1999 Oldsmobile Alero GX 2.4 from North America

Summary:

Decent car

Faults:

Pin hole in gas tank. Replaced myself, $50.

Front coil springs (2007 & 2009), Shop did the first. Friend and I did the second, $360.

Front brake calipers replaced in 2008.

Left side bolt rusted and broke off in the caliper. Nothing wrong with right, but didn't want to chance it. $200 for both, parts and labour.

Left hub assembly replaced. 2008. Did with neighbor's help for $150.

General Comments:

The biggest thing that bugged me was the coil springs. I was lucky they didn't take the tires with them.

The tank was an easy fix, but now the engine light stays on because the gas pressure isn't right on (had it checked), but no real problems.

The brakes and other maintenance I've done myself, and have only done them all once in the time I've owned the car. I have never had a problem with them squealing after I put them on.

Overall, I am happy with the car. Just have to find a slightly bigger one, as a 2 door isn't the greatest for a family.

I do a lot of highway driving, and get around 650 to 700 kilometers on a tank, which isn't bad considering the year of the car.

Mechanically, I would say it runs and performs as well as when I got it. A good investment at $8000 from the dealer, and as a first car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th March, 2009

1999 Oldsmobile Alero 2.4 from Finland

Summary:

No pain, no gain

Faults:

Apparently the same problems as everybody else; brake pads wear out twice a year and driver-side window came down.

Break disks were pain to change, but do-able anyway.

General Comments:

Excellent driver seat. Low gas usage. Car looks pretty nice. Haven't had any rust problems. Fixing is quite difficult since car is quite "hi-tech" and parts are expensive :)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th January, 2009

1999 Oldsmobile Alero V6 from North America

Summary:

One of the best cars I've ever owned

Faults:

The alternator went around 80,000 miles after the car sat for nearly 3 years without being driven.

General Comments:

I still love this car as much as the day I bought it. It doesn't leak oil, the engine still purrs, and the transmission is still smooth. This car is almost 10 years old and still looks modern.

I see myself keeping this car for at least 3 more years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.

If they still made Oldsmobile, it would be my next car purchase.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th November, 2008

1999 Oldsmobile Alero from North America

Summary:

It's a terrible built car. GM has lost a customer, forever

Faults:

3 of my windows won't roll down, security light would flash and lock me out, turn signal wouldn't quit clicking even after I shut it off, replaced ignition, replaced alternator, replaced serpentine belt, replaced console lid, the dashboard has melted and warped, the radio button numbers have peeled off, squeaky brakes.

General Comments:

This car is a piece of junk. It has locked me out, shut down my engine because the security system went wacky. Cost me $568.00 to fix that.

The Service Engine Soon and Check Engine light would come on for no reason. I finally ended up putting $1400 in it to replace a cluster having to do with the computer system. I actually had to take it back 3 times before the dealer got it correct.

The turn signal wouldn't shut off and wouldn't stop making a clicking noise. Cost me $316.00 to replace the turn signal.

I replaced the alternator and serpentine belt recently as the battery light would go on and off. Cost me $516.00.

I only have one window that works. Dealer told me it would cost at the least probably $400 or more a window to fix them (without even looking at them. They, all three fell and you heard a cracking noise when they did so. I refuse to put more money into this car.

My dash has melted and warped in normal sunlight; cars three times the age of mine haven't had the same effect.

The radio buttons are peeled off and unreadable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th November, 2008