2000 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 3.4 from North America
Summary:
Very good car for the money- equivalent to a low cost yet fun to drive sports sedan
Faults:
Three out of four windows motors had to be replaced. These motors are rather expensive. This was the most annoying problem. Common problem with this style car.
Front brake rotors at 60000 miles. Turns out the GM rotors are made of a cheaper material that wears out faster. Replace them with non-GM parts and they last a lot longer.
Heater/AC fan works only at high speed. This happened twice. Once around 40000 miles and at 67000 miles. It can be easily corrector, turns out there a resister that blows out under the glove compartment and is easily and very cheap to replace.
Gas gauge is erratic. Started happening around 65000 miles. It's a bad gas tank sending unit in the gas tank. About $200 bucks to fix. Common problem.
Front leather seat lumbar support is inadequate for turns. You slide around in them.
General Comments:
Alero GLS with handling package handles very well. You can make some crazy turns and handles like a sports car.
Six cylinder engine is quick and responsive.
Not bad on gas if you use cruise control. I went on a 300 mile trip using cruise control and got 30 miles per gallon. Without cruise, I average 18 city/23 highway.
Very reliable.
I spent around $1500 total on non-standard maintenance item. Mostly because of those expensive window motors. Sounds like a lot, but the car was relatively cheap when I bought it. The closest thing with the same options was at least five thousand dollars more. I still think it was a great buy.
My wife and I both like it's looks and the way it drives six years later.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 12th May, 2006