1996 Vauxhall Vectra LS from UK and Ireland - Comments

Leaky radiator.

Broken thermostat sensor so it looked like the car was overheating.

Good and comfortable car with light steering.

Plenty of space for the driver and front passenger, but limited in the back. The back seats have belts for three, but only two can comfortably be transported at anytime.

Standard sound system is excellent with plenty of bass.

Good ride with good low geared acceleration, but you find yourself constantly changing down as you hit any sort of gradient. Definitely needs a smaller steering wheel.

I like this car a lot even if it is a bit big for a first car and can be thirsty for an 1800.

Yeah. The Vectra is a lovely car. I Myself own an LS Hatch 1.8 16V Manual ("fully loaded") featured at the silver color. It's a reliable, soliddly built and very comfortable car.

Overall a superb workhorse.

But...

I'm afraid, that I have to agree with the your and the others reviewers complaints about the fuel consumption.

My car usually gets about 20 Mpg around the town and 26 Mpg on the motorway. It's not very good, but not really bad for a 1.8 16V Engine; However it should be expected that a family Hatchback equipped with this kind of engine were more economical. Overall the fuel economy it's poor for the size of its engine, which is a bit disappointing...

But the car at least recompensates with a great performance. I've driven another 1800 16 Valve engines (including the overrated ZETEC by Ford...) and honestly none of them performs so good as the ECOTEC engine. Perhaps the Honda VTEC of my friend's Integra performs better than my Vauxhall ECOTEC engine, but even he says that the Ecotec engine is more smooth than any other 1.8 Engine available...

Really???

Well if it is true I Don't know, but I'm really satisfied with the Vectra's performance and smoothness.

You seems does not like too much the handling.

I don't want sound rude, but you weren't expect to chuck it around the hard corners as (probably) your friends does with their pathetic Saxos and Fiestas, are you?

Anyway, I have no complaints at all about the Vectra handling. There are lots of feedback form the steering; the road-holding is good and you feel the car all the time and the ride comfort is just phenomenal!

May I ask you something: How old are you? and How long you have your driver's license?

I'm just asking you, this because I 'don't think, that the Vectra although it's a really good car, it's a not proper car for beginner drivers.

I couldnt agree more, the Vectra is a bit on the big side for a beginner, but I feel I handle it quite well. My family feel safer when I'm driving rather than when my father (who owns the car) drives so I must be doing something right.

Your right it's a world apart from most of my friends cars and I love that!!! Its exactly like me, larger than life and different. My friends have Rover Metros, Fiestas and a Rover 214 (which up until I past my test was the best car in the group - hmm).

I am 19 years old and have had a license for a few months. Not to want to sound arrogant or anything, but I think for most of my friends the Vectra would be too big for them, but its just right for me. It fits like a glove and I love it even if I do bellyache about something or other on a regular basis. Some of the other reviews are a bit too harsh I feel. With regards to the engine, I have a mate who drives a 2001 1.6 litre engine. He says it's a smoother car all round and recommends it over the 1800.

http://www.vectra-sport.com

http://www.vvoc.com

http://www.vectraclube.com.br.

I have the SRi vectra (new shape) and it will certainly give hot hatches a run for their money, especially with its torquey 2.2 diesel turbo engine. Certainly the older LS's did wallow somewhat, but I'm very surprised at the fuel consumption. Perhaps you have a technical fault with the car? Even my old 1994 Cavalier 2.0 8v managed 45mpg on the motorway, though the new sri dti does about 63mpg! :-)

Superb comfort though, the sri is a bit stiffer, but not too much and the newer seats are much improved for back support and firmness (though fat arses might find they rub a bit!). Great cars for the cash, cheap to maintain and well kitted out!