1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS review from North America
"Oldsmobile Alero, the money pit that still craves money to be spent on it"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Brakes went bad at 48,000 miles.
Fuel level sensor went bad at 48,000 miles.
Brake pads and rotors went bad again at 57,362 miles.
Transmission went out at 84,438 also had to replace the front hub assemblies left & right.
Power steering pump went out at 88,174 miles.
A bolt that holds the front left wheel assembly sheered, resulting in a towed vehicle and re-alignment at 90,195 miles.
Alternator went bad at 91,140 miles.
Replaced brake shoes again at 93,799 due to excessive left side wear.
Two leaks were found at 93,799 miles while changing the oil. I have a leaky head gasket and also a leak in the transmission seal at the engine.
General comments?
This car started out great, but things went bad quick. My father worked for GM for over 37 years and I feel a sense obligation to buy GM products. But I can say that after having problems with this Oldsmobile and other American products, I am now looking at Honda's or Toyota's. I feel like I'm selling out, but I want a reliable vehicle.
My first vehicle was a 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass and it was a true muscle car. I only wish Americans still built cars of that quality.
Recommended reviews
| Cheap in more ways than one |
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| If you can get past the problems, Alero has potential: MUCH better than the Achieva it replaced! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.4 Don't Know |
| Performance marks | 3 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 1 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 31969 miles |
| Most recent distance | 93845 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Explorer |
| Date of Entry | 3rd January, 2004 |