2001 Oldsmobile Alero GLX from North America - Comments

A lot of things have gone wrong with my car. On third set of brakes; second set of rotors; dashboard sensors constantly flicking on and off. Low tire pressure light comes on when my tires are fine. But when I got a nail in my tire, I didn't know it, the low tire pressure light never came on. Then after the tire blew out, it still didn't come on. After my warranty was up, my hub went bad; wheel bearing went bad; right front speed sensor went bad along with the hazard light switch. Didn't know the hazard was recalled. Went to an Oldsmobile body shop for them to fix both problems, $890 later, they fixed both problems, but didn't tell me the hazard problem was recalled and they charged me. So, then I had to take it up with GMC for them to reimburse me. Less than a year later, but beyond the mileage of the body charges warranty, the front speed sensor went bad again. The paint on the buttons for my radio is coming off. Second set of tires.

I would not recommend an Alero to anyone. Thank god they are not manufacturing this car anymore. Everyone I talk to that has an Alero has the same problems. I just finished paying off my car in March, and in April the speed sensor went again. It doesn't make me happy to have to dish out money when my car has just been paid off, it's like still having a car payment, but worse. I will get close to nothing for a trade-in.

The only good points I will make, is that it handles well in the snow, and it is somewhat good on gas.

Read this man's message and just had to post one also,

On April 1, 2004 I purchased my 2001 Alero GL 4dr fully loaded for 7999.95$ from a local dealer. This is my dream car.. It handles great, easy on gas, a true joy to own,

It is showroom cond. Just for a joke I brought the car to a GM dealer and asked them home much would they give me for this car. They looked it over and said, about 10,000.00$

I didn't sell it, I could have made an easy 2K, but,,, its ma baby..

Like this fellow typed.,.,., I also came across the speed-sensor problem,,.,. there I was just driving,, then BANG.,., three lights came on the dash,, Service engine soon, ABS, and Trac Off. Now for those of you that paid for and extended warranty, read this..

I paid 1500.00 for the extended warranty.

I had the warranty people look at my car, they informed me that the speed sensor was defective and can be replaced for 400.00 plus the install,, YIKES I only had this car one month. I called the warranty people and asked if my warranty covers this,, THEY SAID NO. they cover everything, but eletronic's.. Major tip,, they do not just sell the sensor, you must buy the whole kit.. which is your wheel bearings for that wheel. the sensor is included as it comes with the kit..

I asked if I do not have this fixed, will it break something else, they said no,, but you will not have ABS, I don;t even like ABS so it's a blessing...

Note after doing reseach, I found my wheel bearing that comes with the speed sensor at a auto parts place 450-430-8360 for 150.00CDN installed.

Other than that,, I am to this day loving this Alero 2001 GL

it has a great look - handles well,, big nuff for my family, easy on gas, a joy to drive, and has a little bit of balls, if you need to hit the gas.

The Pontiac Grand AM is a wonderful car that there are way too many of; Oldsmobile's version makes it a more luxurious spin-off of the popular car.

The 2001 Oldsmobile Alero GLS is a wonderful car. I bought mine in October 2004 and have had only one problem with it since. Apparently someone stuck something into the ignition and triggered the security system to kick in. This would have been fine except the light kept blinking on the radio and the engine was allowed to roll over. There was no indication that the system was not letting the car run. That, and the paint scratching a little bit too easily, are my only complaints.

The benefits of this car are plentiful. It has excellent handling, especially in the winter, it looks really sharp, and the engine has plenty of power while using little gas. The interior is extremely comfortable, eye-appealing, and some other adjective that really is good. The audio system is excellent even in stock form. Overall the car is awesome.

I would recommend the Olds Alero to anyone looking for an excellent vehicle. They are nice and that's all you need to know.

I purchased my 2001 Alero, 2dr, 5spd about 10 months ago from an outsource dealer. I have had a few minor problems with it and have now just stumbled upon the most major problem as of yet. The first issue I had was with the stock amp or the deck, one of which is causing the equalizer to act up and the back speakers will only work during the day or when it is nice out. I had that looked at and was promised a call back from a GM technician, never received the phone call, but that's OK. The second issue came shortly after while shifting into reverse. It is really hard to do and I sometimes have to attempt it 3 times and sometimes it sticks. My shifter is set so that a have to pull up on something in order to put the car into reverse. When I first purchased the car it had to be left in reverse before I could take the key out of the ignition, but now I am able to take them out no matter whether I have it in ANY gear or neutral. That wasn't a big deal, I am going to ignore it. I prefer to leave it in neutral and use the e-brake anyway. Now as for the major issue, it is really not so major. I as well am having a huge problem with the speed sensor. I took it to GM to have it tested... Paid $60 CDN for the diags which I had expected. Then the guy told me it was going to be $520 for just the part, plus $89.95 per hour flat rate for labour. I was disgusted, I almost cried. I decided to order the part through CarQuest which cost $132 TOTAL, including tax plus only $60 for labour, and it only took an hour. Therefor I paid about $200 to have this fixed when GM wanted about $700. Keep in mind this is CDN funds.

I love my Alero!! It's a gorgeous car and it's pretty quick. I'm not impressed with it cutting out at 175km/h, but I suppose I don't need to be going that fast anyway. Just thought you would want to know my opinion. Thanks for listening, have a good one :)

I purchased a used 2000 Alero 3 years ago with about 60K on it for just under $6k. In my opinion, I got a great deal and this is an excellent car. Drives well, always starts – even if not plugged in and is great in snow. I live in Ottawa Canada, so this is an important fact for me. The car handles great and has lots of power (3.4L V6). It is comfortable, spacious enough for my family of 3 and everything works. I have not experienced the problems noted here. I put brakes on once, but I figure that I only do city driving, so not too bad. Tire pressure sensors have saved us twice, once with a nail in the left rear, and once with a drywall screw in the right front. I do regular maintenance, oil and fluid changes, and pay attention to things that may go wrong to fix them before they break.

I did have to repair the rear defogger once, but I did not purchase any parts. I bypassed the antenna / power splitter box with a separate power line. This was just after I purchased the car and the radio and defogger still work fine. Took me about 20 minutes to do the job myself.

A friend of mine has a 2003 Alero and he has complained about the brakes wearing too fast. In defence of the model, I have followed him a few times and can say that he rides the brake pedal. He also complains about the fuel economy, but again, he has two teenage boys. Need I say more?

I am pushing 200K at this time and in my opinion, this is an excellent car and I would certainly purchase another one.

I got my 2001 Alero in April of 2007 and I love this car.. I have had to get the brakes fixed and the rotors and a few other things, but other than that is is a great car. I would buy another if they still made them. It is great on gas... I can go on a 4 hour drive and still have a half tank of gas left... I love that it is great on gas. I like the radio how it has the option where the voloum goes up when you go over a certain speed. it is comfortable.. the paint on the radio button is coming off, but I don't mind that. I am very happy I got the alero.