Vauxhall Motors, the British GM subsidiary that shared most of its models with Opel, did not use the "Vectra" model name - opting instead to continue the use of the Cavalier nameplate - effectively making the Vectra A a third-generation Cavalier when carrying Vauxhall branding.

However, left hand drive Opel Vectras were produced at Vauxhall's Luton plant for export to other European countries.

Its sixteen valve version of the 2.0 L engine produces 150 PS (110 kW) and was only available with the sedan bodywork, with available four-wheel drive.

The sixteen-valve engine also appeared in GT (GSi in some markets) models after the facelift, now mainly as a hatchback.

In markets as Italy, where smaller engines were favored by the taxation system, a better equipped 1.4 GLS was also offered.

A 2.5 L V6 engine appeared towards the later stages of the Vectra's life, developing 170 PS (125 kW), turning the car into a relaxed motorway cruiser rather than giving it sporty pretensions.

There were a choice of two diesel engines; one was an Isuzu 1.7 L 4EE1 inline-four unit, in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged form (1686 cc), this one capable of achieving 82 PS (60 kW), and an Opel designed 1.7 "low blow" turbodiesel (1699 cc), and naturally aspirated diesel unit, delivering 57 to 60 PS (42 to 44 kW).

The front suspension was fully independent, with MacPherson struts, pressed steel lower control arms, and an anti-roll bar.

On front wheel drive models, the rear suspension is semi independent, consisting of a torsion beam linked to trailing arms, with double conical coil springs and direct acting telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers, with certain models also having an anti roll bar.

On the four wheel drive GSi, 4x4 and Turbo models, the rear suspension is a subframe mounted fully independent design, with semi trailing arms, double conical coil springs, direct acting gas assisted telescopic shock absorbers, and an anti roll bar.

[7] The range received new front grilles and a black plastic strip above the rear taillamps, along with an upgrade to the structure for improved crashworthiness.

The first model was developed in Germany by Opel Motorsport, with the V6 engine's power increased to 195 PS (143 kW).

The ST200 was a limited run car development and built by MSD in Milton Keynes with upgrades over the GSI including AP Racing 4 Pot Calipers and 325mm discs, AP Racing Suretrac LSD, lower final drive, KONI suspension, Speedline wheels and Recaro seat.

Two engines were offered - the 2.0 16v with 136bhp or the 170bhp 2.5 V6, with an Irmscher sports exhaust system and white 16-inch alloys and GSi front bumpers.

These models received a host of extra upgrades, including to Xenon headlamps, and larger front brakes.

A related model sold in North America was the Saturn L-Series, introduced in 2000, but dropped from the line up in 2005.

Built on the new GM Epsilon platform, the Opel Vectra C, released in March 2002 for the 2003 model year was initially available as a four-door notchback saloon and a five-door hatchback, known as the GTS.

[19] The engine range was substantially modified to account for the increased curb weight of the Vectra C. The 90 kW (121 hp) 1.8 litre Family 1 Ecotec engine was reserved for the base model, with the main petrol engine for the Vectra C, making up the vast bulk of production, being the Ecotec 2.2 litre chain driven unit producing 108 kW (145 hp); along with a new range topping 3.2 litre 54-Degree V6, with 155 kW (208 hp).

[20] From June to July 2002, Ed Harris starred in adverts for the Vauxhall Vectra in the United Kingdom.

[23] The 2.2 litre was upgraded in 2004, with the 'Direct' name added to the model line, indicating the new high pressure direct injection update that increased power output to 115 kW (154 hp) with improved emissions.

Diesel power, which had become important for commercial success in Europe,[24] was provided by CDTI 1.9, 2.0 and 2.2 engines, with a top of the range Isuzu sourced 3.0 litre DMAX V6 outputting 132 kW (177 hp).

The Vectra C received a facelift in September 2005, with the début at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and it retained a similar line of engines.

Opel installed the twin scroll turbo engine in its Signum productline with 185 kW (248 hp) output.

In the United Kingdom the power of the High Feature V6 engine was increased to 188 kW (252 hp), giving a maximum speed approaching 250 km/h (155 mph).

The Vectra was dropped and replaced by the Holden Epica, a badge engineered Daewoo Tosca early in 2007.

Both local spec cars were powered by the FlexPower SOHC engine originally introduced in 1982 in the Chevrolet Monza.

VX Racing competed in the season of 2009, with three Vectras, driven by Giovanardi, Matt Neal and Andrew Jordan.