2000 Oldsmobile Alero GL review from North America
"Engineers know how to calculate!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The problems have mostly begun this year. First, a wheel bearing went bad (300$@100,000 km/60,000 miles). Then, I had a very common problem for GM's 3.4 liter : the intake gasket was leaking (600$ @ 110,000km), and today, my fuel pump let me down... (980$@118,000km).
Before that, a power steering hose came loose, but the car was still under warranty, and since I've had the car, I had to replace 2 fan resistance thingy (50$ each).
For the rest, it's normal wear, but I'm starting to doubt the quality of this car, which is why I gave it a 6 for reliability. Although, considering how relatively cheap this car is, I gave it a 7 (o.k) for running costs.
Acceptable performance (year 2000 standards), noisy front brakes, noisy original tires, good fuel economy on the highway (8.2l/100kms @ 120km/h)
One thing is sure, since the troubles I've had affect almost all aleros/malibus/grand ams, GM is making big bucks on the aftermaket. Hence, my next car will definitively NOT be a GM or any other GM affiliate (isuzu, buick, cadillac, pontiac, saab, saturn,...)
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| It is a good-looking money pit that I no longer trust. |
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| Typical GM Money Pit |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 2000 |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.4 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 40000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 118000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Corsica |
| Date of Entry | 15th June, 2006 |