2002 Oldsmobile Alero GLS from North America - Comments

The particular package I wanted wasn't available at my dealer so the car was "dealer located" and shipped to me. Upon arrival, the door guard trim on the passenger door was lifting in the rear. This was replaced by the dealer. Soon after this, the driver's side door window "fell out" of the track resulting in the window shuddering when in use. There was a dealer recall for this and I hadn't yet received the bulletin; this was repaired and working fine since.

The overall performance of this car is very impressive. The 3.4L engine has plenty of horses for everyday and recreation purposes. The handling of this car is extremely comfortable and very much like simlar sized German performance vehicles. I must mention I have the "deluxe" model Alero which includes such upgrades as the "sports performance suspension" and a sunroof.

A nuisance at times is the "tire pressure monitoring" system. Often when driving on poorly laid asphalt or warped concrete, the tires will rotate at different rates which is expected. The on-board computer will misread this difference in rotation as that of a tire low on air and trip the system. I've had the "light" go on a few times now and upon checking my pressures all are fine. Luckily it's fairly convenient to re-set the computer.

I recommend that anyone interested in an Alero invest in the GLS model. Lesser models result in poor material and component quality as I've witnessed in my friend's 2003 Alero GX. You get what you pay for.

I must say that I also have a 2002 Alero GLS, and my car has worked great since I bought it. I only had it in for two oil changes and that was it. Like you said, you get what you pay for, and this is diffently a higher class car.

Jason.

I have a 2002 alero GLS. I had the steering shaking when slowing down and was detected as a rotor problem. Had it changed.

There is a play in the steering wheel - which was diagnosed as Steering Gear Problem. Dealer said its OK to drive it like that. But it is extremely annoying. I have only 60,000 miles on the car - but GM is not recalling the Steering Gear problem as a manufacturing defect.

Did anyone else have the same problem?

Other than this the car is Great.

I like my 2002 Alero GLS. My car is a 'work horse' in that I drive it 80mi/day. This car is VERY comfortable and very powerful. Although the 3.4L V6 isn't 'up to par' with it's competitors in HP, the Alero has a high 'torque curve' and thus uses every ounce of energy it outputs. My 2002 Alero GLS currently has 45,000mi. I bought it new. I've noticed in my research that almost all complaints about the Alero originate in Canada. Perhaps these Canadian Aleros are built to different specs? It's too cold up there for them? All I know is that I love my Oldsmobile and the Alero GLS is a great car for the money. What a tribute to have the last model of Oldsmobile made to be an Alero.

I have a 2001 Alero GLS and the car is great - except during the winter months, where in Western New York can last a long time! I bought it used 1 year ago and loved it, until the first snow fall. Unfortunately, I had no idea that low profile, sporty tires would result in poor driving capabilities. I drove (well, slid) down a busy street sideways... That was last year. This winter, I have gotten stuck in my driveway twice and had to get shoved out of my parking lot at work. I love this car in the summer, spring and fall, but not in the winter. Anyone else experience this as well?

I own a 2002 Alero GLS. I bought it used and have found many problems with it for the six months I've had it. First, I had to get a new driver side window regulator. Secondly, my dash is warping and it appears wavy to the eye. Thirdly, I found a problem with my steering. I took it to the mechanic and he diagnosed that I need a new power steering rack. As for all the other comments, I've realized that most of them seem very similar. An Alero is a very nice car. The 3.4 v-6 has the power you need. It handles very well around turns at high speed. And I get about 22 miles to the gallon.

Hi I just purchased a 2002 GLS Alero, and when I stepped on the gas pedal I heard a clunking noise and felt it, then the service engine light came on and the speed started to decrease, any ideas of what it could b you can email me at athey_danielle@hotmail.com Thanks!!

Regarding the comment about the Canadian Alero owners. I am from Canada and my Alero was made in Lansing MI. I don't think they were ever made up here. Just some input.