2001 Oldsmobile Alero GL 3.4 V6 from North America

Summary:

Lemon

Faults:

I have replaced the wheel bearings 6 times, starting at 40000 miles. The wheel bearing also controls the anti lock brakes & the traction control. This is a $300 fix.

There is a problem with the heater, it will only work on the highest fan setting. Have had friends with Grand Am's same problem, almost $300 to fix.

The rear window defroster does not work.

There is a serious anti freeze leak. I have to fill every other week.

I have had to put breaks & rotors on it 2 times.

The first time I took it for an inspection it was almost $1000, for a 1 year old car.

General Comments:

This is a sharp looking car.

It handles great.

Would never recommend.

I wish I could turn it in under lemon law.

Bought for 13000 after only 2 years is worth about 3000.

My mechanic hates me because of this car. He dreads seeing me. Has told me to get rid of it.

Great car if you have lots of money to waste on repairs.

For Sale.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th December, 2004

2001 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 3.4 V6 from North America

Summary:

Love It!

Faults:

I have only owned the car for 2 months so lets see...

First my windows were acting up, the dealer has looked at them twice, but can't seem to fix the problem. It sounds like rocks are inside the door scratching the glass.

My starter was replaced, then my fuel pump, then my front brake pads and calipers.

Well today was my last trip to the dealership with the end of my warranty. I am a bit nervous that something else will go wrong!!!

Tires will be expensive to replace with them being a high performance tire and all.

General Comments:

I do like this car a lot.

She looks nice and stands out-not many people have this car.

It drives nice and is a very smooth ride.

It is a very quick ride and has a very quiet engine.

She handles corners very well, but seems to not be so good in the snow-maybe I just need snow tires.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th December, 2004

2001 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 3.4 gasoline from North America

Summary:

Good, missing great by a few annoying design flaws

Faults:

Windshield leaked at 30,000 (warranty)

Turn signals quit at 31,000 (warranty)

Occasional hard starting at 30,000 and it still does it.

Manifold leaks oil 50,000.

Knock in steering at 75,000.

General Comments:

The hard starting happened while it was under warranty and has been looked at four times now. I have been told by the dealer that they all do it and that none of them do it (including my car) and several times that it has been fixed. It only happens once or twice a week and it always starts by the third or fourth crank so I have not worried to much about it.

Considering it is a four door with sufficient room it handles pretty well.

The V6 has more than enough power for passing and pulling into traffic.

I get a consistent 30mpg doing mostly highway driving, considering the size and power I am very happy with that.

For the price I would have expected it to be a little quieter. My wife's Chrysler was only a few thousand more when new and has the same miles and she always thinks one of my doors is ajar when riding with me.

I am happy with the room inside, and the trunk is impressive for not being a big car.

Cup holders are poorly designed. One is in front of shifter so you can't put anything in it when in Park, and if you leave a drink in there when shifting to Park you run the risk of crushing the cup and shooting it's contents all over. Seems like they think everyone drinks cans of pop and nobody would ever get a tall cup from a fast food place.

A few strokes of genius that this car has and should be on every car; two cigarette lighter outlets up front and an arrow on the gas gauge telling which side to fill up on.

I like it a lot better then the Grand Am it shares so much with.

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

Review Date: 29th November, 2004