1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS review from North America
"Looked great, but my worst vehicle purchase to date"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Transmission replaced at 31k miles.
Electrical system problems: Two new batteries, turn signals would not work intermittently, air bag light intermittently, fused link at starter solenoid replaced twice, new starter, dealer shop looked at three times after the first time the battery failed and may have induced some of the later problems.
Emergency flasher switch pushed through dashboard.
Water in passenger floorboard after heavy rain.
Brakes made noise when pressed, even when stopped, shop could not isolate problem.
Air vents smelled musty continuously.
General comments?
The GLS model with 17 inch polished rims and 4 wheel disc brakes looked awesome too bad its reliability did hold up to my experience with imports.
After owning this car I'm sticking to imports. If we need a family car it will be a Camry or Accord. Now we have a CRV and love it.
Recommended reviews
| Cheap in more ways than one |
|
| 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 | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.4 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 2 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 29000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 90000 miles |
| Previous car | Honda CRX |
| Date of Entry | 11th May, 2004 |