2004 Oldsmobile Alero GLS review from North America

The only repair that I have done was self-inflicted. the first winter that I had the car, I didn't wash the very often. As a result, the slides for the front brake pads became corroded and then the bads stuck. I wore through the inner pads and had to replace the front pads and rotors at 25,000 km. The nice thing about owning a domestic car is that parts are cheap. Front rotors were only $17 CDN each at the local parts store and ceramic pads were only $70 CDN. When spoke to my local dealer, they said that they would cover the cost of the repair under warranty, but I decided to do the repairs myself due to my work schedule.

The Alero I purchased is a top of the line GLS Eurosport (which I think was only available in 2004). This package includes side marker lights, sport tuned suspension, tuned exhuast, plus all the other GLS options (V6, leather, spoiler, sunroof, high polish rims, etc.)

As far as four door mid size cars go, this car performs and handles great. It is by no means a sports car, but it does exceptionally well for $32,000 CDN. I have owned several cars over the years and it is a shame that GM discontinued the Oldsmobile division because I would definitely buy another one.

We know a couple other people who own Alero's and they are both very pleased with the car. One of them was in a serious accident shortly after buying the car. A minivan pulled out of a driveway in front of our friend and our friend didn't even have time to hit the brakes before hitting the minivan at over 90km/h (55 MPH). Both vehicles were written off and our friend walked away with only bruises from the seat belt. He was so impressed with how it stood up in an accident that he replaced his Alero with a new one.

Our other friend who has a 2002 Alero has over 150,000 km and has only done routine maintenance and has had no problems.