A vehicle control device includes a direct-injection engine and an electric rotating machine connected to the engine, wherein the vehicle control device stops the engine after opening a throttle while maintaining an engine speed by the electric rotating machine at the time there is a request to stop the engine. The engine speed is preferably maintained by an output torque of the electric rotating machine at the time fuel supply to the engine is stopped and the throttle is opened. At the time the throttle is opened while fuel is continuously supplied to the engine, it is preferable to maintain the engine speed by allowing the electric rotating machine to generate electric power.