 30 in town and 50 on the motorway (you do have to drive it sensibly, as petrols will rev easily).

Other:

I have enjoyed owning this car, and will run it until it breaks. Although it is showing no signs as yet. These are virtually worthless on the used market; I paid £500 nearly two years ago because it's a 1.6, but the 1.8's are even cheaper.

I do not understand why people would drive tinny little cars and pay thousands for the privilege?

I have a W reg 2000 Vectra SRi 140. I'm no speed freak, but it's funny when you get a boy racer in his 1.2 Corsa trying to make a fool of you.

I think the Vectra is a fantastic car. It drives and handles well, and that's all that matters. But I'm saying all this, because I previously owned a Peugeot 106 Ski 1.1, which was a piece of crap at the very most LOL.

Front tyres.

Rear bushes.

I'll just say this will leave a VTS standing and is in a different league.

The car handles like no other FWD.

The engine is a smooth as the BMW m52 motors (but with less bhp).

The engine doesn't need to be thrashed the hell out of to get the best out of it (one of the downfalls of both the VTS and Civic Type R).