In-depth Reviews

Vauxhall Adam owner reviews

Name: Vauxhall Adam hatchback
Brand: Vauxhall

"The Vauxhall Adam is a quirky model with a huge list of fun options, but practicality and comfort aren’t top of its list of attributes"

by Carbuyer team

11 Jan 2019

Carbuyer Rating

2.6 out of 5

Owners Rating

3.1 out of 5

Buy used for less at Buyacar

57%of people would recommend this car to a friend.

Owner Rating

2reviews
4reviews
4reviews
4reviews

Common Problems

Other (3 cases)
Engine, Other (1 cases)
Electrics, Gearbox / clutch, Suspension (1 cases)
Electrics, Other (1 cases)
Electrics, Gearbox / clutch, Other (1 cases)

Version

1.2

Year of registration

2014

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

I bought my Vauxhall Adam second-hand with less than 15,000 miles on the clock and a full service history. I really enjoyed the interior of the car, it's comfortable and fitted with quite a few mod cons and although small, suited my needs fine. However within eight months the car went into limp-home mode. After taking it to a local garage and quite extensive investigations they couldn't find anything mechanically wrong with car which left the electrics and was eventually pinned down to a faulty ECU. An expensive problem for a car that has done less than 20 000 miles.... especially when it was only just out of warranty from both the supplying dealer and the manufacturer.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.4i 3rd petrol

Year of registration

2014

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Where can I start, I love my Adam, but didn't at first. I went to buy a Corsa but when I was asked what I wanted from a car I was shown the Adam. At first I didn't like the shape of the back but loved the way it looked from the front and interior. Once I was shown all the gadgets this little jewel had to offer I was hook. We went for a test drive and this was the first time I was introduced to the City Steer facility, it is a godsend in the city. The seating was really comfortable and I didn't feel as though I was crammed in. In fact, for a slightly larger person I was astounded as to how much room there is in the front of this car - not bothered really about the back as this is my little commuting to and from work car. I bought the 1.2i last Easter and it was really nice, although a bit sluggish on the hills. When I changed jobs with further to go and all up hill I decided to change to the 1.4i and OMG what a difference in power, although I have to say that the fuel economy isn't as good as the 1.2i there really is a big difference in power and acceleration. As this is a second car in our household I am looking now at fuel economy and road tax as deciding factors. My next car in the summer will be another Adam, but I am looking at the new 1.0i ecoflex / direct injection engine - more power, more mpg and £30 road tax. I am hooked on the Adam and tell everyone how great this little car is. This is not really designed as a family car due to the limited space in the bag, but the boot is visually deceptive, looks small, but I can still get all my shopping in. All in all an absolutely fantastic commuter car, thank you Vauxhall.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.4 Jam

Year of registration

2014

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Good town car, but a bit short legged on motorways. Fun to drive, room in back very limited, not really for adults. You need the 80+ BHP version for reasonable pulling power. Anything less will struggle with air con running and a car full. Opt for the intelli-link radio, it makes the car. The upgraded sound system is also worth it. Minor problems so far have been squeaks from rear door hatch (it's the boot stop buffers need some silicone spray). Windscreen wipers also a problem, they collide in certain conditions. Now fixed by cleaning windscreen with bug and sap remover and shortening the drivers wiper by approx 1 Cm - get the garage to do it, I did mine myself.

Version

1.4

Year of registration

2013

Average annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Review

At first I loved it, but within a few months I started seeing issues. First issue was the windscreen wipers kept colliding which took about 4 trips to the garage to fix. When the car was 1 year old a fault occurred with the thermostat, 6 weeks later the water pump. A year later the ignition coil broke, this was when the car was 2 years old. The car is now 3 and I have now got issues with the aircon which the garage have said the part I need is on back order. To top this off, the ignition coil has become faulty yet again. All these are covered under the warranty but the car is not reliable in the slightest. If you want a reliable car to ensure you get from a-b, avoid this car. Apart from this, when the car works it runs ok.

Reliability

1 out of 5

Not reliable.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.2 Jam with lots of extras

Year of registration

2014

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Gosh where do I start? The second I went on the Vauxhall configurator, I knew this was the car for me! It's a sporty, nippy, economical masterpiece with so much unique character! I drive a purple fiction with white seats, touch screen dash, white roof, white two tone alloys and barrels of optional extras. The 0% apr was the deal clincher and I didn't think I could afford a new car let alone a personalised car! I picked the 1.2 and if you aren't afraid of the sporty thrum when you rev it, the engine is actually far nippier than I thought as the Adam is far lighter than the Corsa that the engines originated from. It turns heads everywhere I go and for the first time ever I'm stuck thinking what I would upgrade to because there's simply no small car that's as interesting to look at nor interesting to own. I travel 60 miles a day on a motorway commute and it really holds itself well at high speeds with decent power for overtaking. It's extremely quiet and gets 52 average mpg on this daily run. The interior is fantastic and the quality of the seats is exceptional. It comes with most luxuries as standard but I couldn't resist adding some good value extras like interior LED mood lighting and touch screen display that uses Siri on my iPhone to complete tasks for me safely. Its lifetime warranty puts me at ease too and although it unfortunately had a prang caused by somebody else, the vauxhall body shop did a fantastic job of replacing the damaged parts and have kept my lifetime warranty valid which takes a lot of worry from future ownership in later years. I would recommend an Adam to anyone, don't be boring and get a Fiesta or Corsa when for similar money you can get something truly unique :)

Reliability

5 out of 5

No problems so far and no issues from brand new which doesn't surprise me as the whole car feels solidly built and the engines are trusted and reliable in other vauxhall models too.

Performance

5 out of 5

Few more bhp would be nice but certainly not slow at all! Very nippy if you keep the revs going. (Still holds good mpg at high revs also)

Running Cost

5 out of 5

The low vauxhall claimed mpg figures put me off but this is the first car I've owned that beats the figures. My previous car was claimed 67.3 and never ever managed above 48mpg yet my claimed 53 Adam gets between 52-56mpg depending on my driving style.

Version

1.2

Year of registration

2015

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Review

Brought for my daughter and we've had so many problems. Leaking driveshaft oil seal at 16000 miles on extended warranty. Eventually got it done after emails to main dealer CEOs. The infotainment unit faulty at 9000 miles another battle, they wanted £150 just to check it even though known fault. Now service at 17000 miles, coil pack corroded cost £472, leaking shocker and only wanted to replace one, when it's good practice to replace as a pair. Not very happy seems to be a Friday end of shift car.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Jam

Year of registration

2016

Average annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Review

A great quality little car. Build quality is excellent. Trim level great. Easy to park and plenty of room in boot for a small car. Looks great as well. Drives really well for a small car. We are extremely pleased with this car.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Adam Slam 1.4i [100] with Technical Pack

Year of registration

2015

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Fantastically designed car. The interior feels luxurious and looks sporty, very comfortable and the intellilink system gives the car modern technical abilities. The exterior of the car is not quite as sporty but is definitely a good looking little car. I have not had a problem with practicality, the seats drop giving plenty of space and the boot is deep which gives you just as much space as an average boot. The speed and response of the car is thrilling, not what I expected! All my family and friends love the car as much as I do.

Version

1.4 3 door hatchback

Year of registration

2014

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Having bought the Adam as a second car for taking my children to school we discovered what appears to be a plastic strip which sticks out when the front seat folds forward. It's not a problem getting in the car but when you exit the car there is a chance you could cut or scratch which my daughters have already done. We have spoken to Vauxhall about this and they told us to tell my daughter to be careful when she gets out - are you having a laugh? We have checked other Adams and they are all the same so be carful and with them. Recalling them today regards a steering fault. What more could happen? So don't forget if you don't want your children to be hurt don't put them in the back where they could hurt themselves . From a loving Dad

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Glam 1.4

Year of registration

2013

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Let's compare apples to apples. I fail to see how reviews give a car a low rating for small space if its a mini car. They should be comparing it against similar cars in its class and rate comparatively. The Adam then. Yes its small but the front seating area doesn't really suffer, just the back. Still, I'm 1.84m and I can sit in the back for a short drive. The car is cute, to my eyes cuter than the 500 and more unique than the Mini. Its driving is fun especially in the city, responsive, quite comfortable. Where this car loses its one star for me is the engine. It needs a bit more power and better economy and it is perfect for what you buy it for. I hope Vauxhall doesn't offer good engines too soon cause I'll be disappointed with mine. Otherwise, I love this little bug.

Version

1.4

Year of registration

2014

Average annual mileage

More than 20,000

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Review

I've had so many problems with this car! It's been recalled twice, It's been in the garage more than it's been on the road. Fortunately, Vauxhall are not trying to charge me for issues that it's had since practically day one. I would not recommend one.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Adam S

Year of registration

2015

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Traded in my Peugeot 208 1.4 for my first small Vauxhall, had larger Vauxhalls before thought I would go for something small and different. Well what a refreshing surprise, feels like a much bigger car to drive good handling feels well planted on the road because of the sports suspension and the 18" wheels. Not as hard a ride as I thought it might be. As for the cabin space well I am five foot seven so there is not a problem in the front, the rear space is a bit tight but then it is only a small car so you can't expect loads of room. I am lucky there is only the two of us, and we do have a second car well a 107 so lol. Adam S the equipment level is better than the opposition for the value. And the o% credit offer is the deal breaker. Thanks Vauxhall for bringing back the fun to driving a small car.

Reliability

So far so good.

Performance

5 out of 5

Be carful, it's quicker than you think.

Running Cost

not had long enough

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Jam 1.2

Year of registration

2013

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Lovely little car to drive. feels well built and solid. sticks to the road really well and not much body roll around corners. Great options and kit making the car feel and look very modern and up to date. gear changing very précised and smooth. sits well on the road and despite the size of the car when your sat in the drivers seat you feel like your in a family size car as opposed to a small mini car. doesn't feel small at all. in fact its surprisingly wide and has plenty of leg room. Dashboard well laid out and great to drive at night with the funky interior lighting. Some people are slating the fact that there is such limited rear leg and boot room!. Well if you wanted lots of rear room you simply wouldn't buy this type of car. Not all of us carry rear passengers. that's not what this car is all about. If like me you never carry passengers then its a great car and despite its size has a good presence on the road. The only down size is the lack of power. I have driven many small engine cars that have more poke than the Adam and any slight incline and you have to drop down a gear or two and give it some right foot. But then again I test drove the Adam so knew what I was buying. If I wanted a fast car I wouldn't have brought it. For me it would be almost perfect had it got just a little more power.

Version

1.4 glam

Year of registration

2014

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

2 - 3 years

Bought Car

Used

Review

When I bought this car I was really excited! I personalised it, adding lots of the extras. Sadly, ever since it's just been problem after problem and now I've Had enough. Firstly, the passenger seat, from day one, wouldn't fold forward to let anyone in! For a 3 door car that's pretty useless! Next, the windscreen wipers collide all the time and it took took a good few trips to the garage to fix that! Then the car got recalled for the glass roof. Next was the fuel gauge, which was my biggest annoyance! It continued problem for nearly a year! It has spent loads of time in the garage, and it's still on ongoing yet Vauxhall refuse to cover it under the warranty any more. And now it won't go into reverse.