Faults:

Driver side window problems (less than a year old).

Replacement tires cost a fortune (but love the tire warning light, & buying a tire warranty helps).

Ignition went out (over 45k; I ignored service light).

General Comments:

I've had two Aleros, a '99 GLS and now an '02 GL.

I've had the same driver-side window problem in both. Luckily, both while under warranty.

In the '99, my dashboard warped, but other than that and the window, no other problems.

In the '02, other than the windows, I've replaced the brakes (normal wear and tear) and two tires (pot holes, nails & normal wear and tear). My oil light use to come on after just 1000 miles of an oil change until I switched to synthetic. Just last week @ 45K miles my ignition went out.

In addition, in both cars, the air conditioning isn't as cold as other cars (but not needed much in IN anyway).

Overall, compared to some of the Pontiac, Ford, Dodge, Chrysler, and even Nissan vehicles I have owned or driven, I love my gas-guzzling Alero (until I can afford a gas-guzzling SUV).

It's "girly": I can sit low (sporty) or high (business). There are lights to warn of everything (except the window thing). Before my ignition went out, my security light came on. Even after being warned of the possibilities of what it may be (including my ignition), I didn't want to pay the $35 dollars to put it on the computer. As a result, I had to wait for a tow truck less than a week later (I still saved $35 dollars, ha-ha). If it wasn't for the tire light, I would have been stranded plenty of times because I'm not the type to check tire pressure and all - they "looked" fine.

I really can't complain as long it's under warranty, and since everything that has gone wrong has been under warranty. Better now than later (2 days after the warranty ends).

My spouse hates my car, but loves his dead Dodge Avenger that has some kind of manufacturing paint defect.

But to each their own - problems with the Alero that are big to others are small to me.

- Buy the extended warranty.

- Buy a tire warranty (mine @ Discount Tires)

- Don't ignore the warning lights.

- More than likely they will try to turn or change rotors with first brake job, but good brake pads is all you... or such was the my case when CarX changed just the pads and I took it back to the dealer when the ignition went out; they then said the rotors were fine.

Faults:

The brakes and rotors have been replaced twice. The low tire pressure light has literally not turned off since the second year of owning it. The Window-front driver has squeaked since day one and now has scratches imprinted in it and the dealer has no clue why. The check engine light has come on 3 times and each time I bring it in, there is always something different wrong with the car.

General Comments:

I will never buy another Alero, obviously. Nor will I ever buy another Oldsmobile (Thank God they are done making cars). I used to be a positive advocate for GM and their products, but that has changed with this experience.