2001 Oldsmobile Alero LS 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Reliable little car

Faults:

Wheel bearing.

Blower motor stopped working.

Rear speakers quit working.

Speed sensor.

General Comments:

My wife bought the Alero new in 2001. I've heard the horror stories about them, but honestly, it's been one of the best cars we've ever had.

A wheel bearing went bad at 70,000 miles.

The rear speakers stopped working at some point.

A speed sensor in the wheel hub went out at around 80,000 miles, and just this week the blower motor went out.

Everything that's happened I can attribute to the age of the car. I guess we were lucky and got a good one, but I would buy another one if Olds were still around.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd March, 2013

5th Apr 2013, 20:41

This Olds Alero has been a reliable, sturdy commuter car for 8 years. It was purchased in 2005 and had been my grandfather's before he passed. It has had relatively little work, other than regular oil changes and tire rotations.

It is beginning to show its age and usage. Front driver's seat is uncomfortably thin, worn down, the knob to adjust the blower direction has broken but turns with pliers, the knob for the hood release has broken off, motors for the back windows are out/or the plastic holder has broken.

All of its faults are cosmetic; it continues to drive like a champ with get up and go.

We recently thought there was an issue with the transaxle, as it would lose power at the point it should have been shifting. Our wonderful mechanic steered us towards the muffler guy. Under $200 for a new catalytic converter (it was plugged) has it back on the road. Muffler guy said he hadn't seen anyone get that much mileage out of a converter.

2001 Oldsmobile Alero GLS from North America

Summary:

It is a good daily driver that I think has given me a decent 12 years of service without breaking

Faults:

Front brake rotors warped early in the life of the car.

Security light and check engine light come on occasionally.

Plastic window clips that hold glass in place are dried and broke, so the window does not go up anymore.

Defective switch on ignition system, causing the car to not start.

General Comments:

Once I found these glitches and addressed them, the car runs fine. At least it's paid for.

It is bright red, sporty with a tan leather interior, sun roof, 16" factory mags and the 2.4 L OHV with a paltry 150 H.P. motor. Does run nice though.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 13th March, 2012

2001 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 3.4L from North America

Summary:

I would buy another one if they still made them

Faults:

The driver's power window motor had to be replaced.

The intake manifold gasket had to be replaced, but was covered by the warranty.

The blower only operates at the highest two speeds.

The paint has worn off of some of the radio controls.

General Comments:

The car gets great gas mileage; 28 combined, 37 on the highway.

It drives like it's on rails.

The transmission (4 speed automatic) is the smoothest I've ever had on a car, and required no maintenance.

I love the external appearance.

The air conditioner and brakes have been flawless, no trouble at all.

Other than the faults mentioned above, it hasn't given me much trouble at all. It's quiet, has good acceleration, with an excellent stereo. If my brother didn't need this car, I would have kept it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th February, 2012

16th Feb 2012, 08:50

"I would buy another one if they still made them"

- Tell that to THE GREAT GENIUSES at GM who decided to drop Olds!!!

In reply to 16th Feb 2012, 08:50

6th Mar 2013, 08:23

No kidding, can't believe they killed Olds but held onto Saturn longer. I don't miss Saturn or Geo, but with the history behind Olds, it was a shame they dropped the line.

I have a personal history with Olds too... Owned 3 1980's Delta 88's, a '76 Regency 98 coupe with the 455 big block, 4 G-body Cutlass Supremes, a Cutlass Ciera, an '86 Olds Firenza, and yeah probably more that I just can't remember. Now own an old/school Lincoln Continental, and it's nice but I'm gonna trade it for another Olds. The last two I need to own in my life have gotta be the '84 Hurst/Olds W-40 (year I was born), and a second-gen Olds 442 W30. They should have killed Saturn & Pontiac long before Oldsmobile IMO.