2001 Oldsmobile Alero GL from North America - Comments

For starters, the week after the warranty ended my car would start and then stop a few miles down the road. This went into the shop and came out with a faulty fuel pump - approx $600.

Next, a week later, the same problem arose, this time the shop said computer was bad - another $600 - And the mechanic said there were other aleros at the dealer on 5th and 6th computer.

Two months later, the steering wouldn't work - Power steering pump - approx $600 - I'm seeing a trend.

A few months go by no problems...

Then the coolant light comes on and I can't keep any in the car, I was refilling the coolant every other day. In the shop she goes, My engine head gasket is bad and they had to take apart the engine put in a new gasket - $750.

Second set of brakes go in now within 1 year.

Service Engine Soon light has now come on, failed inspection, I am told leak in fuel line and only way to find and fix, drop the tank and search for it. I'll wait.

Driving a 777? you ask, nope that is the front ball bearing going bad - $300 dollars, alright, wait new brake third set in 1.5 years of owning it. - $600.

Now the power steering isn't working again!!! Refuse to bring car to shop - don't have 600 to blow.

Now the car's started to shimmy - speed up then get stuck - slow down. Can't wait to go to the mechanic tomorrow.

Bought the car 2yrs old at $8,000. Priced out a foreign sedan for 14,000.

8000+3850= 11850.

After tomorow's expenses - should have bought the foreign.

Please don't fall for it and buy this car.

Car does handle amazing when the brakes, power steering, and fuel pump work. And the sound system is amazing and the seats are quite comfortable with a spacious trunk- If the mechanical aspect would work, I would never get rid of this car.

Just a follow up... Turns out that the car needed an extensive tune-up, with all new wires and seals. Power Steering has failed again... mechanic tried an additive, better for a few days and now doesn't work at all. NOw the Transmission started making this loud slamming/banging noise everytime it is put in gear and shifting between gears... really thrilled..

I have also had a few problems with my 2001 Alero. Unfortunately because of the cost of these repairs, I will be owning this car for a few more years. What I did, and the best thing I ever did, was take the car to a GM mechanic. The GM mechanic knows these cars, and it is very easy for them to diagnose Alero problems. I know this is a little more costly, but in the long run, it pays off. Just a thought!!