2001 Oldsmobile Alero GX 2.4L DOHC Gas from North America
Summary:
A wonderful performer for little money
Faults:
First got it: Had to have the tail lamp replaced... leaked moisture into it.
Second: About 12000, had to have radio replaced because numbers were wearing off of the buttons.
Third: 20000 miles... replaced front hub bearing.
Fourth: Had to have total car repaint... could see grey primer underneath. The car is black and the factory just didn't put enough paint on it.
General Comments:
I love the car other than a few cosmetic/ mechanical problems. The brakes work wonderfully and I haven't done anything to them since it was new. The other owners experiencing problems with the brakes are probably neglecting to use their parking brake, which adjusts the brakes. It is zippy and gets great gas mileage. I would recommend the car in a heartbeat. My two door looks beautiful and performs like a v6. Very impressive. also, the lighter two tone interior is very well laid out and extremely cheery.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th October, 2003
30th Jun 2006, 13:26
Your 2 "since new" comments I have had as well and the dealer told me it was normal also (the steering wheel/column noise). My starter is still reluctant to catch, but hasn't needed replacement and you can remove the key from the ignition while the car is running without any effect on the vehicle whatsoever. At 132K, I haven't had any problems with it yet.
GM models (automatic) Grand Am, Alero, and Malibu need replacement pads/rotors depending on how you drive and what you put on the car, every 15k-30k. I got lucky once at 30K. And expect front wheel bearings to continually need replacing until you do both 2 times (at $350 a piece).