Faults:

Had to replace #2 and #3 coils.

Had to replace all window trim.

Had to replace fuel filter.

Had to replace fuel pump.

Had to replace plugs and wires.

Had to replace positive battery cable and battery.

Leaks water into passenger side floor.

Had to replace window motor.

Had to have computer reprogrammed.

Had to have dome lamp assembly replaced-kept falling out.

Had to have seat belt retractor replaced-would not go back in.

Drivers mirror (outside) vibrates badly.

Lower intake gasket replaced twice because leaking oil.

Rotors replaced.

Power mirror switch replaced.

Oil pump drive leaking oil- fixed.

Car is NOT reliable- sometimes will not start- GM/Olds dealer answer to that "huh, we just don't know- you got something funky going on there- but it has us stumped-good luck"

Drivers seat has small hole starting to wear through fabric.

All of the above has been within the 4 months that I have owned the car!

General Comments:

All I have to say is if you are thinking about buying one RUN THE OTHER WAY!!!

Faults:

'99 Alero GLS used with 87,407 miles.

Warranty: 36 month / 36,000

Under warranty until 123,407.

After buying the Alero I was told about problems that other people had with "# point inspections from dealerships"

So I took my car to an oil change business and had the oil change and a look under carriage checked out.

Leaks under car were found. Then I took the car back to the dealership where I bought it.

The dealership put a dye into the oil so they could check it later with an ultraviolet after I drive it for 500 miles.

Well after 3000 miles of driving (vacation). During the trip the Cruz-control switch quit working, but after getting home an "CHECK ENGINE SOON" light came on the dash I took it back to the dealership.

91,649 miles:

There report came back with:

Oil leaks from oil pan & intake manifold.

The code on the dash light was water leakage into pistons due to water pump failure. (Head gasket blown)

All under warranty!!

Faults:

The brakes were replaced under TSB in Nov '00. In Dec 02 they were resurfaced. My local mechanic told me that the grinding noise is due to rust build up on the disks, which in humid areas (MO) takes about 1/2 hour. I see a lot of complaints about the brakes, but no one mentions that Olds put out a recall or Tech Service Bulletin to fix the brakes.

Driver power window motor failed - replaced under warranty.

Battery failed - under warranty.

Seals on doors warped - replaced under warranty.

Power steering pump was making noises - replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

I'm bothered by all the negative complaints, I guess the happy people don't make comments. So I'm here to say, I love my Alero. I got the GL-3 with sport package & this is one great handling car.

This car cruises down the highway - at lower RPMs than my old Dodge did. I feel secure traveling at high speeds in this car. It corners beautifully - there's a local road marked for 35, but my Alero handles it at 75 when the road is clear. This car just hugs the road.

Yes, it's had a share of problems - but my old Dodge went through 3 tranmissions, every 25,000 miles - and it would go out on the highway.

The car is made for driving, at least my model is. The cockpit is comfortable for the driver, even my 6'6" friend can fit in the passenger side. The interior is very well done, the colors blend very well. My cloth has held up well, even with 2 boys. The performance of the engine, suspension, tires & brakes are top notch - the car flies.

I came real close to trading up to an '03 with the recent offer from Olds - but they don't make the GL-3 anymore & there's no GLS models available in my area. I guess I'll keep this one through its old age. Where will I find another car with automatic headlights & all the fine features at this price?

Good luck to everyone else who's had problems, with dealers mostly it seems.

J.