2001 Oldsmobile Alero GLS review from North America

The first problem was brakes. I have now replaced pads 5 times on the front and 2 times on the back. (Along with a lesser number of new rotors.) That is a lot of brake work for the mileage we have driven this car. And no, neither one of us rides the brakes.

The power window mechanism in the driver's door broke after it was out of warranty. I tried to get one from a GM dealer, but it was outrageously expensive. Also, only a small plastic bit was actually broken, but GM only sells the whole assembly for around $500. I managed to find them on line (an indication that they are a common breakage item) for $150. Paid a good independent shop $200 to install it. They were amazed at how cheap I found the part on the Internet (and graciously installed it for me even though I didn't buy it from them, because they agreed that GM was crazy on their price). Two years later it broke again, and this time I had a friend replace it for me for $50.

The coolant light came on, and a friend who was a GM dealership mechanic told me that was a sign that I needed to do the intake manifold replacement. Such a common problem with GM V6s that they have a kit for doing the job, with replacment (longer) manifold bolts. But of course, they won't do it under extended warranty or anything like that.

While it was under warranty the heater control switch quit working. I took it to a local Pontiac dealership, since the Oldsmobile place that I bought it was now gone, they fixed the control. Then they wanted to change air filter for $90, clean fuel injectors for $100 and replace fuel filter for $60. I said no, and went to Pep Boys and bought the filters for under $20 and a bottle of fuel injector cleaner and did the work myself.

Now the heater fan switch only works on the high setting.

The light display on the radio has gone out, so I cannot tell what station I am tuned to and the clock is useless.

The service engine light soon comes on intermittently. And the low tire pressure warning light comes on, seemingly with no relationship to the air pressure in the tires.

In it's favor, it is a sporty looking and handling little car. Ours is a red 2 door. I am still on the original tires, although they are close to the end of their useful life.

But since it is an orphan, it has virtually no resale value. My wife just went and bought a new Hyundai today and they laughed when we asked about trade in value for the car. So I guess I'll fix the fan switch and radio and try to sell it myself.

Like a lot of other folks who have posted here, I tend to agree that the American auto makers are not holding up their end when it comes to building high quality cars, and they don't stand behind them once they dump them on the public. I'm not sad to hear that Ford and GM are having severe financial problems.