Not very reliable
Fuel pump, Rotors (6th set now), Brakes (4th set), Head gasket has been fixed 2 times due to the GM problem they had with these engines, Battery, Starter, Ignition, Spark-plugs, and the computer had to be replaced.
Only good thing about the car is the 3.4L engine has some serious power.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 21st September, 2006
Piece of American Made Junk
They ask what things went wrong with this car. They should ask what part of the car hasn't had work done on it, or operates effectively.
Let me try to remember some of the things I had done:
Brake rotors replaced. Mechanic said they are warped and need to be replaced.
Had the head gasket replaced after noticing anti-freeze leaking onto ground. Mechanic said this is a common problem with GM cars, and very common in Olds. He said I lucked out, it leaked on the outside of the engine. If it went on the inside, would lock up the engine.
My driver side window works when it wants too. I have auto windows, and the window does not operate often.
My AC/heater switch only works on the 2 highest settings.
A piece of the metal framing on the drivers seat is pushing out of the foam seating.
Seems like every time I take the car in for a service, the mechanic knows exactly what is wrong with it because he has done several previous repairs on Oldsmobiles.
And they wonder why GM had to shut this division down, and why as a corporation as a whole they are losing billions of dollars a quarter.
They will never see me in another of their dealerships.
When the car is working, it runs nice. It doesn't have great pick up, but that is OK. And it is nice on gas mileage.
About all I can say good about it.
Good thing they are out of business. Don't have to worry about not buying another car from them. They made the decision for me.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 2nd August, 2006
Do you want the good news first, or the bad news
Dome light fell off during the first week.
Brakes and front rotors done at 20,000k. GM paid for this as a good will gesture because of low mileage.
Ignition cylinder failed at 22,000k - one month past 3 year coverage. Cost $500 to replace.
Driver's side window doesn't work - intermittent problem. Took it in to get fixed, it started working before they could find out what the problem was, so nothing got fixed.
ABS/Traction/Service Vehicle Soon lights were intermittent for about two weeks. Problem stopped for about 2 months, but lights are on all the time now - at least they should be able to find this problem. Co-worker has a Grand Prix that had these lights come on, dealer wanted $750 to fix it. She got it done at a local garage that her son goes to, and only paid $350 - name brand parts were used, not generic.
When everything is working, it's a nice car.
Lots of power, not too hard on gas, and comfortable.
My favourite colour is blue, but it wasn't an option when I bought mine, although I see blue Aleros out there.
I was going to keep this car for a few years after the final payment, but if there are too many repairs I may reconsider that.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 31st May, 2006
I had the same problem with both of my windows. I had to pay about $1700 Canadian to have the windows and motors for the windows replaced. I also had the same problem with the ABS lights/traction/Service Vehicle Soon lights coming on. What was discovered was that I had to have a wheel bearing placed. That was all. No &750 or even &350 to fix it.
We had the same problem with our ABS/Traction control, it was a broken wire on the drivers front hub/bearing assembly a poor design get an aftermarket one put on instead, the wire won't break off as easily.
Your review is identical to my car problems with the addition of intake manifold and also head gaskets. My 2002 Alero with the 3.4L had both gaskets go within 500km of each other. The good news was it was at 98,000 km, so it was repaired under warranty. As a summary, brakes (x3), windows (x2), hub assembly (x3), intake and head gaskets, ignition failure, plus 2 dented rims are my car issues. Other than that, runs great :)
2nd Aug 2006, 18:19
"They will never see me in another of their dealerships."
- Me too!!!