2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL from North America - Comments

Dash board came un-glued and wrinkled. Was probably repaired once then failed again.

Power steering pump went up, $400.

Ignition module went up, was replaced as well as the spark plugs, catalytic converter, resonator, and tail-pipe back to the muffler. $900.

Driver side window fails intermittently for no apparent reason.

Automatic transmission leaks at gasket on bottom. Gasket and transmission fluid replaced. $300.

Lots of creaks and rattles from all of the cheap plastic construction.

I had read some bad reviews on the car before I bought it, but some good ones too. I figured it was a few out of many who had encountered problems typical of American cars. So I bought it anyway.

I'm paying for that decision now, literally.

Can't get rid of it though, its worth nothing and I still owe too much on the loan.

You get what you pay for. I'll never buy another American car again.

We recently bought a 2002 alero, and I completely disagree with the "poor construction", and ours is a stable quite ride.

I also purchased a 2002 alero gls on 2/6, most reviews are driven by emotion, the engine and trans are proven and solid some do have a lower intake gasket problem. but hey- not one review of it burning oil, etc.& some relatively minor problems, but I believe it will be cost effective when you include the purchase price especially when you buy one 3 years old taking advantage of depreciation, mine had 13k on it,I paid 11.5K maybe sightly higher, but it feels almost new. I could pay 1731.00 for a AAA warranty 5yr up to 100k) but am going to take my chances since it has very low miles. I just hate to pay this $ and then hope for repairs to justify it. Most owners even the ones who have probs still like it so that has to be worth something. also spent 28k on a 04 nissan maxima, nice car, but I don't really like it any better then the alero.

I'm in a similar position, I still owe 7 grand on it. Can't afford to get a new car. And I NEED something reliable since I'm moving and have a 15 min highway drive commute.