2001 Oldsmobile Alero GL from North America

Summary:

Great looking and great driving car, but not worth the money or headaches!

Faults:

Brakes have been replaced several times; currently it won't pass inspection because front brakes need to be done.

Anti-lock brakes stopped working 2 years ago.

Low tire pressure light comes on randomly when my tires are fine... when the tires are low on air it doesn't come on.

Oil change light doesn't come on anymore.

Heat/air conditioner blower stopped working at the first 2 settings TWICE. Had to shell out $125 to get it fixed both times!! The first time it happened was in the first year.

I have locked my keys in the car twice with it running because the locks just randomly lock sometimes after I start my car!!

The fuel gauge was not accurate one time, causing me to run out of gas on a major highway.

General Comments:

The car has great power for being a 4-cylinder.

The trunk is very roomy.

I don't think the car handles very well in the snow... would definitely recommend something else for snowy climates!

I love the lights on the rear view mirror.

Terrible blind spot on the driver's side in a 2-door.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th October, 2005

2001 Oldsmobile Alero GL V6 from North America

Summary:

Although this vehicle looks good and ride well, it overall has too many problems, keep looking

Faults:

I bought our 2001 Alero GL new.

The first week I had it, I had to take it back to the dealer because it was running rough and I was only getting 12-14 mpg. Thankfully I got the 6 years or 60 thousand mile warranty. I have used it quite frequently.

The rear view mirror on passenger side went out.

The adhesive molding fell down.

The labeling on the radio came off.

The whole front end - everything was replaced.

The brakes and new pads did not line up, went through 3 pairs in 1 month. The dealer sent me home with no brakes and told me they were just fine.

2 tune ups in one year because of wire melt downs.

The window track in the passenger side window had to be replaced because it started grinding (twice).

The front engine seal had to be replaced because it started leaking.

General Comments:

Overall I still like the style of the body and the roominess inside. You would have thought that the lemon law would have got me out of this car, but nope, they just keep on fixing it.

Oh yeah, here is the best one yet, the front end started leaking power steering fluid in the drivers side ball joint, it probably need to be replaced and now my warranty has run out. Just Wonderful, hmmmm.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd October, 2005

12th Mar 2006, 22:20

I just bought an oldsmobile alero 2001 with only 44,000 miles. I want to know does anyone else hear a whining noise in there steering wheel or a grinding noise when you make sharp turns usually to the right. I took it to GM and they couldn't find the problem, but they did hear the noise.

16th Mar 2006, 11:34

That sound is likely a wheel bearing.

13th May 2006, 22:39

I used to own a 2001 Alero, 3.4 litre, 6 cylinder - it was by far the worst car decision that I have made thus far. I bought the car with 44 000 km on it from a dealership and paid a fair price for it. It still had factory warranty until 60 000 km so I figured what the heck. I like the look of the car - it is very appealing and somewhat sporty looking.

I am a commuter - about a half hour to the school that I interned at so fuel economy is a big thing for me. This car was not very good on gas... I literally watched the gas gauge go down during my road trips. It was actually depressing to see!

Aside from guzzling gas, I had problems with the front axle leaking, a seal that had to be replaced ($700 repair), and fog lights that had to be constantly replaced.

I no longer own an Alero - it was totalled last November when I skidded off into the ditch and hit a pole (it was very icy out).

I now own a Corolla - and I am happy with that.