A vehicle control apparatus is provided to synchronize the engine rotational speed during a gear shifting operation of a transmission by feedback-controlling the engine rotational speed at a level of response that is well-suited to the needs of the driver. When the transmission downshifts under conditions in which a brake switch is OFF and an accelerator pedal is completely released, the feedback gain used to feedback-control the engine rotational speed is set in such a manner that the engine rotational speed converges in a stable manner toward a target rotational speed (synchronization rotational speed) and gear shift shock is alleviated. Meanwhile, when the transmission downshifts under conditions in which the brake switch is ON or the accelerator pedal is depressed, the feedback gain is set in such a manner that the engine rotational speed approaches the target rotational speed quickly and a high gear shift response is ensured.