General Motors Vectra

The Vauxhall Vectra (virtually identical to the Opel Vectra sold in most European countries other than Great Britain) has been around for some years now. The first mid-size Vauxhall to be sold in Britain with the Vectra name was launched in 1995, and replaced the Cavalier. From launch the car was available as a saloon, hatchback or estate.

The 1995 model was essentially a re-skin of the previous Cavalier, sharing much of the under the skin engineering with its predecessor. The new model launched in 2002 was radically different. Bigger, and better in almost every way, Vauxhall finally had a competitive car in this segment. It received a face lift in Autumn 2005, which further sharpened the car up.

The Vectra is due for replacement next year (2008) by the all-new Insignia, which promises to be even better, and much more exciting too.

See Wikicars' comprehensive  Review.

Pricing
This is only a selected range so far.

Fuel Consumption
They are as follows:

Reliability
It has to be said that this is not considered to be one of the Vectra's strong points. It has regularly faired poorly in the usual annual car reliability surveys, usually well down in the bottom half.

Hybrid Models
Sadly not, though apparently its replacement, the Insignia, will have a hybrid option.

Criticisms
In 1998, a Top Gear customer satisfaction survey condemned the Vauxhall Vectra as the least satisfying car to own in Britain.

"There is a word to describe this car: it begins with an 's' and ends with 't', and it isn't soot.(Vauxhall Vectra VXR)" Jeremy Clarkson, Top Gear

Previous Generations
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Worldwide
The Vectra is available as an Opel in most European countries, including the Republic of Ireland.

Holden had built Vectras in the Elizabeth Park Plant for the Australian market in 1999 but sales were below Holden's expectations and production ceased in 2003. Sedan and wagon versions have been built but hatchbacks were imported.