Fuel Pump (2x).
Power Windows (3x).
Wheel speed sensor (1x).
Tons of other "little things".
Floor carpeting is cheap and wore out within 25,000 miles of use.
I bought this car new in 2001 for approximately $21,000 as a commuter car to drive the 44 miles one way to work each day (88 mile round trip).
The car has the "sun and sound" package and cloth seats. This is by far one of the best stero systems I've had in a car. My 2002 Jaguar X-Type has a worse stero then this by far.
The car has had a host of problems since purchasing it. When I bought it I ran the bumper to bumper warranty to 5 years 100,000 miles. I've not really spent any money on it, but from the receipts over $5,100 has been spent on warranty repairs (for a $1,300 warranty purchased when new). Buying the extended warranty was definitely worth it!
Some examples of problems included a "low tire pressure" warning light that kept coming on. It ended up being some wheel sensor thing. To fix it because it was integrated they had to replace the entire left from wheel hub assembly ($850 repair).
Another problem was one day the key wouldn't turn in the ignition. It just froze up. Had to have it towed in and they ended up taking the dash apart and replacing the entire ignition cylinder deal ($550 repair).
The car is very comfortable for a big person (320 pounds). I test drove a focus which is about the same dimensions and was cramped. My Jag is also smaller inside.
The Alero is "perfect" as a commuter car, but I would never own one without a bumper to bumper warranty.
Service through the Oldsmobile dealer (now Mitsubishi) has been excellent. I see a ton of the Aleros on the road so I know they sold a bunch.
The paint has weathered nearly five years of constant non-garaged Arizona sun and hasn't faded a bit. Very good paint job!
The cloth seats have held up well. I didn't want leather because of the Arizona heat (I'm paying now with the leather Jag seats). It's worn well and has no tears.
The floor mats are extra-cheap and wore through the rug part almost immediately. The carpet under the floormat also wore out where your heel sits while accelerating. Another spot when you tuck your left leg (US driver) by the seat is also worn. Very cheap carpet this is the first car I've had that's had this problem.
Visibility is excellent and the car has a real greenhouse feel to it (which I don't like, but its good).
Conclusion: An excellent commuter car if you can find a low-mileage example. Be sure to buy a warranty though or you may be sorry!!!
Great review. The Alero sounds like a great car. Those problems. however, speak of GM quality.
The car has over 80,000 miles on it and another 8 months of warranty. I'd actually consider buying a newer one (under full warranty) to replace it if I can find a 20-30k mile example. Being heavy its hard to find comfortable cars. I think your right about the GM Quality issue, but there's always hope.
I have a 2001 Olds Alero and the ignition cylinder went out on mine at 57K, 97K and 123K and GM only warranties the part for 10k miles. Costly repair for a cheap, unreliable part.
I can't believe it! My "low tire pressure" light keeps coming on and theres lots of air in the tire! I love my Alero, but I don't have 800 dollars to shell out for some new sensor. I swear Oldsmobile has it in for their buyers - my warranty JUST expired!
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