2002 Oldsmobile Alero GLS Coupe from North America - Comments

Nothing since I've owned it, reliable according to VIN Repair History check I had requested and GM Optimum Inspection.

I love the car. I'm a Pontiac guy and at the time the Grand Prix was too expensive for what I wanted, I'll get one when I get my next car. While the Grand Am's a nice car, the interior isn't as nicely finished as the Alero's (even though they're similar vehicles) and the Alero's styling is a bit more luxurious, almost European where the Grand Am's plastic clad. If I didn't get the Alero, I would get a Grand Am GT Coupe, but the Alero was definitely a choice I didn't regret. The performance from the 170 HP 3.4L V6 is awesome, it has no problems keeping up with traffic and torque steer is minimal. The 4-Speed Auto shifts smoothly and rapidly and handling is predictable and steering is quick and responsive albeit it's on the light side although it does firm up at higher speeds, but makes parking a breeze. The Grand Am is a bit more firm in the turns as is the steering, but the Alero is more for comfort and is also a lot quieter inside than the Grand Am, especially at 100 km/h when the cabin is virtually silent. The interior is roomy and comfortable and the rear seat is surprisingly roomy for a coupe and trunk space is excellent. The 8-Speaker Monsoon stereo is crisp and clear and the stereo with Radio Data System and Retained Accessory Power is excellent. That is something that GM or Delco is good at, stereos. The sunroof doesn't intrude on headroom like a lot of systems which impressed me and the firm brake pedal with standard ABS and Traction Control give peace of mind. I wish the leather seats were heated, at least for the driver, but I can live without it. Fuel Economy by the way is excellent, even with a V6 and a small tank. It's cheap to fill and insure, has lots of power, passenger and cargo room and offers a lot of value per dollar. I would recommend it and reliability wise, Alero's are generally good. If you want a fun midsize sedan that offers a great balance of what you crave, the Alero is the car for you. If you're worried about GM's quality, there's no need, their reliability has generally always been there, but their new products are well built and well executed. J. D Power's random surveys prove that GM's come a long way and while N-Bodies like the Alero and Grand Am aren't always GM's most reliable vehicles, an inspection and history check can determine if it was reliable like mine and was looked after. According to the J. D Power survey as well, the Alero did slightly better in long term dependability over the Grand Am which can put ease of mind to weary buyers over American vehicles.

The reviewer is very lucky. Most Aleros turned out to be junk.

My cousin owned one of the first Aleros, a 1999 with the 4-Cylinder and she never had a single problem. I even admit the N-Bodies weren't GM's most reliable vehicles and I originally wanted a Grand Prix which is a W-Body, but I did lots of research and the Alero seemed to be a fine choice. GM's reliability has always been pretty good, my family's owned GM's from the 70's, 80's and 90's and they've been very reliable. My family did have transmission issues with our 2003 Vue in which was bought back from us and we got a Saab after. Of course with any car you'll get a lemon which we have with even Japanese vehicles, but according too many surveys and the way GM's focusing on making better products, I don't have a problem recommending them.

Update on vehicle: Running great! No problems at all, knock on wood. I'm shocked in many ways after reading some of the horror stories on this site. However I don't think it's really possible to judge the Alero by the reviews on this site since they are just a small percentage of Alero's sold. But I won't deny that the N-Bodies haven't had their share of issues. But I guess I'm part of the percentage of lucky owners. Regardless I still would recommend the car. I really prefer larger cars, but this car isn't too small that I feel claustrophobic, in fact it's just right. I generally get 27 MPG depending on my driving and that's Imperial MPG so that's around 23 US MPG if I'm right. So fuel economy is pretty good and close to the EPA average, although I do more city driving than highway driving compared to a 50% City 50% Highway rating. Overall I really like the car and I hope to keep it for a few more years until I get my Grand Prix. Who knows maybe I'll be able to afford the new one that comes out around that time.

I bought my Alero GLS 4 years ago. I am still extremely happy with it. Brakes, Tires and regular maintenance are my only expense on this car. It's great!

I completely agree.

We bought our 2002 alero and haven't had a single problem. its just regular maintenance. and we have heard of many other happy alero owners from within our city.

I have a Grand Am GT and it is pure junk. nothing but problems. now its for sale. I was very dissatisfied.

My Alero 2002 is great! Only issue I had was a fuse short out for the side mirrors. Had that fixed, GREAT! Maintenance on the brakes, tires, and oil changes are my only concerns, no worries or complaints...

Love it, love it, love it! I have a 2002, and had it since the very beginning of 2005, I obtained it with 25,000 miles for a very good price. never had to take it to the garage once for more than general maintenance. people are complaining of quickly wearing brakes, in 3 years, I have only had to do mine once. I do think it could be the way they are driving and/or ignoring normal fluid checks and changes, and just regular maintenance. don't get me wrong, I know they are machines, and they aren't perfect... there probably were some lemons put out there, but hearing the descriptions of a lot of the problems just seem like they could have been avoided.

I would have to agree with everyone here. I had just recently bought a 2002 olds alero (GLS) and its outstanding. however the E brake went out because the guy who had it let his son drive and and chose to pull it around the corner with snow on the ground. it still breaks good and handles excellent but there is an annoying ding ding ding when I start the car. and the dash board looks like a xmas tree lol. all in all though very nice car. I like the speed, control, and appeance of it.

Logan.

I agree with everyone. I've put on 25,000 since I bought the car and have took it in for regular oil changes and no problems. I spend more on washing the car then fixing it!

I bought my 02 Alero in 06 and I have not had any major problems with it. It's cute, sporty and fun to drive. Nice to see not everyone's experience with an Alero is a bad one!

I am soooo glad to hear positive things about this car. I do believe with regular maintenance this car is great.