2001 Oldsmobile Alero GLS from North America - Comments

I've been fortunate enough to be able to keep my miles down on my car, but in the 3 years and relatively low miles I've driven this car, I've had numerous problems. The car has been in twice because of the driver side window. It has been in three times because of a problem with some wheel speed sensor that caused the ABS to kick in when it's not supposed to. And the battery just had to be replaced. I would consider some of this just a fluke or bad luck, but my brother has the exact same model car, and only slightly more mileage, and he has had his battery replaced, and the car in because of the drivers side window, as well as the dome light falling out and an annoying rattle with it that they can't seem to fix.

The car depreciates like none other, even if kept in perfect condition. Everyone who bought this model car new is either locked into it until the remainder of the loan, or is going to be seriously upside down in their loan if they try to trade it in or sell it early. The car itself is not all bad, if it wasn't for the apparent plague of problems with them. The interior is nice, though the back seats are uncomfortable and hard to get in and out of. The performance is decent, though not spectacular. The styling is probably it's one saving grace (in my mind) it's a good looking car, but I'd rather have a reliable, trouble-free car that's ugly, than a good looking one that is in the shop once a month.

I tried to trade in my 2001 GLS last night and they offered me 3,000, and I still owe $8500. I hate this car beyond words. My mechanic is sick of seeing me. So far (under warranty) : Deflector shields in doors had to be replaced 2x because of pools of water on the front floors, ran out of gas because the gauge wasn't working correctly, fuel line had a major problem; (out of pocket) : I'm on my 3rd set of brakes (and the car only likes ceramic), the adjustment for the fan/heater had to be replaced because it only worked on the 3rd blower ($70), broke down a few months ago out of state and had to replace the fuel pump/battery ($800), broke down again last week (ignition $400) and just found out antifreeze is leaking out of a gasket ($590 estimated). On a new set of tires ($500/set). The tank is small, have to fill up every 2 days (I drive 100 miles./day). I never had any problems with 2 chevy berettas I've previously owned. This car is a joke and now I'm stuck with it. Glad to know I'm not alone in the world.

I COMPLETELY AGREE. I Owned an 01 GLS with the exact same problems, from the windows, that little pool of water inside the car, Blower, fuel pump. Toward the end these were the problems with my car. When I came to a complete stop every interior light would come one, when turning right don't even think of giving it too much gas cause the gears will not agree. My remote key-less entry stopped working that was apparently not able to be fixed (how is it that something cannot be fixed?). Power locks stopped working. After the three years of owning my brand new Alero I replaced the brakes and rotors 5 times, fuel pump, 1 battery, 2 motors for my windows both from General Motors, and countless other small, but ANNOYING problems. I would STRONGLY advise if you are in the market for a car BEWARE. I am now a PROUD owner of a Honda.