2000 Oldsmobile Alero GL review from North America
"If there was ever a car that needed to be recalled entirely, this is it"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Fan does not run in first 2 positions.
Passenger side rear Speaker quit working.
Rattle up front during warranty period, Dealer replaced front strut mounts.
Anti-lock and traction control lights came on - Failed Wheel speed sensors 50,000 miles.
Replaced sensor failed 3000 miles after replacement.
Rear strut mounts rattling over bumps.
Transmission sometimes slips when going from reverse to Drive, if I drop to low and back into Drive it takes off. Can be dangerous when backing into traffic.
General comments?
The 3.4 V6 is very peppy and has been reliable thus far. (98,000; knock on wood)
The downfall seems to be with the suspension and brake components. I have had more thumps, rattles and vibrations with this car in the first 50,000 than I had through the entire 240,000 I put on my Saturn.
The traction-control anti-lock system is dependent on electronics that fail quickly and often. The brake pads seem to where quickly, with the inside pad wearing faster then the outside pad.
It is impossible to get to a comfortable temperature with heat or air, with the faulty fan switch.
I do not understand how recalls work when I read of all the problems with this car on the Internet; and the only recall was to fix a glove box latch?
When your anti-lock brakes don't work that is not a safety hazard?
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  | It is a good-looking money pit that I no longer trust. |
| Typical GM Money Pit |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.4 liter V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 4/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 20 miles |
| Most recent distance | 98600 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Saturn |
| Date of Entry | 29th March, 2005 |