2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 3.4 Six cylinder

Summary:

To buy it is to regret it

Faults:

Brake rotors warped and had to be replaced at 19,000 miles. GM refused to pay even though brake shoes were less than half worn.

Power window motor died and had to be replaced.

Wheel bearings had to be replaced.

Last, but not least, the intake manifold gasket went at 59,000 (slow leak). I took it to the shop at 60,700 and GM would not pay for the repair due to warranty expiring at 60,000. I traded the car the next day. It should be noted that this gasket problem turned out to be a known problem with GM, and they refuse to acknowledge it.

General Comments:

GM is a bloated, lazy, arrogant company that cares nothing about its customers. I only bought GM product because I had $3,400.00 in points on a GM credit card that I used toward the car. As it turned out, I STILL lost out due the pathetic quality of the car, and worst still, the re-sale value (or lack of) it held.

Do yourself a favor and avoid this car and GM at all costs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th July, 2003

2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 3.4L V6

Summary:

Great performance at a great price

Faults:

The only problem I have come across so far is that my radio activity becomes dis-functional when turning my defrost button on.

General Comments:

The car is very quick and handles very well. It picks up very well, also.

The interior of the car is not all that appealing. Another color could have been selected for these cars.

The suspension and excellent steering abilities make this a great car to have.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th June, 2003

2002 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 3.4L

Summary:

Sporty GLS with good pick-up and good looks

Faults:

Problems with the driver side window have just begun. I need to take it in to get it serviced. It won't go up all the way causing leakage.

General Comments:

Overall, I love the car. I have only had it for 3 months, however it is quick, comfortable and looks great.

I have the 2dr GLS Gold package with the sport suspension, sunroof and polished rims, which has plenty of power to get my around.

One small negative point is the carpet in the trunk was installed poorly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st May, 2003

13th Aug 2004, 11:16

Update to my original review - Aug13/04. Have since repaired the driver side window motor, fog lights, ABS/Service Vehicle Soon sensors and moldings on rear window all under warranty. Also have went through 1 set of brake pads, and had the rotors and calipers serviced (not replaced). Car is currently at 54,000KMs and I have owned it for 1 1/2 yrs now. All and all, I am still happy with the car. We will see how I feel after my warranty is up!

6th Oct 2005, 14:33

I have a 2002 Alero, v6, 4 door. It is now at 55,000 miles. I just had all 4 tires replaced and new brakes both front and back. Right after the new tires were put on I thought I was ready to go. Just a few days ago I was driving and my low coolant light came on, when I stopped to make sure I had coolant (just had the oil changed and coolant added), I noticed that I had a river of coolant coming out of my car. It appears that I have a problem with the intake gasket and possibly the thermostat. I can only hope that that is the only problem and that it is covered under my extended 75,000 mile warranty. I have owned the car for a little over 2 years and these are the first major problems I have encountered. I hope I don't have problems that I keep reading about on this site. I love the way the car drives and it is comfortable for me (at 6 feet tall, that is hard to find). I do have the leather trim on the doors coming away from the seam on the windows, but I can overlook that as it isn't too bad.

Another cosmetic problem is that the writing on some of my buttons is coming off, annoying, but not life threatening.

Still happy with the car, but cautiously optimistic about the future of it.