Opel Vectra Facts for Kids

The Opel Vectra was a popular car made by the German company Opel. It was produced for many years, from 1988 to 2008. This car was known by different names around the world. In most of Europe, it was called Opel. In Great Britain, it was known as Vauxhall. People in Australia and New Zealand called it Holden, and in Latin America, it was sold as a Chevrolet.

The Opel Vectra was made for about 20 years. It was eventually replaced by another car called the Insignia, which even won the European Car of the Year award!

First Generation (1988–1995)
- Car Styles
- Engine Types
Second Generation (1995–2002)
- Car Styles
- Engine Types
Third Generation (2002–2008)
- Car Styles
- Engine Types
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First Generation (1988–1995)

The very first version of the Opel Vectra was made from October 1988 to October 1995. In the United Kingdom, this car was sold as the Vauxhall Cavalier. This first model came as a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback. There was no station wagon version of this car. It also got a small update in 1992 to make it look a bit fresher.

Car Styles

A 4-door sedan version
A 5-door hatchback version

Engine Types

The first Vectra had different types of engines. Some used a system called carburetion, while others used a more modern system called fuel injection. These engines varied in power, from about 71 horsepower to 204 horsepower. There were also a couple of diesel engine options.

Petrol Engines:
- Smaller Engines: 1.4 S, 1.6 S, 1.8 S (carbureted)
- Fuel-injected Engines: 1.6 i, 1.8 i, 2.0 i, 2.0 i 16V, 2.0 i 16V Turbo, 2.5 i V6
Diesel Engines:
- 1.7 D and 1.7 TD

Second Generation (1995–2002)

The second version of the Opel Vectra was produced from October 1995 to May 2002. Just like the first generation, it was sold as a Vauxhall in the UK. A new style was added to the lineup in October 1996: a station wagon! This was a great option for families needing more space. The car also received a facelift in April 1999.

Interestingly, a famous car journalist and TV presenter named Jeremy Clarkson didn't like this car very much. But even with his criticism, the second-generation Vectra was still very popular in the UK!

Car Styles

A 4-door sedan
A 5-door hatchback
A 5-door station wagon

Engine Types

This generation also offered a range of engines, both petrol and diesel, with different power levels.

Petrol Engines:
- 1.6 i, 1.6 i 16V, 1.8 i 16V, 2.0 i 16V, 2.2 i 16V, 2.5 i V6, 2.6 i V6
Diesel Engines:
- 1.7 TD, 2.0 DI 16V, 2.0 DTI 16V, 2.2 DTI 16V

Third Generation (2002–2008)

The third and final version of the Opel Vectra came out in June 2002. At first, it was available as a hatchback and a sedan. A related car called the Signum hatchback appeared in June 2003, and the station wagon version of the Vectra launched that October. As before, it was sold as a Vauxhall in the UK.

This generation also got a facelift in October 2005, making it look more modern. The third-generation Vectra was eventually replaced by the Opel Insignia in late 2008.

Car Styles

A 4-door sedan
A 5-door hatchback
A 5-door station wagon

Engine Types

The third generation had even more powerful and efficient engines, including turbocharged options for better performance.

Petrol Engines:
- 1.6 i 16V, 1.8 i 16V, 2.0 i 16V Turbo, 2.2 i 16V, 2.2 i 16V Direct, 2.8 i V6 Turbo, 2.8 i V6 Turbo OPC, 3.2 i V6
Diesel Engines:
- 1.9 CDTI, 1.9 CDTI 16V, 2.0 DTI 16V, 2.2 DTI 16V, 3.0 CDTI V6