Faults:

Bought the car to travel to work with, and after I first got it, the security light would come on (flashing) occasionally and it would not start. If you left the key on for 8-10 minutes it would then start and be good for a while. After some research online I got some electrical contact cleaner in a spray can with a straw and flushed out the key switch and cleaned the key with it, and believe it or not, I haven't had a problem with it for over 2 years.

Besides that I haven't had any problems with the car.

General Comments:

The car has been better than expected; it gets decent mileage average 9.4L/100K. Starts good in the -30 Alberta winters even when the block heater is not plugged in. It's comfortable enough and drives nice with good visibility. Only regular maintenance so far. The car has been very reliable thus far.

Faults:

Hub bearings, hub bearings, hub bearings!!! You've got to get those replaced regularly after you pass 65,000.

Ignition switch has to be replaced too.

General Comments:

Engine and tranny are fine. Other than the continuous hub bearing problem and the ignition, this car does not need much upkeep.

It's pretty good on gas. I had the 4 cylinder model, so it got 30 on the highway, 20 in the city. You have to regularly change the front brake pads as this car is a front engined heavy car.

The car always turned on, no matter how cold it was outside. The A/C unit sucks up a lot of power, so the engine will be a little hesitant to move when you've got the A/C on.

In conclusion, this is a great car to drive around from point A to point B. Not the best choice if you want a flashy car.

Faults:

My Alero honestly has been one of my best cars. In fact we have 2 of them. One is a 2003, and the other is a 2004, and I would not get rid of them for anything.

The 2003 has 205k miles on it, and the only thing I have ever done to it was change the fuel pump, and it still runs to this day like a champ.

The life of your car depends on how often service was done to it. I have always got my oil changed 1000 before it was due, since day one.

The 2004 has 150k, and the only thing done to that one was a new radiator. If I could buy a brand new one, I would, but unfortunately they don't make Oldsmobile or Pontiac anymore.

I would give this car a 5 star rating.

General Comments:

The seats are nice and still good.

Handles amazing in the snow, and I've done research that shows they hold up very good in accidents.

Faults:

Wheel bearings have to be replaced every 3-5000 kms.

Brakes have to be replaced every month or two.

Keys will not come out of ignition most of the time.

When it rains, the driver's side fills with water and also leaks onto the fuse panel, which sometimes causes the car to not start.

General Comments:

This car is the worst car I have ever owned.

This car gives poor fuel economy.

I guess that's why GM closed out Oldsmobile, because of the garbage they made, such as the Alero.