1996 Vauxhall Vectra LS review from UK and Ireland

First gear selection difficult

Windscreen trim came loose

Drivers' seatbelt didn't recoil

Very low re-sale value

Air bag light came on for no reason

Handbrake tension problems before and after recall

Misfire from cold in damp conditions

Engine management light came on for no apparent reason

Poor quality plastic interior that creaks over poor road conditions

Body panel gaps uneven

Didn't start at all after week of winter temperatures (great end to a skiing holiday)

The car seems to have inherited none of the good features from the previous Cavalier. You have to question why, after many years of installing effective recoiling seat belts, Vauxhall managed to fit an ineffective unit in the Vectra which had obviously never been endutrance tested before going into production. After owning six previous Vauxhalls, all of which were good cars, it was the Vectra that made me decide to never own another as long as I live. It is fitting that the Vectra was the last car ever made at the Luton factory. I now own a 1994 Golf. Enough said.