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Opel: All Models, History & Specs | German Engineering

Opel is the legendary German automaker whose engineering has been the hidden backbone of countless American cars. Known for its autobahn-tuned handling and innovative designs, from the iconic GT and Manta to the Insignia that became the Buick Regal, Opel represents accessible German precision. Discover the story of the "Blitz" brand that influenced the world.

Opel: The German Engineering Heartbeat That Powered the World

For the American automotive enthusiast, Opel is one of the most important brands that many have never known they've driven. For nearly a century as the German arm of General Motors, and now as a key part of Stellantis, Opel has been a powerhouse of engineering, design, and innovation. Its platforms, engines, and design philosophies have been the foundation for a huge number of vehicles sold in the United States under brands like Buick, Saturn, and Cadillac. From the stunning GT to the rally-legend Manta and the brilliant Insignia, the story of Opel is a story of accessible German precision and a profound, often hidden, influence on the global automotive stage.

The Genesis: From Sewing Machines to German Giant

Founded by Adam Opel in Rüsselsheim, Germany, in 1862, the company began by manufacturing sewing machines, then bicycles. It wasn't until 1899 that Opel produced its first automobile. The brand quickly grew into a leader in the German market, and its advanced production facilities caught the eye of General Motors, which acquired the company in 1929. This began a nearly 90-year partnership where Opel served as the engineering and design heartland for GM's European operations and beyond.

Core Philosophy: "Wir leben Autos" and Accessible Innovation

Opel's long-standing slogan, "Wir leben Autos" (We live cars), perfectly encapsulates its core philosophy. It's a commitment to robust, driver-focused engineering that is both innovative and accessible to the mainstream buyer. Opels have always been known for their excellent chassis tuning, designed to be stable and confidence-inspiring on the demanding German autobahn. This dedication to driving dynamics, combined with a flair for stylish and often aerodynamic design, has allowed Opel to consistently punch above its weight, delivering a premium, well-engineered feel in a mass-market package.

Defining Eras and The Icons of the "Blitz"

Opel's history is rich with iconic designs and legendary performance cars that have left a lasting mark on the automotive world, both in Europe and indirectly in America.

The Classic Era: The "Baby Corvette" and the Rally Hero

In the late 1960s and 70s, Opel produced two of its most legendary cars. The Opel GT (1968-1973) was a stunningly beautiful sports car with a dramatic "coke bottle" shape and unique rotating headlights, earning it the nickname the "baby Corvette." It was sold in America through Buick dealerships and became a true design icon. Following this was the Opel Manta (1970-1988), a handsome rear-wheel-drive coupe that became a beloved enthusiast's car and a dominant force on the European rally stages, cementing Opel's performance credentials.

The 90s Revolution: Aerodynamics and American Cousins

The 1990s saw Opel lead with cutting-edge design and engineering. The Opel Calibra (1989-1997) was a sensation, launching as the most aerodynamic production car in the world. Its powerful, turbocharged, all-wheel-drive version was a high-tech marvel. During this period, the influence on the American market was profound. The Opel Omega, a sophisticated rear-wheel-drive executive sedan, was re-engineered to become the Cadillac Catera. The mid-size Opel Vectra platform was the basis for the entire Saturn L-Series line of cars.

The Modern Era: The Buick Connection and Stellantis Reinvention

In the 21st century, the connection became even stronger. The critically acclaimed Opel Insignia was brought to America as the Buick Regal, Regal GS, and Regal TourX wagon. The Opel Astra hatchback became the Saturn Astra, and later its convertible version was sold as the Buick Cascada. The Opel Antara crossover was sold as the Saturn Vue. After being sold by GM to PSA (now Stellantis) in 2017, Opel has been completely reinvented with a bold new "Vizor" design language and a rapid shift towards an all-electric future, ensuring the legendary German brand will continue to innovate for years to come.

Opel's Market Position and Lasting Influence

As a core brand within the Stellantis group, Opel is a major player in the European market, known for its stylish designs, efficient powertrains, and German engineering heritage.

Legacy and Enduring Influence in America

While you can't buy a new Opel in the US today, the brand's legacy is everywhere. For any owner of a modern Buick Regal, a Saturn Astra, or a Cadillac Catera, understanding Opel is understanding the very soul of their car. It is the hidden DNA, the German engineering heartbeat that gave these American cars their unique character and acclaimed driving dynamics. For this reason, Opel remains a critically important and fascinating brand for any true American automotive enthusiast.

Opel Models

  • Insignia

    2008-Present

    The handsome flagship that became a Buick. The Insignia is a sophisticated mid-size sedan and wagon, famous for its sleek design and autobahn-tuned handling. In the US, it was sold as the critically acclaimed Buick Regal, Regal GS, and Regal TourX.

  • Astra

    1991-Present

    The heart of the Opel lineup and a European giant. The Astra is a brilliant compact hatchback and wagon that has consistently challenged the VW Golf. It was briefly sold in the US as the Saturn Astra, praised for its sharp, European driving dynamics.

  • Corsa

    1982-Present

    A European superstar and a legend of the supermini class. The Corsa is a stylish, fun-to-drive, and incredibly popular small car. The high-performance OPC/VXR versions are legendary pocket rockets on European B-roads.

  • Manta

    1970-1988

    The legendary rear-wheel-drive sport coupe. The Manta was Opel's answer to the Ford Capri, a stylish and beloved car that became a dominant force in European rallying. The Manta 400 is a Group B rally icon.

  • GT

    1968-1973

    The stunning 'baby Corvette.' The original Opel GT was a masterpiece of design, a tiny sports car with a dramatic 'coke bottle' shape and unique, manually operated rotating headlights. An affordable European exotic that is a true design icon.

  • Calibra

    1989-1997

    The incredibly sleek and aerodynamic 90s coupe. At its launch, the Calibra was the most aerodynamic production car in the world. With available all-wheel drive and a potent turbo model, it was a high-tech and stylish icon of its era.

  • Kadett

    1936-1991

    A historic nameplate that was the backbone of Opel for decades. The Kadett was a versatile compact that evolved over many generations. In the US, a version of the Kadett E was famously sold as the Pontiac LeMans.

  • Vectra

    1988-2008

    The workhorse mid-size sedan that was a Saturn in disguise. The Vectra was a popular and dependable family car in Europe, and its platform was the basis for the Saturn L-Series and the Saab 9-3, showcasing its engineering influence.

  • Omega

    1986-2003

    The powerful, rear-wheel-drive executive sedan. The Omega was a true autobahn cruiser, but its legendary Lotus-tuned version was a four-door supercar slayer. In the US, the Omega platform was the basis for the Cadillac Catera.

  • Speedster / Vauxhall VX220

    2000-2005

    A raw, mid-engine, Lotus-built rocket. The Opel Speedster was a lightweight, no-frills sports car based on the Lotus Elise chassis, designed for pure, unfiltered driving pleasure. The Turbo model was a legend of track-day performance.

  • Rekord / Commodore

    1953-1988

    The handsome and dependable German family cars of the 60s and 70s. These classic rear-wheel-drive sedans and coupes were known for their robust engineering and clean styling, and were often seen in American Buick showrooms in the 70s.

  • Antara

    2006-2015

    The capable and stylish compact SUV. The Antara was a global crossover that shared its platform with the Chevrolet Captiva. In the US, a version of this vehicle was sold as the second-generation Saturn Vue, showcasing Opel's design influence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Opel brand? Is it related to General Motors?
Opel is a major German automaker with a history of over 120 years. For most of its modern history, from 1929 to 2017, Opel was the German subsidiary of General Motors (GM). During this time, it served as the engineering and design heartland for most of GM's European and even global compact and mid-size cars. In 2017, Opel was sold to the PSA Group, which has since merged to become Stellantis, making it a sister brand to Peugeot, Citroën, and Chrysler.
Were Opel cars ever sold in America?
Yes, in two ways. In the 1960s and 70s, classic models like the Opel GT and Manta were sold directly through Buick dealerships in the US. More importantly, for decades, many popular American cars were actually rebadged Opels. For example, the Buick Regal was an Opel Insignia, the Saturn Astra was an Opel Astra, and the Cadillac Catera was an Opel Omega. This means millions of Americans have driven a German-engineered Opel without even knowing it.
What are the most famous Opel models?
Opel has a rich history of iconic cars. The most legendary is the stunning Opel GT, nicknamed the "baby Corvette" for its beautiful styling. The Opel Manta was a beloved rear-wheel-drive sport coupe and rally hero of the 70s and 80s. The Opel Calibra of the 90s was a stunningly aerodynamic coupe. In the modern era, the Insignia and Astra have been critically acclaimed, award-winning cars in Europe.
Did the Buick Grand National have an Opel engine?
No, the legendary Buick Grand National did not have an Opel engine. It was famously powered by a Buick-designed 3.8-liter turbocharged V6. However, there is a connection. Many other high-performance GM cars did use Opel-derived engines or platforms. For example, the rare and powerful Saturn Vue Red Line SUV used an engine that was a version of an Opel V6.
Can you still buy an Opel in the USA today?
No, you cannot buy a new car officially branded as an Opel in the USA today. The brand has not been sold directly in America for decades. However, its engineering DNA is still present in many recent General Motors vehicles, and as part of Stellantis, its new platforms will be shared with upcoming Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models, continuing its legacy of influencing the cars Americans drive.