Oldsmobile Alero Midsize | Compact
Oldsmobile Alero Midsize | Compact
[Aug 24, 2003]
Brandon G
Model Reviewed:
Olds Alero
Strength:
The V6 The Styling - The spoiler makes it much "sportier". It's a nice ride. Power everything! A trunk release switch from the inside!! My 1995 Cutlas didn't have one. Great trunk space. I've got my golf clubs and a few fishing rods in mine.
Weakness:
I'm 6'3, so it is a bit snug, but not enough so to discourage me from buying it. The audio is decent, but it will be upgraded eventually, although it will suffice most people. It didn't have a sunroof, but it will very soon! The seats needs to be "broken into". For the last 10 years, my family has consistently purchased Oldsmobiles because we have found them to be not only affordable, but more importantly, reliable. This is what primarily led me to my latest vehicle, a 2003 Olds Alero. I looked for over 3 months at new and used cars, from the new Honda Element to a used Dodge Stratus. I was skeptical after reading so many negative reviews about earlier Alero models, but the deal on the car was great and it was undeniably one of the sharper cars i had looked at. I bought it with 8500 miles on it and have put on 1000 painless and enjoyable miles on it since. The 3.4 L V6 offers a great deal of pep and it is a pretty smooth ride. The seats aren't as comfortable as some imports, but its not a huge sacrafice. If your over 6'3 though, I'd stear clear of this car as there isn't much wiggle room if your over the 6' marker. As stated before, it isn't a hot rod, so don't abuse it, which is probably where many prior problems have been initiated. Similar Products Used: 1992 Olds Cutlas Supreme 1995 Cutlas Supreme 1999 Cutlas Supreme |
[Aug 19, 2003]
benny9
Model Reviewed:
gx
Hello, I am in the process of purchasing a 2003 Alero gx and wanted to know if anyone has a 2003 model with any problems as of yet. I read all of the owners (all negative) reviews and it I cannot believe the problems that the Alero has. All the complaints are for the 1999-2001 model years. Any feedback on the 2003 will be appreciated. It will help me determine whether to purchase the Alero. My e-mail address is: chevypower91@hotmail.com Thanks in advance. |
[Aug 08, 2003]
jkelserii
Model Reviewed:
GL
Strength:
good gas mileage, rides smooth, plenty of acceleration for the normal sane driver. Great car if treated right!
Weakness:
blower switch I believe the alero is a great car if you treat it right. I bought it with 18,000 miles and now have 99,000 miles. My blower switch doesn't work on the first two levels (minor problem). I've only done the brakes twice (because I don't slam on my brakes hard every time I come to a stop like most folks). I've replaced plugs once, oil and oil filter change every 2500 miles. Other than these few things, the car has run awesome. As with all makes and models of cars, there are bound to be lemons. I believe people beat the hell out of their cars a lot more than they used to and therefore will have more problems. The alero is not meant to be driven like a hot rod so people shouldn't pretend it is. Similar Products Used: 1988 Chrysler Lebaron 1993 Chrysler Lebaron 1990 Dodge Omni |
[Jul 31, 2003]
Jessie07
Model Reviewed:
Alero 4cyl 2.4L
Strength:
Nice rims and tires!
Weakness:
NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS!! BRAKES BRAKES TRANSMISION Purchasing an Alero was the biggest mistake I have ever made! In the past year I have gone through 3 sets of brakes which were covered under warranty but since my extented warranty does not cover brakes i will have to pay for the next set and the after that! There are horrible noises that my car makes in first gear. The dealership is totally useless and told me not the return complaining about the noise because apparently it is a charcteristic of the car. Calling GM Canada is a complete waist of time, they just told me the same type of things. Oh! and one more thing my car just seems to excelerate for no reason at all. Safe hey! If you are thinking of Buying an alero do your self a favor DONT!!! Total waist of money. |
[Jul 28, 2003]
Mike
Model Reviewed:
Oldsmobile Alero
Strength:
Acceleration is pretty impressive..style...but not too much for style tho, it looks okay..
Weakness:
wayyyy too much body roll while cornering..bad handling ..smoothness is a little bit of a problem...rides kinda ruff on highway....speaking of highways, u betta crank those tunes with all the road noise u'll be hearing The 2000 Alero was my first car...im now looking to buy a different car because this one isnt my type anymore..First off....electrical problems...this car has a bad case of electrical difficulties, for owning the car for a little over two years..i have to say that a lot of stuff dont work (blinkers, mirrors, and now my seats are going) the car itself isnt a bad car...i gotta say though..the v6 isa great engiene..the 3.4 is a tought motor..i clocked my alero out at 108..which does kinda suck...bu the engiene cut off (governor) kicks out at that speed at only 3500rpm..bu dont worry abt puten the pedal down to the floor cos she goes...after 70mph tho, not much pep after that....the torque is high at 200lbt but with only 170 hp...where u gonna go wid it? the inside isnt very nice, i own the GL model so its cloth with power everything..the system was okay..but i replaced every audio nook and crannie in it fora SPL type system..hitting 122.5 which is ok...thru alpine radio kenwood amp infinity subs and pioneer spkrs...the front passenger seat is very clostrophobic b.c. it makes u feel to tight...and not much leg room up front nor in the back...front seats are actually quite supportive..bu padding rips away quickly on side bolsters of seat..now i have nudden left but a steal bar on the rite of my drivers seat.. Similar Products Used: 1998 Lexus Gs300 2001 Honda Accord Ex 2003 Acura CL |
[Jul 27, 2003]
Rahul Patel
Model Reviewed:
Alero
Strength:
It works great for first 5,000 miles.
Weakness:
The whole car. This car has to be the biggest waste of money I have ever spent in my life. I bought this car brand new in December of 1998. The first year I have brake work done under warranty. The second year I had my belts changed because it was cracked and not covered under the warranty. Last year my blower had to be replaced and again my timing belt and some other belt had to be replaced. Then my altenator died this year and my car just started leaking coolant. From what I read with other reviews this will cost between $900-$1500 to fix and that is just a beginning. Don't bother looking at this car. |
[Jul 25, 2003]
Keith
Model Reviewed:
GLS
Strength:
looks very nice, (clear corner headlights) V6, sound system, lots of mods
Weakness:
Intake gasket leak!! which leads to overheating Car handles well, i have a 3.4 V6, its ruby red, with the polished 16' rims, some problems but its fast and need a little work to it Similar Products Used: Mazda protege, great car but very slow |
[Jul 23, 2003]
Lisa
Model Reviewed:
Oldsmobile Alero
Strength:
Gas milage, sporty, handles great in bad weather (Wisconsin snow storms), sound system, flawless (problem wise)
Weakness:
It's only a 4 cylinder, so of course, not much pick up, but didn't expect it. I have had my Alero for 1.5 years and I have nothing but great things to tell about it. I bought it with 44,000 miles on it and have put on an additional 20,000 myself; I have never once went in to replace anything, nor have I had any problems. I think it's a wonderful car. Good gas milage, plenty of room, drives great in snow/rain, beautiful sound system, sporty looking, etc. I would totally reccommend this car to anyone who is considering purchasing one. However, I have only read bad reviews from eveyrone else, so maybe I just got lucky and found myself a keeper. But I also got a very good/new model -- Gold Edition with all the special features, soo.. who knows. But as for mine, it's the best car I've ever driven. Similar Products Used: '99 Pontiac GramAm GT, '95 Oldsmobile Achieva |
[Jul 23, 2003]
William Stewart
Model Reviewed:
Oldsmobile Alero GLS
Strength:
Beautiful outside look, acceleration, handling is decent, Stereo is sweet, inside interior is beautiful also
Weakness:
I am currently at 58,000 miles, i have replaced the brakes several times, have that leaking problem with the back seat, drivers side window came off track, egr valve, from flooring it too much. Power steering pump replaced. Its not too bad i dont think, others are complaining a lot Well, I love my Alero, but I have fixed it up a bit. I lowered it, sat it on 18 inch wheels and tinted the windows. Its already a decent looking car factory, but Mine now looks sick. People stare, as they watch it go by. Everyone points, people tell me.....nice car, almost everyone, as i deliver chinese food. A lot of people say, that is a beautiful car, and I agree. I think that if you just drive the car, you shouldnt have too many problems, but I don't know...mine has been alright. Similar Products Used: None, no car is as beautiful as this one |
[Jul 17, 2003]
mcorybrown
Model Reviewed:
/Alero
Strength:
The car is just awesome to look at. Even the sedan version( what I had) caught people's eye. Acceleration is pretty good and the seats were comfortable. I liked the control panel and the cabin felt so tight and secure.
Weakness:
HERE WE GO! Apparently Oldsmobile had some serious transmission problems with their cars. About 2 weeks after purchasing this car, it would begin to rattle after shifting to a different gear. The power windows also suck!!! and are difficult to replace. Back molding on doors was peeling off. The Alero was such a stylish car!! It was my 17th birthday present and on the day of the test drive, it was perfect. Had about 18,000 miles on it and was still in pretty good condition. A good car for someone who travels for work or an older couple. I would not recommend this as a family car, or for a young person like myself. Similar Products Used: None |