2001 Oldsmobile Alero GX 2.4L

Summary:

Good Deal for the Money

Faults:

At 20,000 miles the turn signals stopped functioning.

At 22,000 miles the plastic gear-shift knob broke off.

At 23,000 miles the brake pads needed replacing and the calipers had to be cut.

At 34,000 miles the fuel gauge needed replaced.

General Comments:

Despite the annoying little defects I've mentioned, I really love this car.

It's good on fuel and the warranty covered all the defects that I have mentioned.

It handles turns smoothly and tightly and is great for city driving. It is also comfortable for longer freeway journeys.

The standard CD/Radio is of excellent quality!

I only have two regrets:

1. I should have gotten the sunroof.

2. I shouldn't have moved so that I could've have continued using the dealer's service shop. I moved to Cleveland and the dealer service shop up here (that honors my warranty) is rude and they take ridiculously long to do anything and they never have any parts.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th July, 2003

2001 Oldsmobile Alero GL 3.4

Summary:

A nice affordable luxury car

Faults:

Owned two 2001 Aleros GL's. Both had Fuel Sensor Replaced.

Brakes were serviced at 25,000 kms and 30000 kms.

Computer was programmed several times starting from 10,000 kms.

Keys stuck in ignition - park lock cable.

Power window regulator replaced at 64,000kms.

Spark plugs replaced at 50,000 - spark plugs were cracked.

General Comments:

One of my Aleros was a complete lemon - see what has gone wrong with car! Manufacturer and Dealer took back and I released a GMC Jimmy. The second Alero started to have same problems later in its life - traded it in for a Grand Prix.

The monsoon sound system was amazing! I loved it.

The car was a very nice car to own, smooth ride and very comfortable. Overall I was happy with it, but, the problems were just unbearable. Thank god for warranties!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th July, 2003

2001 Oldsmobile Alero GL 2.4L

Summary:

What you pay is what you get

Faults:

The plastic shift-knob broke off.

I have had to replace my brakes and they still ocassionally make noise.

My air conditioner is going out slowly by increasing vent settings at 53,000 miles.

The back doors are difficult to open from the outside. It takes several attempts before the door is able to open.

General Comments:

I love the look of the car.

The interior package is nicely equipped for the price.

The seats and carpet have remained in tact and clean.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th July, 2003

2001 Oldsmobile Alero

Summary:

Peppy little package with curb appeal

Faults:

Car has had very little go wrong.

I had a problem with it not starting, but that turned out to be an aftermarket automatic starter.

At 30,000, the brake pads needed replacing and the rotors were turned.

Then at 40,000, the left wheel bearings failed. My mechanic, who I trust completely, feels that a stuck caliper for many miles caused overheating in the hub which caused the bearings to fail. When the bearings went, it necessitated another set of pads (actually only on the left, but you can't replace just one). So, $400 later, it was on the road again: Major Guard, my extended GM warranty, covered the repair. Symptoms of the bearing failure included: ANTI LOCK, TRAC OFF, and SERVICE VEHICLE SOON dashboard lights, no ABS, and a "droning" sound (like a propeller plane about to take off) from the left front wheel that changed in pitch with the speed of travel.

General Comments:

I really like my Alero. It's not a love match, but I really like it. Plenty of pickup for me, handles well on my country roads, but cruises down the highway pleasantly, too. Very comfortable seats, an interior that makes sense (except for that stupid forward cup holder which can hold just about nothing if you intend to shift gears - what's it for, a little rice wine???), and a sharp looking little beast.

The Sun and Sound package was perfect, and the GLS came with the spoiler and just enough upgrades to justify the price. No leak problems with the sun roof, either, which friends had warned me about.

The release straps that let you fold down the back seat are very inconveniently located in the trunk.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th May, 2003