2001 Oldsmobile Alero GX 2.4L DOHC Gas from North America

Summary:

A wonderful performer for little money

Faults:

First got it: Had to have the tail lamp replaced... leaked moisture into it.

Second: About 12000, had to have radio replaced because numbers were wearing off of the buttons.

Third: 20000 miles... replaced front hub bearing.

Fourth: Had to have total car repaint... could see grey primer underneath. The car is black and the factory just didn't put enough paint on it.

General Comments:

I love the car other than a few cosmetic/ mechanical problems. The brakes work wonderfully and I haven't done anything to them since it was new. The other owners experiencing problems with the brakes are probably neglecting to use their parking brake, which adjusts the brakes. It is zippy and gets great gas mileage. I would recommend the car in a heartbeat. My two door looks beautiful and performs like a v6. Very impressive. also, the lighter two tone interior is very well laid out and extremely cheery.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th October, 2003

2001 Oldsmobile Alero 3.4 from North America

Summary:

Buy the Accord

Faults:

18k: All in one signal light switch many intermittent failures dealer replaced, worked fine for a while now intermittent again.

40k: Passanger Side window makes grinding noise intermittent.

Since New: Clunking sound in steering somewhere dealer says it is normal. Also no locking steering wheel dealer says this is also normal.

61k: Replaced both hub bearings.

Since New: hard to start, sometimes have to attempt 2 or 3 times before engine will start.

50k: Would not start intermittently dealer could not duplicate problem, had in for service twice (has finally failed totally @63k) hope it will be covered under warranty.

50k: Delay wipers will not function properly below freezing, jump around and remain on. Normal mode and fast mode work fine. Dealer cannot duplicate.

General Comments:

GM seems to produce quality SUV's and Trucks (I've owned 3 new) this is the first new GM car I purchased and have been disappointed since 15k. It handles well and has good power (limited @107 MPH) however I'd have to recommend this make be avoided, even if they are cheaper than dirt used, there is a reason.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th August, 2003

30th Jun 2006, 13:26

Your 2 "since new" comments I have had as well and the dealer told me it was normal also (the steering wheel/column noise). My starter is still reluctant to catch, but hasn't needed replacement and you can remove the key from the ignition while the car is running without any effect on the vehicle whatsoever. At 132K, I haven't had any problems with it yet.

GM models (automatic) Grand Am, Alero, and Malibu need replacement pads/rotors depending on how you drive and what you put on the car, every 15k-30k. I got lucky once at 30K. And expect front wheel bearings to continually need replacing until you do both 2 times (at $350 a piece).

23rd Jul 2006, 09:30

I bought an 2001 Alero, one year ago with 73,000 k.m. I loved the looks of the Alero, a sporty sedan, with great driving capiblilty.

From the first month of me owning this car, my best friend became my mechanic. I have already replaced the steering column rack, power steering pump, and the front wheel sensors twice.

My CD player does not work, I still have a howling sound from the right passengers side, I have a clunk under the front drivers side, and my air conditioning does not work on the first two dial settings.

I traded my Pontiac Tempest, which was a great car, for a newer car with fewer repair's and look what I got. More repairs than I could imagine! This car continues to cost me a fortune, and I sigh when I say, "what next"!

2001 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 3.4 from North America

Summary:

A great car for the money

Faults:

The driver side window is out due to a bad motor, this is still under warranty.

General Comments:

The car runs like it has a fire under it and the ride is good and it handles like I'm in a dream.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st August, 2003