1992 Vauxhall Cavalier MK3 2.0 SRI Road Test & Review - Matty's Cars

[@MattysCars]

Huge thanks to Romey for allowing me to scrutinise his Cavalier despite my track record of slating Vauxhalls. The Cavalier was great and I'd certainly recommend it. Take it easy, Matty

[@douggoldsack98]

I had 4 Cavalier SRi's in a row between 1989 and 1993 - all 5 doors with white paint just like the one you tested. Loved those cars. Drove up the A1 from London to North Yorkshire at 126mph during the wee small hours in the glorious days before speed cameras

[@MattysCars]

Happy days ay? I think many a sales rep would have topped a oner in a cav back in the day

[@MP-po6fj]

Powerful story that before all the speed cameras came in.. Flat to the tin.

[@MP-po6fj]

​@@MattysCarswe're the sales repo s Fav those.. Big seller these were in their prime

[@jamesweatherley7764]

@@MP-po6fj There's still the M45 - the Midlands autobahn!

[@nigelcliff7390]

Probably the only car I ever regret selling, an early morning drive from the West Midlands to Snowdonia over the Berwyn Mountains in it lives long in the memory

[@MattysCars]

Shame, if you knew then what you know now

[@martinevans1256]

I had 7 cavaliers and they were brilliant

[@jamesweatherley7764]

My first car was an H reg MK3 SRi - inherited from my dad when he bought himself an Impreza WRX. Loved it! Fast enough to have fun as a young driver without being too silly. Eventually rust in the chassis claimed it, and I was sad to see it go.

[@peterj5106]

This brings back some memories! On the Cavalier side I had a mk 2 saloon Sri, 2 mk 3 hatchback Sri's, mk 3 Gsi 16v 4x4 & a 4x4 turbo for the last Cavalier I owned. The Sri's had excellent close ratio gearbox's which gave them decent acceleration for family car's. Handling was decent too, especially the 4x4's when going at speed.

[@MattysCars]

My uncle had a Cav 4x4 back in the day. They were rare even then

[@peterj5106]

@@MattysCars. They were definitely top car's for their time. The only thing that let the 4x4's down was weak transfer boxes. My GSI went through 2 until I just never replaced it & left it as front when drive.

[@leotoczyski-ve1wj]

I had a sri on a G plate back in 1998. Best car i ever owned. Bullet proof engine and quick with it. One time i was driving it along a dual carriage way at 70 and the water pump seized causing the timing belt to snap. I thought it was dead. Vauxhall garage stuck a new water pump on and belt. It was fine, nothing wrong! Sadly it was stolen on new years eve in 2001 i think. I still miss it now and would have another one in a heartbeat.

[@MattysCars]

What a shame. But good memories it sounds like

[@JennyGavinWear]

Love that car, makes me miss it all over again. Mine was 25 years old when i reluctantly sold it in 2005. It was so much fun to drive and it would be brilliant to drive one again. This was my third Cavalier. just saw i already commented lol

[@MakerfieldConsort]

Ah, the use of period music to evoke the memories... "Papa Don't Preach" was one of two songs that I as a rather unconventional teenager liked to hear at that time, not for the song itself but for the introduction. The other, in case you're wondering, was George Michael's "Faith".

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

This, sir, is the sort of thing which you certainly should be doing. Only driven a late Mark III 1.6 Cavalier with 75 bhp, which was a lovely car, but that SRi does look like such a slice of 1990s nostalgia, that I am sure it was absolutely fantastic.

[@MattysCars]

Thanks Joseph. Like yourself I can only review what I'm offered!

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@MattysCars , that's the one, sir!

[@64bakes]

Great video! I remember my mum having a white 1.6 GL rep spec Cavalier. It was an ex company car from my Dad's company. He swapped it for an early white Vectra diesel which she used for a while, then ended up swapping it back. I distinctly remember getting back in the Cavalier for the first time the night we picked it back up from outside his company car park and feeling excited to see it again. That car never let us down!

[@MattysCars]

Happy memories

[@tubacker]

Great car, had a 1990 SRi saloon for several years and still miss it. I've had bigger, faster and more power but for a young man in his twenties, it was the best. Couldn't afford a sports car but she would zip along at 125mph and 0-60 in around 8 seconds. Compared to my previous car - a (heavy, but reliable & dependable) 1984 1.6L Cavalier hatchback, it was in a different league - power steering, electric windows & mirror's, central locking and a sunroof, all things we take for granted now. No more wild rolling around corners or sweating to park in tight spaces. It felt very nippy, sure-footed and gave confidence. Young men nowadays didn't live with these cars and shouldn't be comparing 30 year old motors to modern one's - Airbag? No airbags back then! Cars today are big, heavy, have enormous wheels and struggle to stop. It wasn't the best, but I loved it.

[@ianhand5006]

Had a couple of mk3s, when I was in my twenties, great cars!

[@TheCactusRoomMusic]

My first ever car. Loved it.

[@hyweljones6277]

Fair play mate.. Your reviewing and wording is bang on. It's a pleasure to listen to you 👍

[@MattysCars]

What a gentleman, thanks for watching

[@SamWorthReviewing]

Bloody brilliant review mate. Your opening and hate for Vauxhall always cracks me up 😂 Keep it up, lad.

[@MattysCars]

Thank you mate I’m glad you enjoyed it😂

[@markpunt9638]

Excellent. Interesting also because back when the car was new I don’t think most of us would’ve thought about using fifth gear around town - it was purely for motorway use. But, we’ve now got used to driving more for economy than anyone did back then I think.

[@MattysCars]

Very good point. But those in the know would have used it because the car can cope with it

[@karlyounger-ql4it]

I’d have that cavalier over any modern day car I love my old school Vauxhalls . Great review btw

[@MattysCars]

Thanks mate I'd have one over a modern hatchback definitely

[@georgepreston8173]

Just discovered your channel, cracking reviews bud. My dad had a white Sri just like that… proper 90s nostalgia. Cheers!

[@MattysCars]

Cheers bud glad you enjoyed the reviews

[@bikemeister]

The Dougie impression!

[@MattysCars]

What are your thoughts😂

[@lynx2728]

Opel vectra A was my the first car. I live in Kazakhstan

[@AndyK.1]

A product of its time from when we didn’t have potholes

[@paulmarc7116]

Had a mk 2 SRI 130 saloon for 4 years and it was found to be much quicker as 2nd gear hit 65 mph so 0to60 7.2 seconds stock. After I finished it was much quicker. Big regrett selling it. 😢

[@awooly77]

I'm a MK3 cavalier driver and I have the bullet proof 8v 1.8 model! I absolutely love it 👍🏻

[@MattysCars]

All the mechanics I work with reminisce about working on Cavs

[@OnceDrivenForeverSmitten]

Pre facelift SRi is one of the best cars Vauxhall built ❤️

[@MattysCars]

I can well believe that!

[@spider23000]

Honestly love your channel. We've gone from videos of the Saxo - a car I used to have, to a 2.0 Cavalier SRi - a car my dad had for about 5 years. It was identical to this one inside and out, except an H reg, and it was light blue not white. Even had those wheel trims (except one got stolen whilst parked on a street in Germany and we never replaced it). Seeing this interior brought back childhood memories, especially the tape storage. Those seats seemed really comfortable back in the day. And my dad always loved driving it except said the clutch was really heavy.

[@MattysCars]

This sounds like perfect nostalgia for you then😂 Clutch was heavy on this one but I thought it was just this car

[@spider23000]

@@MattysCars apparently it was a Vauxhall thing for a long time. Even the mk1 Corsa had a reputation for it. Heavy clutches, and brake pedals with really long travel distances.

[@RWL2012]

Mk3 Cavalier and Mk1 Corsa aka Vectra A and Corsa B haha

[@Frankenamplified]

Hysterical. I had it's downunder cousin, GM New Zealand sold them as an Opel Vectra GT, same 8V 20SEH 130HP. And yes, fitted a freeflow exhaust, nice crackles on downshift :) A hoot to drive vigorously on a back road. Your vid brought back some memories, cheers from Kiwiland

[@MattysCars]

Hahaha brilliant! I'm glad you enjoyed the video

[@johnny2scoobs197]

I had three Cavs. First was a Mk2 SRi. Then a 1989 Mk3 SRi 8v then a red top 150 16v. All were fabulous reliable cars. The 150 went like stink. One of my favouthings about the SRi was the standard Recaros - best seats ever. Great video btw - subbed 👍

[@MattysCars]

Everyone who used to have a Cav seems to have had more than one. Thanks for subscribing mate

[@CarCultureClub]

Great review mate. Liked this one a lot 👍🏻

[@robshorts]

My dad had a 1989 Mk3 cavalier CD injection, I loved it and eventually got to drive it when I passed my test the following year. These were the days when the likes of Fuel injection, cental locking, power steering and electric windows were a luxury that you'd pay extra for and wasn't even available on many smaller cars. Compared to my first car from the same year, a 1989 poverty Ford Escort, that was really basic.

[@MattysCars]

An old essy pop was it?

[@robshorts]

@@MattysCars Was indeed!

[@MattysCars]

@@robshorts Knew it! 😂

[@JennyGavinWear]

My gear box was great! So smooth.

[@markonmotoring]

You had me sold at cassette holders and headlamp wipers. 😂 In all fairness I always thought that the MK3 Cavalier was a pretty handsome car as far as big five door hatchbacks and saloons go. GSI may well have been the hot one but I think the SRI was probably the one most people realistically aspired to.

[@AndyK.1]

The SRi were everywhere in the 90s. Must have been the most popular model.

[@markonmotoring]

@@AndyK.1 A neighbour had a facelift model on a K plate but I think his may have been a GLS, there was also a more basic pre facelift car in the street but your right the SRI were very popular.

[@MattysCars]

Gsi was the dream sri was the achievable dream 😆

[@AndyK.1]

@@MattysCars Yeah I had a GSi back in the day. I was a lucky boy. 150bhp+, all the toys and a body kit. 😀

[@mrwaltzerboy]

I had 4 mk1 vectras (vectra A/cavalier mk 3). 3 mk2's (vectra b) currently on my 4th mk3 ( vectra c). Out of them all I do miss my mk1 gsi 2000 4x4 turbo

[@clarkneil1980]

I absolutely loved my 89 cav sri, was my proper first car and I modified it subtilty and it was my baby. Best part was a pioneer 6 disc multichanger fitted perfectly in the space above the glove box, good times. Mine never came with rear head rests but I added them.

[@MattysCars]

Sounds boss🤩

[@peterj5106]

My 1'st (legal car at 17) was a 90 Sri hatchback. All I done with it was a K&N induction kit, bigger back box & 16' 5 spoke's, was all it needed, looked & sounded smart. Dark metallic burgundy. Didn't look so smart after she was somersaulted through 3 fence's at 140mph!

[@Kebo554]

Nice to find a classic car fan in my home town. Great review !

[@MattysCars]

Cheers mate!

[@donaljamescaddye3805]

I had 9 of them Cavs - Putting a sports exhaust on an 8v SRI kills them ! The standard GM exhaust from the dealer is the only one to put on - spurious exhausts are not great either ! The exhaust on a GLi or CDi - SRi from 88 to 92 is the one to have ! The 92 to 95 was choked with cats and airbags Great review lad - Really takes me back ! You forgot to say if you pull the light switch out it puts on the interior light and if you held the key in the lock position she put the windows up !!

[@MattysCars]

Wow 9 of the things! Thanks mate haha

[@recall2880]

I thought holding the key right round just put the deadlocks on

[@ianstevenson4378]

@@recall2880 Did indead put the windows up, if they were down and electric, if you held the key in the drivers lock to the left for a few seconds. Keeping the remote button lock pressed for a few seconds does the same trick.

[@chriswood1984]

130bhp (non-cat version), 130lbs/ft of torque and quite a flat torque curve. Not that heavy and had really impressive in-gear acceleration figures.

[@redsidebiker]

EuroDisney - Calais in 2hrs! South Wales to EuroDisney and back with > 1/4 tank to spare on the 2nd tank. Could not fault it. Also had a GSi FWD - a weapon!

[@JennyGavinWear]

I had one, 1995. Absolutely loved it, drove it until about 2006. Cried when I sold it ...

[@MattysCars]

There were still a good few kicking around 2006 as well. If you knew then what you know now...

[@stephenstokes8318]

I recently learnt the mk3 Cavalier was known as the mk1 Opel Vectra in Europe

[@MattysCars]

Yes that’s true. They didn’t want to bring back bad memories of the Vauxhall Victor

[@vectragt2310]

Yes, Vectra A - and the sports SRI was the GT over here.

[@RWL2012]

There are a few cars that kept using the old name or were renamed in the UK: Opel Vectra A ---> Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 Opel Corsa A ---> Vauxhall Nova Ford Scorpio Mk1 ---> Ford Granada Mk3

[@carnurd7586]

Loving the channel mate

[@MattysCars]

Thanks pal!

[@robertebob3596]

Had a red 91 H reg from 1995-1999 it was low miles and a 1 owner car , loved it and the only thing i did which i think it needed was fit alloys a nice set of Fox Racing 5 spokes. 2 mates had XR3is and both said the SRi was a better car which i also thought. Your right about Vauxhall though in the 2000s they just seemed to loose their way unlike Ford with the Fiesta Focus and Mondeo.

[@MattysCars]

Boss. And yeah Vauxhall had a high fall from grace. So did Ford in a way more so in the 2010s but not as bad

[@timk3939]

Owned a couple of these, a 1.8 petrol and 1.7TD. The TD wasn't that noisy as it was indirect injection but it was slow, and slower and it would be annoying but just enough power to feel barely adequate. They can have the fuel pump tweaked to become a lot quicker though, but I never figured out how to do it. I never an SRi though. My mate had one though and it was miles better than the others, handling and power, went on a trip showing over 130mph on the speed one time, it felt quick back then. The 16v SRi pre cat cars with 150bhp are probably a hoot to drive and fairly reliable. The cat versions lost about 15bhp.

[@skyll4141]

love a chavalier, from weirdy beardy drivers to mini cabs. the chav has it all

[@john_smith1471]

Cavalier was a good car, Matty has a great way with words, if he writes the script as well it’s all good, I wonder if he’s done any open mic nights, he’d be good, reminds me of broadcaster the late Ray Moore.

[@MattysCars]

Never done open mic but you never know🤣 Thanks for watching I'm glad you enjoy the videos

[@benlambley7171]

Had a couple of sris great cars and two Gsis they were all brilliant cars and pretty quick for the time.

[@paulclarke3274]

Had the turbo 4x4 cavalier back in the day it was a decent car

[@R1CH130]

Have you driven a mk2 Cav? The chassis is basically identical but the mk2 is a lot lighter and handles and drives better as a result! As for spec, I’ve got a 1986 mk2 Cav GLSi which came as standard with Electric Front Windows, Electric Adjust/Heated Mirrors, Slide Tilt Sunroof, Alloys, Electric boot pop and more haha! Even my 1984 example has electric mirrors, plus the luxury of a 6-dial dash 😁 I’ve never had a mk3 Cav, but I did have the Cav in drag Calibra and I loved that car, but you can definitely feel the extra weight! Honestly, drive a decent example of a mk2 with the 2.0 or even the 1.8 (I have both) and you’ll be impressed if the mk3 impressed you! My 84 Cav is a hatch with the 20SEH 130ps engine from an SRi130 and it goes well! But then it would, since it weights less than a modern Fiesta! Then again, a Sierra weights less than a modern Fiesta too lol 😂 I hate modern cars. I drive them day in day out (15 years in the car trade!) You can’t beat retro cars IMO for pure fun! I drive a hell of a lot of modern, nearly new, premium branded cars and they do nothing for me at all. Nothing I’ve driven makes me smile like my old Cavs! I have a RWD 1977 mk1 too, with the Calibra 16V “Red Top” and that’s mega fun! Nah, keep all your modern junk, thanks 😁

[@MattysCars]

Hey mate I drive modern cars day in day out too as I'm also in the motor trade. Just seems like there's nowhere left to go with them. Just full of gimmicks. Usable retros all day!

[@Cayres9]

Matty your lucky Dougie dont sue for you saying once driven forever smitten LOL as hes the Cavalier expert great channel he has

[@MattysCars]

I hope Vauxhall don't sue him!

[@Cayres9]

@@MattysCars loL 😂

[@anthonywhite721]

I remember getting in one every weekend at night as taxis

[@MattysCars]

It's Octavias and Ioniqs for me!

[@alfienaylor1587]

@@MattysCarsMy local firm has an S350d.

[@XclusiveAaron]

Good video man! Only just come across your channel, like your videos! 👍 also your narration is excellent, you almost remind me of someone on KZbin called Car Cleaning Guru like the way you say things very clear and well said!

[@MattysCars]

Thanks for your kind comments mate

[@XclusiveAaron]

@@MattysCars 👍👍😊

[@aldo1conn]

Loved the cavi’s I had 3 of them

[@maxirice3554]

Had one of these 2ltr Sri 8 valve . Quick enough

[@Cayres9]

But yeah my dad had the same SRI but in Black back n the 90s it was amazing 135mph and would smoke most escorts or fiestas at the traffic light GP

[@AndyK.1]

It’s a sports model, so ride should be firm

[@HoLeeSheett]

It's been lowered. The SRi wasn't much lower than the std models

[@madontherun]

Best part of that era was , company cars ( everyone I knew had them ) we were just driving around fixing computers and printers , which seemed like some exotic job at the time and we were well compensated. I never paid for petrol, tyres,servicing, carphonebill and my tax was just normal rate with about 15k as salary. Youre lucky to get 25k NOW to be an IT field service guy , plus a shitty van that you can only drive from the office and back

[@MattysCars]

I know. Company car culture is well gone. A to B of modern motoring on youtube (the company car one) you'd love it if you haven't seen I already. It's a documentary from 1993

[@Billythebubble]

Had 2 cavaliers, good cars

[@TheRetroShed]

I had that very car back in 1993. Same shape, colour and spec. Loved it to bits! The 2.0i was pretty quick. Had it until I bought the Calibra, which was literally the same car but in a much prettier body style. Back when Vauxhall made some pretty decent stuff. All went downhill after the awful Vectra sadly.

[@MattysCars]

I know yeah, how the mighty have fallen

[@agostinhofratini7995]

Tenho um Chevrolet Vectra A CD ano 1994, desde 2002, ainda gosto muito dele. Excelente custo beneficio.

[@MattysCars]

Run forever as well

[@RossJones-id4bf]

The redtop 16v was a lovely Sri cavalier 8v was ok

[@stevehillier7018]

2.0 SEH 8 Valve 130 BHP Legendary

[@vectragt2310]

I dreamt last night that I bought a white Cavalier SRI in London! :D Perfect rust free condition, although it had more than 400.000 miles... :D Nevertheless I have 4 of them here (Opel Vectra GT), because it´s the best car EVER built!! With the ever lasting C20NE. With the Recaro seats you can drive 15 hours and you´re not getting any problem. Next time please show the engine/what´s under the bonnet.

[@MattysCars]

Sick! I'll be sure to include under the bonnet more in future videos

[@ericedwards9519]

Had one in the 90s always getting pulled by the police inbirkenhead no wonder I looked about 12 some great time tho in that car👍🏻

[@MattysCars]

Hahahaha that's what happened to me in my Saxo

[@supercarpaul_cs8147]

I think that you may have exaggerated a tiny bit by claiming it was the last good vauxhall to be on our roads... You are aware of the vxr lineup of vehicles.. You can't ignore them and also what about the calibra which I'm sure was based on the cavalier.... I think that you may have A few comments from vauxhall followers and customers coming your way, and know not like me because I am a car fan full stop Thanks though for a amazing video it really did bring back some great memories and some even included my late mum... .

[@MattysCars]

Glad you enjoyed the video. I had forgotten about the Calibra! The VXRs I've read are good but it's just a shame they're good versions of shit cars

[@mikeh2006]

Calibras looked good but nothing more over the cavs imo. And the astra vxrs are certainly decent enough. I remember a neighbour when i was a kid getting a new, silver 2.0 cav. I went in it once and recall it had electric windows in the back. It was the talk of the street for a while.

[@Deeky76]

The SRI was a good car, but the later gsi was the one to have

[@AndyK.1]

They did design / pen an estate, but never released in mk3

[@tinsley.tmd.41a52]

I've had to laugh, the "Dews Of Brighouse" plates on this never actually existed! I designed those based on the other branch Dews Of Halifax. The design and stripes never existed at Brighouse it was a completely different layout. I'm guessing the plates were made at atm in Ireland. Which is who did mine year's ago. Sorry to disappoint although it has made me smile 😆

[@MattysCars]

No disappointment from me mate

[@tinsley.tmd.41a52]

@@MattysCars No I meant for the owner, as in probably thought it was a genuine dealers layout but unfortunately not!

[@AndyK.1]

I Can tell you the Sierra won’t be as nice 😂 and the public and reps agreed

[@MattysCars]

I still want to see for myself!

[@josephtaylor3769]

The cavalier was made more famous by the BTCC Cavalier

[@GeorgeRenshaw-f6c]

Never had a problem with any of the Vauxhalls i had, being a company car driver doing 40,000 + a year. Worst cars I had were a BMW 3 series and two VW Passats. the sierra was sa dog compared to the Cav which was the best car I had ever driven

[@alfienaylor1587]

The only Vauxhall I’ve ever drove was a 2010 Corsa 1.2, which was gutless. I’ve drove a 2021 320i before which was nice but a bit too hyper for my liking in the real world. I’ve had 2020 Passat 2.0 TDI and I absolutely loved how comfortable and smooth it was. I’ve never been in a Sierra but I do love a Mk1 and Mk2 Mondeo, especially with modified stereos.

[@kev534]

Council estate Ferrari Joyriders favourite in the 90s

[@MattysCars]

Good summary😂

[@carnurd7586]

We’re you from mate

[@MattysCars]

Liverpool!

[@carnurd7586]

@@MattysCars I’m from Birkenhead great channel 👍

[@mcjjordan]

Loved my sri up until the rear arches dissolved

[@vectragt2310]

Repair is the thing! :) And under body protection.

[@markc1921]

Vauxhalls always ran best on formula Shell!

[@MattysCars]

I had to Google that. Was that an early version of premium fuel?

[@markc1921]

@@MattysCars yes it was designed to keep the engine free of gunk. It wrecked the valves on Vauxhall engines though.

[@williamegler8771]

Nice rebadged Opel!

[@MattysCars]

Well you know😂

[@williamegler8771]

@Matty's Cars My father was an engineer at Opel and was involved in the development of the model.

[@johnmackay5784]

That Scottish accent is 👌

[@MattysCars]

Thanks mate😂

[@SA-zoom1]

It looks like its been lowered

[@vectragt2310]

It´s lowered from factory around 3 cm compared to the standard mk3´s.

[@MP-po6fj]

Could only afford the 1. 8 carb version to expensive for me to insure at 22 yrs old. I did mine up exactly like a red saloon SRI boot spoiler and col coded the bumpers and wheel trims and decals looked identical. Always mind saying if it gets robbed the theif will be let down as they'll realise its a shitty 1. 8 carb and not 2.0 Sri injection lol

[@strategicthinker8899]

Dashboard from the 80s. A car that was years behind when it came out.

[@MattysCars]

The MK3 Cav was put to shame by the Mondeo by 92 but yeah very much a carry over from the 80s

[@jimmer1976]

Dogshit insignia 😂👍

[@MattysCars]

Glad you agree😂

[@jimmer1976]

@@MattysCars hideous things 🤮

[@briansaiditsoitmustbetrue4206]

Modern cars are rubbish ..Bland/drab and boring to look at. The MK 3 Vauxhall Cavalier was a great car and the "Last of the line" cars were very well sorted and very reliable.

[@MattysCars]

I agree. Cavalier was very handsome. Vectra was just nothing

[@1977gm]

You werent born when we were flying around in these, too many clueless folk reviewing cavaliers these days.

[@MattysCars]

Can't help being born when I was born lad. Just enjoy old cars wind ye neck in. Where you born before apostrophe's existed?

[@JennyGavinWear]

The Siera was HORRIBLE. It was all over the place , couldn't corner, way too heavy and slowwwww. I had a 2L Siera, hated it.

[@ChrisPatrick-q6k]

Don't forget the ABS brakes........FFS!!!😮

[@MattysCars]

Sorry them too!

[@Irishman727]

Unfortunately the Omagh bombing is all I can think about when I see a Cavalier

[@MattysCars]

Understandable

[@mikeh2006]

You look like you drive a Cav.

[@MattysCars]

Is that a good thing?😂

[@butterwortha1]

Better than the crappy and very basic Sierra and much faster

[@MattysCars]

Love me a Sierra though