2001 Oldsmobile Alero 2.5L

Summary:

It's a pretty good car except for the starting problems.

Faults:

At 77,000 miles the car would not start. The engine would crank, but the engine would not start. The electric door locks would lock, but not unlock. This happened at least three times. An independent service provider charged $500 to replace the fuel pump. This did not fix the problem. Another independent service provider discovered the fuse block was corroded. An OBD II reader could not access the diagnostics computer. The fuse block and wiring were replaced for $450. This appears to have corrected the problem.

General Comments:

The car looks good and runs good, when it runs.

It gets pretty good gas mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th May, 2009

2001 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 3.4 V6

Summary:

A decent car that has appeal. Definitely not a lemon

Faults:

In the first month, the oxygen sensor and oil pressure switch both had to be replaced. Would have cost me $600 upwards, but the used car dealer I got it from covered it under the 30 day power/train warranty (and I thought that warranty was useless! HA!)

Also, the fan only works on the 3rd and 4th settings. All 6 spark plugs and spark wires were a little rusty, so I replaced them myself (preventative). Fan belt as well (preventative).

General Comments:

Overall, it is a decent car. I looked into its history, and in its 120k mile life, there has not been anything major. (KNOCK ON WOOD). My Alero has NOT experienced any of those terrible horror stories about not starting, or the electrical systems frying, or the dash starting to peel off. (KNOCK ON WOOD YET AGAIN).

I average 25mpg city, which is impressive for the V6. Styling looks great and the handling is very good. Trans is very smooth and acceleration is unrivaled. I prefer this car over my girlfriend's 2007 Civic any day of the week.

Interior is mostly comfortable and has a pretty roomy backseat for a coupe. Getting in/out of the backseat is a little cramped though. Leather is a little cheap and worn. But after 8 years I'd expect it to be much worse than it is.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th April, 2009

2001 Oldsmobile Alero LX 4 cylinder

Summary:

Okay

General Comments:

This car is cute. It has a sporty look, perfect for the single person on the move.

I own the red 2 door and it has serious problems. The passenger window needs a modem. It isn't cheap or easy to find. Every junk yard I went to had Aleros all with this piece missing (major default).

My car came with tints, and the tints are peeling off on their own.

The knob for the heating system broke, so it only works on high.

The seat adjuster broke, so the seat is stuck in an upright position.

In no way am I a slob or bad at caring for vehicles. I had my Accord (1995) before this for 7 years, and it was great when I gave it to my sister in perfect condition (EVERYTHING still works).

So in a phrase, I have an upright seat with no window for fresh air and blasting heat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th February, 2009

2001 Oldsmobile Alero

Summary:

Nightmare on wheels!!!

Faults:

* Oxygen sensor blew

* Rims warped (have replaced 3!)

* New brake pads and rotors 2x's

* Fuel pump replaced

* Wheel bearings replaced (front so far)

* ABS/Traction Control lights stay on

* I get locked out from the Security PASSLOCK malfunction... easy fix I guess, but it's sooo annoying to do all the time. Fix = turn key to on position, red security light will blink for 10 minutes exactly, after 10 min the light will stop blinking, turn the car off and then turn it back on it should restart. Will save you tons!!

* Air conditioner and heat go out frequently

* Paint is peeling all around the car

* Check engine light on periodically?? Who knows, I'm scared to see why... LOL

...Need I say more???

General Comments:

Very pretty car, I loved it at first sight, but beauty is definitely only skin deep with this baby. It is the worst car I have every owned. I thought by buying a new car made by GM would be a sure shot, I was terribly wrong. I'm sure the car is cursed by Satan. I warn anyone who has one, to just trade, sell, give away, or just blow it up because it will save you soo many $$$ and tears if you do.

Best wishes to all Alero owners. Just wondering why someone hasn't filed a class act law suit for such an awful car, I wish someone would.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th October, 2008

28th Oct 2008, 13:10

Bought a brand new 2001 Alero GLS and have had it 7 years now. One of the best cars we've owned. Its run like a top with the only problem being a front wheel bearing that needed replaced about 4 months ago. Had a few minor in warranty things done but as a whole, we would buy another one in a heartbeat if they still made them.

28th Oct 2008, 19:19

Wow, you drove 70000 miles in 2 years? It does not mean the car should have all these problems, but I believer with this kind of use you need something really well built.

Good luck with your next car ;)

10th Jan 2009, 11:44

I bought a 2001 Alero with a manual transmission new in August 2001. I have driven it 78,500 miles. This morning the oxygen sensor failed for the third time. Other than that and the very expensive periodic maintenance checks, I have really liked it. I would buy another if they still made them.

17th Oct 2013, 23:04

There is an easy way to disable the Passlock system with dash mounted ignitions

1. Start the engine and leave it on while the Passlock is not malfunctioning.

2. Removed the dash bezel covering the climate control and radio.

3. Remove the screws that hold the radio in place.

4. Remove the radio (don't unplug).

5. Look through the now open radio hole at the back of the ignition; there will be 2 wires going to the upper end, white and yellow in color.

6. While engine is still running, cut the yellow wire. Security will pop on. The light will remain on always when the car is driving. However the car will start every time guaranteed. I found this method very easy, and it took 10 minutes. I am a delivery driver, and have tested this method to find it effective.

Ibrokemybooze@gmail.com for questions.