2004 Oldsmobile Alero GL 2.2 Ecotech from North America

Summary:

GM going downhill.

Faults:

New Brakes at 35k miles. With 42k miles or so brakes started squeaking and pulsating again. Front passenger side wheel bearing replaced ($225.00) Around 45k miles the front end started clunking and squeeking, possibly struts?

General Comments:

Around 40k miles the car seemed to lose horsepower. One night it wouldn't turn over and ever since it has lost any speed or horsepower that it ever had. Car has poor acceleration as it is, with 140hp. Whenever I press the cruise control button off or hit my brakes, something from the front right makes a clunking noise. The car also seems to have an annoying tinny noise whenever accelerated. Under hard acceleration something rattles big time, could possibly be the exhaust heat shield. This car is not something I would reccomend, I traded it in yesterday because I was sick of its problems and didn't want to invest more money into something I dreaded. I would not reccomend this car to anybody.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th May, 2006

28th May 2006, 10:39

"I would not reccomend this car to anybody."

- The Alero is one of the reasons that Olds is no longer in business.

2004 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 3.4 from North America

Summary:

Great little car, glad I bought it

Faults:

I've owned my Alero GLS since June 05, and have been nothing, but happy with it. I've had it less than a year, and have put over 60,000 miles on it. The only thing I've done to it is regular scheduled maintenance. But have also spent the extra money to put good parts on it. For example: Bosch platinum plugs, and synthetic oil.

Its finally getting to the point where rotors are needing serviced, but its still on the original set, (all 4). I don't see where some owners are having such problems with their cars. You take care of them, they'll take care of you.

I use mine primarily for interstate travel for business and legal matters, and with gasoline prices as they currently are, I love getting 34mpg.

General Comments:

The only thing this car lacks in options as far as I'm concerned, is heated seats and on-star.

I love my Alero, and wish Id have bought one sooner...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th April, 2006

4th May 2006, 23:07

I would like to know why I am having so many problems too, because I DO take great care of my car. I get oil changes every 3000 miles/3 months, get the scheduled maintenance every 15,000K. It is just that GM does not know how to make cars. You are lucky compared to most of the Alero owners on this site. Count your blessings and hope you don't have the problems we all have had. I probably could have bought a used Honda for all the money I've sunk into this clunker. Good Luck!

2004 Oldsmobile Alero 4.3 from North America

Faults:

It uses to much fuel. it burns a lot of gas. we took one on a trip to disneyland and it was real nice an it didn't use a lot, now we are buying a lot of fuel.I'm thinking of trading it in, even though it runs beautifully.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st February, 2006

3rd Jan 2007, 10:06

Try tuning up the car. Change spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, pcv valve, and checking your tire's air pressures. That should help with your gas mileage problem.

22nd Dec 2010, 18:21

I have an 2004 Alero GLS. It now has 119000 k`s, and the only problem so far is that I changed the front rotors at 92000 k`s. It has plenty of power for a six cylinder, and is a fun car to drive. I have nothing but good to say about my Oldsmobile, and it's too bad they have stopped making them.

In reply to 22nd Dec 2010, 18:21

7th Jan 2012, 22:12

I wrote back some time ago, and a lot of people were complaining about all the problems the Alero was giving them. I sometimes wonder if these people are telling the truth? I bought my Alero when it had 91.000ks. It now has 129.000ks and not one problem. It has plenty of power and good gas mileage. I look at other reviews and cars that cost 3 times as much that are no better. It was a sad day when they stopped producing Oldsmobile.