1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS review from North America

The alternator went bad at 40,000 miles.

The alternator went bad at 45,000 miles.

The engine frame holding the alternator on, snapped clean off, 50,000 miles.

The clips holding the glass in the power driver's side window have broken 3 times. This is because the clips are plastic, not metal. Because the clips aren't sold individually, the entire motor assembly ($200) has to be purchased and installed. My father fashioned some clips out of aluminum the last time, so they shouldn't break on that window again. I hope we don't have to do it on the passenger side too.

The front brake assembly had to be replaced for around $600 at about 65,000, but this is operator error.

The pulley on the power steering pump fell apart driving down the road and the steering went out.

Upon replacement of the pulley, the design of the drive belt system makes it for a very difficult replacement. A special tool must be used to get the old pulley off, then the engine block has to be dropped because a part of the frame blocks the removal of the pulley, pump removed, and then re-installed. Basically, ten times harder than it has to be. This is common on several GM models, according to what I've been told.

At 75,000 miles, the power has reduced significantly, I suspect (and hope) it's because I missed my 50,000 mile automatic transmission tune-up.

The dash lights for low tire pressure and other lights are permanently on, and won't turn off.

The headlights won't turn off without turning the car off. That's also a good thing, because the lights automatically come on when it's raining or dark, and turn themselves off too.

The doors won't lock without the car chirping, which is probably annoying to neighbors when I come home late.

The Tape Player permanently broke at 50,000.

I tow a small trailer and boat, but have only been doing so once a week, and only for the last six months, so this is some additional stress on the car.

The car picks up fast, handles great, and I like the leather and power sunroof.

The radio antennae picks up well, the speakers are great for being standard factory installed.

The trunk is roomy, back seats fold down, doubling or tripling trunk size. It's sort of like having a sports car and a small Sport Utility Vehicle at the same time.

The V6 power is nice.

I burn about 25 miles per gallon on the highway.

The engine runs very cool, even when sitting in traffic on a hot summer day with the air conditioner blasting on high. That means the engine should last a long time and oil doesn't break down as fast.