2000 Oldsmobile Alero review from North America

I still have problems with my driver side window. Why, oh why was I so happy to have power windows?

I've had power steering problems on and off before having to replace a monster of a hose.

Had wheel bearing problems, but I hit the ditch in the winter and I think that's what caused that.

I still have problems with my signal lights from time to time, but that supposedly has been recalled, I just never make it that far.

Everything plastic in the car's interior is now starting to wear to the point that it falls out of place. ie: seatbelt covers, ceiling light, console lid and rear cup-holders. I'm missing a plastic latch piece from the back of the passenger seat and it hurts to move that seat up for people (2 door). The passenger seat 'moves' sometimes when I have to brake aggressively.

I had trouble getting used to the car when I got it. Felt too tall to be in a car like that. I also didn't like the cup-holder scheme, or the console area, didn't think it would haunt me the way it has (spilled drinks, lost EVERYTHING between the seat and the console).

Back to my driver window. It cost me $500 to get it fixed because the clip that holds the window broke (like I'm sure many other Alero owners have experienced, I know two personally). Now, you can't just get a clip to fix it, OHH NOOO, that'd be too easy, so you have to buy the WHOLE sha-bang with a new motor and everything. I should have bought a new door, with the window et al. So I wasn't very surprised when a few months later, the window had trouble rolling all the way up in the back. When it's wet out, the window won't go up without an encouraging 'lift'. It's pretty much a matter of time before it happens again. KNOCK ON WOOD.

Honestly this car just sucks. Why hasn't there been a re-call on the oft-plaqued automatic windows. I think it was on here that I read about a 4 door Alero that had to get all 4 fixed. That's $2000!!!

I was very unsure aboout buying into the GM family of vehicles because of family and friend's, past and present (and future?) problems.