Value, price, comfort.

Blindspot visibility, some dealerships service centers closed on weeekends, evenings.

A good attempt from Olds at marketing a car for someone other than seniors and golf pros. On the same chassis as the Pontiac Grand Am and the new Chevy Monte Carlo, with a fairly conventional V6 with two valves per cylinder. The 170 horsepower rating could benefit from twin-cam and four-valve heads, but the already somewhat weak gas mileage would really suffer. But these are nitpicks. The car has very good lighting on both ends, with great tailight visibility, and good optional projector-style fog lamps up front. Seating is comfortable, guages are well laid out and legible. The dashboard-mounted gearshift indicator and the dash-located ingition switch are a nice return to locations that worked well in the past, and do so again. Getting the ingition switch away from the steering lock mechanism is something other manufacturers should think about. Overall, the price is very competitive for a nice car, one that in the two-door version looks pretty sharp, especially with the optional 16" polished alloy rims and the Goodyears 225/50 RS-A tires. Ours is a '99 is Jade Green, with all the goodies, from sunroof to subwoofer, and is really the best car we could find under $23,000. Never being too sure, we opted for the GM extended warranty out to 100,000 miles, for added peace of mind. 15,000 miles so far, and all is well.

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Saturn SC

automatic lights, smooth ride, comfortable back seat, good acceleration, good brakes.

power windows/sunroof only work with key on accessories, annoying gas mileage (20/30 - didn't fully realize the drop in mileage I was taking).

overall it's a very nice car and I'm happy with it. But I miss my 4 cylinder 5 spd's gas mileage very much.

Value for the dollar, Impressive feature set, sporty styling, stellar warranty!

Oldsmobile is shutting down

I am absolutely thrilled with my new Alero Coupe! I purchased it just a few days ago and I haven't been disappointed yet. Thanks to everyone that posted their feedback in this forum. Due to your candid responses I was able to come to a decision on purchasing this wonderful car (even if the cup holders suck...at least it wasn't a surprise...).

I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for an inexpensive, sporty, and feature-filled automobile!

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1988 Honda Accord, 2000 Dodge Stratus, 1994 Cadillac Seville

FULLY LOADED AND THE V-6 ENGINE IS POWERFUL

THAT I HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THE SHOP EVERY MONTH JUST ABOUT SINCE I HAVE HAD IT!

I BOUGHT THE 2000 ALERO GLS IN NOVEMBER OF 1999 THROUGH THE EMPLOYEE GM PROGRAM SINCE MY SISTER IN-LAW WORKS FOR GM SO ANY FAMILY MEMBER IS ELIGABLE FOR THE DISCOUNT. I REALLY LIKED IT AT FIRST BUT SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP EVERY MONTH AND SOMETIMES TWICE IN ONE MONTH. HERE LET ME LIST BELOW THE PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD SO FAR:
CAR DOES NOT START RIGHT-WATER LEAKING IN THE PASSENGERS FRONT DOOR, WHICH THAT IS STILL NOT FIXED THEY HAVE REPLACED THE DOOR SEAL THREE TIMES NOW-WATER LEAKING IN THE BACK DOOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE-CD PLAYER QUITS WORKING AT TIMES AND WHEN YOU EJECT THE CD IT HAS WATER ON THE TOP OF IT-AIR CONDITIONER WENT OUT, FEW MONTHS LATER THE AIR CONDITION KNOW WENT OUT-FUEL GUAGE QUIT WORKING-ROTORS TURNED IN FRONT-THEN ROTOR TURNED IN BACK-THEN ROTORS REPLACED IN FRONT-NOW ROTORS REPLACED FRONT AND BACK ,STILL DONT KNOW IF THAT IS GOING TO FIX THE PROBLEM-SMALL WINDOW IN BACK ON PASSENGERS SIDE REPLACED, SEAL WAS BROKE SO THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE WINDOW-ALL OF THIS BEEN DONE SO FAR AND MY CAR ONLY HAS 15500 MILES ON IT. SO I WOULD DEFITIONLY NOT RECOMMED THE ALERO. HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE OLDSMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY SIMPLY JUST DONT CARE!!!

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TRADED A 1993 HONDA ACCOUNT EX AND REGRET IT TO THIS DAY!

Lots of refinement for a $21k car. Nice little touches, cd/tape/am/fm combo... auto headlight feature... nicely laid out dash, as is the case with most GM products. QUIET ride... well insulated. Very solid body... no squeaks or rattles anywhere. Everything works as advertised.

Odd steering behavior. Mine may need an alignment, but I've heard that torque steer could be the problem. Stays straight on flat pavement when I let go of the wheel, but drifts left under acceleration.

A little cramped on the interior for someone 6'2", but what sporty car isn't? Goodyear Eagle RSA tires are sweet, but maybe a 60-profile size would look/work better on this car?

For an American car, it's probably as close as you can get to the 'faultless' japanese equivalents.

Gas mileage is about 23mpg @ 75mph highway driving.

Attractive car without a lot of exterior frills... And better creature comforts on the inside. A Grand Am GT for grown ups? I like the car, but I'd probably test drive a Toyota Solara before I bought this vehicle, just for comparison sake.

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Same chassis/engine as the Pontiac Grand Am.... but without all the plastic.

Handles well, decent acceleration.

- Excessive wind noise at highway speeds.
- Biodegradable brakes.
- Faulty transmission at 92,000KM (57,000 Miles)

First new car. First 2 1/2 years were decent, after I got used to the gas mileage anyhow (Coming from driving a Corolla). Have just replaced the brakes for the second time. Would still really like the car if the transmission hadn't decided that it didn't want a 3rd or 4th gear anymore. The dealership states that the transmission needs a rebuild. I'm still trying to deal with the shock that a fairly new car needs a brand new transmission! On the flipside, my 13 year old Corolla just keeps motoring right along... You know, it serves me right for not buying a Toyota. You might pay more up front, but in the long run, it works out better.

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- 1990 Ford Escort (No real problems with it)
- 1988 Corolla (Such a reliable car...)
- 1984 Jetta (Fun to drive when it wasn't in the garage).

The Alero is stylish. Nice stereo system. Fully equipped at a reasonable price.

None

I bought an Alero in October of 1998. I first saw the car on the Internet. I couldn't believe how good it looked! I was so excited I had to get to the nearest dealer to see it. Finally, that day came and I bought the car the following weekend. I loved the car at the beginning. No problems at all, ran smooth and I got used to it almost instantly. Well the joy did not last for long. At 4 months of ownership a grinding noise started coming off the engine. Took it in for service and the diagnosis was the steering pump was damaged; replaced at that time. After that it seem that the car started to fall apart and it is not because of lack of care. I have kept up with the service recommended. Three out of the four windows have given problems. Two windows had to be replaced and one had to be fixed. The steering pump have been replaced a second time. What is hilarious is that the noise is still there; not as loud but still there--now the dealer tells me it is normal. The air conditioning had to be repaired. As I am writing this complaint the car (I don't call it my car anymore since it is spending more time at the dealer than with me)is in for service again--This time the Service Engine Soon light came on flashing and the car started trembling. This happened only 2 days after I had picked up the car from the dealer where they replaced the steering pump the second time. At this point I feel the car might as well be remanufactured maybe then I will be able to enjoy it a little. I agree with other consumers where the warranty is concerned-- it should be extended. Another joke according to the dealer Oldsmobile does not cover a rental until 24 hours later. In the meantime, I am paying a car payment and public transportation and loosing out in work hours. I don not recommend this car to anyone.

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I had owned 2 Oldsmobile cars before-- a 1986 Cutlass Supreme and a 1989 Cutlas Calais and never had a problem. Never went to the dealer other than routinary service.

Strong engine with plenty of power at any speed. Nice exterior styling. Big trunk. I seem to be getting decent gas mileage, has gotten better since buying the car. The interior is very appealing with comfy seats, and a great sounding stereo. Surprisingly, this car handles great in the snow!! the traction control is very effective too. Lots of options for the price. Looks better than its cousin the Grand Am.

Fit and finish....I find on one side of the car there are wide gaps between the front and rear door. There is also way too much wind noise on the highway. The blind spot on the left side makes changing lanes very nerve racking especially at rush hour!! The large amount of torque steer takes some getting use to as well. The rear doors always let out a loud squeak when opening them. This past winter the rear suspension would squeak when going over large bumps (ie. speed bumps). This problem has mysteriously vanished though. The brakes seem weak....there isn't much braking action until you are practically standing on the pedal. And just today the AC/heating fan doesn't seem to work on the 2 lowest settings. Oh yeah one final gripe.....AUTOMATIC ONLY in the V6!!!!

The salesperson told me GM made the Alero to compete against the Accord and Camry. I'd say it competes strongly with the Accord & Camry in regards to performance and pricing. Overall, I'd say GM still has some learning to do. The Alero just doesn't have the fit & finish(quality) that Toyota, Honda, BMW and other Europeans have. The car just feels like it was loosely put together.

We've never had any major problems with it, like some other people in these reviews. The service staff at the dealership are very friendly and professional. If somebody is looking for a decent car, but doesn't quite have the $$$ to shell out for an import I'd say buy it.
I like my Alero, it's fun to drive and looks good. I don't regret buying it, but I'm looking forward to the day when I trade it in and get a BMW 330 or a Lexus IS300!

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Acura 1.6EL (The US doesn't have this car I don't think), Toyota corolla, Mercedes E320.

- Looks cool. Girls (those ones that are not obsessed with expensive brands) like its shining look - it pays to wash this car :)
- Stylish interior
- Very ergonomic, i feel like this car's seats and controls were modeled for me.
- For the money it's loaded with features beyond any dreams - leather, all powered, keyless, spolier, sunroof, sport suspension premium audio... almost anything you need
- Keyless is one useful thing, not only it is easier to open the door it saves a lot of time - before i got keyless, i had locked keys in the car twice in one month! Never since.
- great power with V6 and automatic - i've never failed to overtake anybody on the traffic light. great handling too, i feel like me and my car are one and the same organism.
- used to be a distinct car (not anymore)

- road/wind noise. no biggie with good music, but gets annoying when you feel like talking.
- A/C is slightly messed up - i have to turn the knob past 2nd and then back get that 2nd to work.
- CD player skips my CD-R big time (on bumps and stuff - i rarely brake for such occasions) and does not read CD-RW
- piece of leather around parking break needs new sewing.
- milage is not exactly perfect - i never got better than 24mph highway / 15mph city, i'm not sure though if it's car or my driving habbits...
- i had to replace front wheel after like 6000 miles.
- everbody now drives Aleros, it's not unique anymore.
- 6 footers wouldn't find front seats convinient, and rear seat is not roomy either. Hey, i'm a driver in here and i am 5"10 so i wouldn't care.
- American. So much time i have spent convincing my friends that american car can be good, i could use that timne for a good nap instead. On the bright side - i am a non-conformist now :)
- no climate control, only A/C
- no heated seats, no remote engine start (it really sux to get into a very cold car with leather interior)

This is one cool car. I have it for 2.5 years (yep, i bought the first one in town) 15000 miles, no big problems yet - took it once to the dealer because of 'low coolant', once for oil leak and that's it. It looks lovely, the engine is poweful, the handling is exaclty what i want it to be, the brakes are firm.

Well, almost - they have small serial problem on some of those cars with brakes, like they go weak and stuff, so if you ask dealer will tighten em back up at Olds' expense.

In general, i consider this car to be a good compromise between a family sedan and a sports car, performance/price/comfort/size are well balanced, so you get a bit of everything but no exceess in any direction. A good combination, if you have a little of wild side, a little of esthetic in you and some family to think about.

If i would have to go thru that time again, i would most likely have bought that same car.
Well, the times have changed, and so did i, so i today i would go for something more luxurios.

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Luxury comapring to chevy cavalier.

Styling, just roomy enough, decent fit and finish for a GM

Gas mileage is poor, brakes uncommunicative, occasional hesitation in drivetrain, weak stereo, Sunroof

Nice car overall, but I definitely have mixed feelings about living with it long-term-which I knew going in and therefore only have it for three years. I mostly picked the Alero because of Olds owner loyalty and GM employee discount eligibility. The sticker of 23,900 with all options seemed excessive but then everything is overpriced these days. I love the styling inside and out, it's far superior to the Grand Am. The interior, although very similar to that of my 98 Intrigue, shows a bit better fit and finish. The stereo is very, very average. The exterior fit and finish is pretty good for a GM, although some design details are disturbing such as the gigantic gap around the trunk lid (I always think it's open), where the fenders and the front clip meet and the prominent welds visible through the paint on either side of the trunk opening. The car lacks the torque of the Intrigue but is pretty quick, no complaints. The sunroof refused to close all the way the other day, that is the first significant problem I have experienced but then I only have 2500 miles on it.

I don't like the brake feel, but the handling is fine with the performance suspension. Mileage has been a huge disappointment in the low 20's with a 26mpg best. The engine and transmission are occasionally jerky/show hesitation-if this grows it will be a huge problem. Bottom line: I like the car just fine but my bad experience with the Intrigue, coupled with the reviews of others on this site make me somewhat nervous about reliable it will be a couple years down the road.

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98 Intrigue GL, better car in nearly every way but quite unreliable