Used 1999 Oldsmobile Alero Consumer Reviews
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My brake pedal kept going to the floor failing me!
Sherri Bett, 06/16/2005
updated 07/13/2022
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 4dr Sedan
125 of 125 people found this review helpful
My brake pedal went to the floor a lot, so many times and without warning and I almost got seriously hurt and died in 2000 with this thing. I truly thought someone was cutting my brake lines!! The mechanics kept fixing the brakes and a month later I'd be back at the shop due to my foot suddenly feeling no response as I pumped on my brake pedal then ending up on the floor as I stomped on it trying to regain control! The constant fear of not knowing if my brakes would work every time my foot touched them was truly torture. I checked under my Alero every week for puddles of brake fluid, so depressing. Every day I got in my Alero before I did anything I put my foot on my brake pedal and pumped several times to see if there were brakes. Driving on the interstate was almost impossible as I couldn't be sure if my brake pedal would work when I pressed on it at such a high rate of speed. One day I was going 75 mph and I saw road work ahead and stopped traffic!! I had to slam on my brake pedal quickly to stop and it didnt work!! I took my foot back off my brake pedal and slammed again and I held my breath! Then they worked and I managed to stop before wrecking. When I had to drive on the interstate I constantly would touch or press or pump my brake pedal every few miles just for my peace of mind. I still have issues driving to this day as I constantly find my foot either pushing on my brake pedal randomly or hovering over it, then tapping it for reassurance, not to mention I constantly feather pump my brake pedal when slowing down fearing that I still may not have brakes!!! So many times I was told I was low on or out of brake fluid. That's not normal! I truly thought someone was trying to kill me. It terrified me to think that someone was cutting my brake lines!! My brake line was my lifeline and someone had to be tampering with it!! New brake lines, calipers, so many brake fluid refills and a master cylinder was just too much to process. I had this horrific image in my mind of brake fluid shooting out of my brake lines every time I pumped on my brake pedal! People who rode with me were shocked at the fear i was experiencing. Driving along and then going to slow down and feeling your foot and brake pedal sinking towards the floor as I watched my foot pushing on air was terrifying!! If my foot didn't feel something the moment I touched my brake pedal I got scared. The moment I came to a stop light I began lightly pumping my brake pedal to see if there was a response. When I came upon a hill my heart would race as I took my foot off the gas and gently began to pump and apply my brake hoping my foot would feel something and be able to stop!! Driving down a hill I rarely if ever took my foot off my brake pedal. I just couldn't and wouldn't despite knowing it wasn't the thing to do. I was that scared every time I touched my brake pedal. I had to feel like I had some kind of control of my car. I either pumped it non stop, short quick pumps, tapped it or just rode it as I went to the bottom of the hill. I was too scared that if I took my foot off my brake pedal the brake would fail! The last time almost killed me. I still remember it so vividly. Leaving work, there's a stop light before this hill I had to turn down, I noticed the light was red, I began to lightly pump my brake pedal to stop. My brake pedal didn't respond to my foot immediately but then my foot felt my pedal working and I slowly and methodically pumped the car to a stop. So this happened. As I waited for the light to change I noticed my foot starting to slip off my brake pedal!! I thought at first it was my stockings sliding on the pedal as I drive barefoot a lot but as I tried to get a grip I felt my brake pedal sinking under my foot and I was not pressing it down!! My foot was all over my brake pedal trying to get a grip and then I put my foot under my brake pedal to try and keep it from going to the floor!! Then the light changed so I had to make a choice. I took my foot off and to my relief my brake pedal came up. This was my master cylinder which apparently had a bad seal I was told starting to fail!! My master cylinder had all my brake fluid!! The car didn't move so I just decided to go on and I turned down that steep hill. I'm sure I lightly pumped my brake pedal, I then took my foot back off, then a second after, I put my foot back on and waited a few seconds then pushed on my brake pedal confident my foot would feel something as I pushed, my foot kept pushing and pushing but I felt nothing!! My heart fell to my stomach! I literally gasped for air!! One of the steepest hills in Raleigh county and I could feel nothing but my foot getting closer to the floor and no braking was happening! The seconds felt like hours! My speedometer was going up! When my foot hit the floor I screamed NO!! I quickly released my brake pedal and began to gently pump again hoping I was having a nightmare, but no it went straight to the floor and my Alero was speeding up! As I watched my foot and brake pedal go to the floor I was horrified!! Nothing would happen and my foot and brake pedal was almost back on the floor!! I frantically kept pumping my brake pedal, I was stomping it through the floor but nothing would happen! I still have the image in my mind of my foot and brake pedal on the floor and my Alero gaining more speed and my brake pedal being so loose!! My life was flashing before my eyes and all I could see in my mind was my brake fluid shooting out of my brake lines and me having no fluid left!! I had just had brake fluid put in! Was my brake line cut again?? I feather pumped my brake pedal, I did several quick and firm pumps I slammed on it, I tried everything I could think of to make it work but nothing happened! I lightly pumped so many times, I had to. My foot was sliding on my brake pedal due to my stockings so I was having a lot of problems keeping my foot squarely on my brake pedal!! It's so terrifying to revisit this but this last time in particular truly shook me to my core. There’s not a single day that goes by that I don’t remember this! All I could think of and concentrate on at that time was my brake pedal, my brake line, it was my lifeline my only hope!! When my foot and brake pedal hit the floor that final time I then just tried to push it through the floor board!! My leg was sore from so much pumping and my foot could better stay on my brake pedal if it was on the floor!! I saw the guardrail coming I was literally standing on my brake pedal, pushing it as hard as I could and as far as I could when all of a sudden my foot felt my brake pedal come back and I skidded to a stop mere inches from the guardrail!!! Driving on my foot never left my brake pedal until i parked. That was it I was done. My master cylinder almost killed me! When I parked I pushed on my brake pedal again and it went straight to the floor I was finally out of brake fluid!! As I looked down at the floor and saw my foot and brake pedal on the floor again I knew that was it. Unfortunately getting rid of the car didn't get rid of the fear that I still have to this day when I drive. When I drive in the winter or on a hill my foot never leaves my brake pedal for more than few seconds. The experience with that Alero was that damaging. I couldn't take it anymore driving a car that the brakes failed so often! It changed my life. When I get in my car to this day the first thing I do is pump my brake! Worst car ever.
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
One of my favorites
slenderman, 01/21/2013
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GX 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is my 80 mi. RT commuter. Bought as a GX coupe with 33k on the clock from a GM dealer, 4 Cyl. 2.4L LD9 engine, auto trans, manual windows, a/c. Sporty handling, good acceleration. Great Delco audio system. Since I've had it, replaced front wheel bearings, brake pads, brake rotors (these seem to warp easy), water pump, alternator. Be sure you keep the oil topped off on these; I switched to 10W-30 when the mileage was getting up there (it was starting to use a lot of 5W-30). Use a better quality oil filter on these also. Only electrical issue I've had involved the instrument cluster and the vent fan; it used to cut in and out randomly in wet weather. Now getting ready to put it to pasture; it's now got cancer behind the doors and 241,000 on it. (It still has the original spark plugs in it!)
1999 Oldsmobile Alero for sale near you
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- GLS CoupeMSRP: $6,9952,271 mi away
Great car!
Mich72, 06/27/2006
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have owned my Alero since 1999. I have NEVER had any major problems with my car. I have taken it in regularly for the maintenance and oil changes. My warranty just expired last year and the only things that I have had to replace is the motor for the power window. I would highly reccomend this car to anyone. Too bad they do not make them anymore!
Owner
A, 07/27/2005
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
My 1999 Oldsmobile Alero has 102,000 miles and the motor is gone. I had to replace the wheel barings 2 times in the 4 years that I've had it. The power windows not very reliable and are very expensive to fix. Basicly, every 6 months there was something wrong with it. I fell in love with the car the first time I saw it. It's very fun to drive.
I like my Olds
edin77, 02/14/2009
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my Alero with 143 000 miles. It has been fairly abused and I bought it very cheap. After I washed it, changed oil and filter, replaced power steering pump(reason for sale), cleaned interior, and replaced thermostat and antifreeze among with spark plugs this car runs awesome. It has quite a bit of miles on it, but the 3.4l engine seems to perform very well. I like the fact that is fully loaded. Everything works electrically, and I like the fact that parts are very cheap. Brake pads online run for about $20, for example. Also, I think that this car will run for another 100,000 miles. No signs of giving up. Transmission runs very smooth. I think this might be one of the better GM cars. Thanks
Do Not Buy
deeprig9, 10/16/2011
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought in 2002 with 38k m and now (2011) has 214k. Pwr Windows break constantly. Intake and Head gaskets go constantly, can limp it along 10k miles at a time with sealer additives, if you are poor and don't mind being stranded constantly. Clearcoat starts peeling all over car around 90k. CD/tape stop working at about 70k. Any work that involves the belt must be done by mech, due to motor mount running through the belt = drop engine ;( The performance on the V-6 is actually really good, when it's running correctly. Security feature will disable your ignition constantly. These complaints apply also to Grand Ams and Aleros from 99-2002. "Dex-Cool" systems= stay away.
Do not buy this as a primary vehicle!!
Alero buyer beware, 11/03/2003
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
within 5k miles from 48k, the serpentine belt squeals, still does- new one-($40), water pump went out ($110), alternator out ($210), wheel bearing ($320), intake manifold- distributor shaft oring, front main seal, leak oil,($1100) oem goodyear tires noisy($600+), aux power outlet broken ($110), rear defrost doesnt work ($105), driver seat wont flip foward for rear seat access($200) and more minor. changed the trans fluid - no dipstick. how are you supposed to check fluid?? Resale is also horrible = still paying payments (3 1/2 years left) as well as having to pay for major repairs. thats $2700 in repairs for a 3 1/2 yr old car.
Not a good domestic purchase
eric, 06/25/2006
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Don't buy an Alero. I have had the following problems with it: dash bubbling, intake gasket leaking, blower motor resistor, water pump, both windows have problems, etc. It really is ridiculous, if you look at the reviews for 99' 2-door Accords people have no problems. Overall, Aleros are quite unreliable with both big and little problems. But for the price you really can't beat it. The Alero has never left me stranded or broken down on the road. Most issues are well known and if you need a cheap $3,000 car you can't beat an Alero.
Just bought my 1999 Alero
riker93, 07/15/2013
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 4dr Sedan
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
I just bought my 1999 Alero GL, with only 105,000 miles on it. Got a good deal at a local dealership. The car is in great shape, and so far in the month that I've had it, there's been no problems, and I hope it stays that way. Too early to tell though. It gets excellent gas mileage, and with the hot weather we're currently having, the a/c puts out very cold air. So, as long as it keeps running the way it does, I'll be happy. Keeping my fingers crossed.
You Should Buy One
Shauna, 04/08/2006
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
I love my new Alero. I overpayed i guess...but it was well worth it! It is a fun and sporty car that has a decent amount of power. Nothing has seriously gone wrong with it yet. It is a very reliable car and all my friends are jealous with there plain looking Honda Civics and Dodge Neons...ewwwwwi e....hahaha!
Alero - An Awesome Car
mike, 11/04/2005
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My 1999 Oldsmobile Alero is a jewel. I love the ride. It hasn't had any engine problems. I used to have a Mitsubishi Eclipse and I am glad that I traded it in for an Alero.
1999 Oldsmobile Alero
Shanaenae, 12/22/2006
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car over a year ago without an engine, as the teen who owned it before me was hard on the car. After replacing the engine, the car has been fine, except for a little problem. IT FOGS! This car is great in the summer, the AC works like a dream, but in the winter, if there is more than one person in the car, or the heat is on, the windows fog so that you cannot see out of it. I have to roll down the passenger window, thank goodness it's auto, to see into that mirror. Once it starts to fog, you either have to turn off the heat to prevent it, and hence be cold, or turn on defrost all the way. It is so annoying, and dangerous! Otherwise, the breaks squeak, and at least it's am American vehicle.
Good car
feet2004, 09/02/2007
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I really like the Alero - I have had some problems with the interior lining on the doors, radiator/coolant system, and the power windows falling into the doors (3 of the 4) - but otherwise, the car has been great. I just took a job which I will be commuting over 80 mi per day, so I will be needing to trade in the alero for a car with a little better gas mileage. If my commute were shorter, I would probably drive this car for a few more years at least.
Fun Car, but Buyer Beware
T, 02/28/2006
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1999 Oldsmobile Alero new in 2000 and only put on about 5,000 - 5,500 miles a year on it. The car has had no major problems other than the brakes which I have had to replace three times. Specifically, I replaced the brake pads three times and rotars once on all four wheels ($500.00 total). This is not too bad considering the car has been driven for six years. UNTIL.... the car hit 36,000 miles (funny right after the warranty ran out). The transmission went and it cost $1,900.00 to fix. There has been problems with the seals and gaskets to the tune of $400.00 and now it is in the shop for the alternator. This is all within the last 400 miles after turning 36,000. So, buyer beware. The car handles great, has awesome speed, and I love the ride - it is fun, but it only has so much life in it!!
Good deal if you find one
Dan, 09/22/2007
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the car right after Olds stopped making them, so I actually bought the car for about 3K less than it would have been worth had Olds not tanked, which was fine in my eyes. With a huge available array of mechanicals left over from both the Alero and Grand Am (sister vehicle) theres no need to worry about service in the future.
Pre-Owned Alero review
whs03, 05/25/2007
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Since the day I bought this car it has been nothing but wonderful, of course you get the pre-owned quirks but all that aside, I love the accessory of being told when one of my tires are low, and being able to choose between playing a cd or a cassette tape in my car. I believe I made a great decision on my first purchase of a pre-owned but still feels new Alero.
Love my Alero GLS
Josh, 01/09/2007
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Other than oil changes, brake pads and one warranty head gasket this car has run like a champ. It has been dependable with no problems. I will probably put another 85,000 miles on it before I replace it.
Buyer Beware
Mel, 01/04/2007
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for less than two years. During this time I have replaced the alternator, water pump, driver side window motor, sensor on engine, ABS sensor,wheel bearings,repair emergency brake, coil for spark plugs, brakes and rotors. It is low mileage for a 1999 - only 68,000 miles. Each time we repair it, we think we'll be okay for a while. I am tired of the cost and am searching for another reliable car now.
'99 Alero - beware!
bkonyu, 11/13/2006
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has had no end of problems at least for us - restarting issues, parts of the car coming off in my hand, constant replacement of major parts. It is very unreliable. This was the first model year, but come on. On the plus side, it does have good power - but the transmission seems to hamper its full utilization at times. It also is very comfortable. On the other hand we have a '99 Toyota Tercel that is small and wussy, but bullet proof! As a Cadillac mechanic friend once told me - don't buy North American vehicles.
Fun but junk
jnichols77, 03/22/2006
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Alero used four years ago and have put on 60,000+ miles on it. It has a peppy 6 cylinder engine, the transmission is great, braking is good, and driveability is good. Its interior quality and build is terrible though. I have replaced the driver window hardware twice, replaced both engine head gaskets, rear door rubber, etc. There is nothing major wrong, but all of the small things add up. I love the car for commuting but cannot trust it anymore on the interstate. If the interior had better quality materials and the overall build quality was better, this would be a great car. Without these, this an average car with better alternatives from imports.
nice car but bad breaks and wheels
sonya, 03/21/2004
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
had the car for 2 1/2 yrs constantly having troubles with breaks, just replaced last spring now we have to do again, cost $320 per side for new wheel barrings,it'a nice handling car, but as i said seems to have a lot of front end problems.
Great sporty car!
athenaclf, 09/27/2003
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my car new from the dealership with the extended 60 month/60,000 mile warranty (which was worth paying for). The water pump and cruise control button have been replaced-all covered by warranty. The little piece of plastic behind the emergency flasher button on the dash also broke when I used my flashers for the sixth or seventh time-seems to happen often according to the dealership. It was only covered by warranty when it started interfering with the turn signals. The leather on my dash has started bubbling-probably from 3 years in the Southeast sun.
Perhaps this Car Could have Saved Oldsmobile
R.E. Saif, 11/21/2005
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my '99 Oldsmobile Alero GLS in Oct. 2002 as a replacment for my '93 Mercury Tracer LTS. It was a zippy little car, but I wanted something bigger. The car was listed below KBB, fully loaded and was too good to pass up with 82,000 miles on the clock. I now have over 142,000 miles on it and have gotten by with few problems. The motor is strong and pulls hard for being "outdated". The only repairs I have done have been the intake gaskets, belt tensioner, alternator and MAF sensor. I regularly take the car to Ohio and WV and it has never let me down. I am now on the hunt for another Alero with fewer miles to replace it. I love the car, so when that time comes, it will be extremely painful to part with.
Long term owner / teen driven
Dean, 05/31/2008
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car was bought for my carpool use. I put 60K miles on it in 3 years, mostly highway. Typical hwy 29 mpg (4 cyl) typical city 21-24 mpg. At 64K miles I turned it over to my then teenage druggie Daughter who thrashed it and abused it with her druggie friends for 4 more years. It became a transportation car and lets go to a rave car. I was overseas. The car was trashed. Now she is grownup and wised up and is fine. Car has 146K miles on it and the only thing that has gone wrong is the manual remote drivers mirror cable broke and the ignition switch broke. Other than that, just the usual brake work, fluid changes, (inc auto trans) and tires. Daughter is still driving it.
Dependable
KYLady, 10/22/2009
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I recieved my Alero after my mother got a new car, and to date I have put 210,000 miles on the car and it is still running great.
Aleros SUCK!
Alero Hater, 07/22/2004
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
In the past 2 years we have replaced the parts the hold the windows up (both windows fell inside the doors, brakes, tires, water pump, altenator, belt (we had to lift the engine out to put it on), and that doesn't include everything is wrong with the car. I have my antilock brake/trac light go off once a week, my fan only works on the 3rd and 4th setting, and my cruise control button doesn't work. This car has been a pain value has depreciated, it's ridiculous! DON'T BUY THIS CAR! GET RID OF IT, if you own one.
runs good, and lasts long
simmons1890, 07/09/2009
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
everything in this car worked out really good. it runs great. ive never had any problems with it. before i bought it i heard it wasnt a good car to have. but i love it. the look is great to, its a nice car to have, im glad i bought it
Not Bad...
tburts, 04/03/2012
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Alero in 08. Checking the head gaskets prior to purchase is essential since they go bad on the 3.4 V6. Had some minor issues after purchase such a water leak on passenger side console. A cheap foam patch from the dealership corrects this problem. There is also the occasional problems with wheel bearings. Also, the rear defrost system failed due a failure of a control module in the rear of the car. Apart from some rust issues, car is pretty reliable for the most part.
cheaply made
Joe, 02/07/2008
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is good looking and has a lot of pep. Unfortunately out of view the car is cheaply made. I bought the car with about 50k. The car was a one owner and well maintained so I expected only normal maintenance, but not so. The latest expense, the power window mechanisms have to be replaced,lf an rr, along with the lf window because the clamps that hold the window to the up and down track came off. This latest cost $530. Cruise control switch, front wheel bearings power steering problems in the past. The car has a lot of road noise and the dash is cracking. Ive been a GM fan for years but now I finally understand why so many people buy imports.
HIGH MAINTENANCE!
JO, 07/10/2009
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GX 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I'm the 3rd owner of the alero that I purchased from my parents in '01. They found it to be very uncomfortable & difficult to get in & out of. It was one of many issues that I would have with the car. I've owned it now for 8yrs & every year I've had to put $ into it!I lost count on how many wheel bearings have been replaced.I've replaced engine; airconditioning unit; gas tank; alternator; starter; just to name a few. Currently; the engine is knocking; the car screams with ac or heat on; needs u joint; gas guage doesn't work. It's been very high maintenance & I would not recommend it.
Do youself a favor
;oaiuwsdhfoiau;shdf, 10/04/2004
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for two years. I've had the alternator replaced twice. $200 Dealership picked up the second one for me for free. The driver's side power window had to have the entire window system replaced when it broke. $100 The brakes wear down faster than any other car I've had. The tape player stopped working. I've lost pickup and power as soon as I got over 50k miles. The ignition casings malfunction and locked up, so the key wouldn't turn, that's $650 from the dealership. I bought it used, no warranty. I bought this car two years ago for $1500 below the blue book, and it's depreciated 50% in two years.
Fun car to Drive
Love this car, 05/13/2005
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Got this car in 2001. Love to drive it, love the looks I get. It handles great. I have the 3.4 lt and it's fun. The seats are so comfortable (leather) that I really enjoy long trips. Trunk is very spacious and the rear seats fold down for the longer stuff. Have not had any major problems. Those other people must have gotten lemons to have so many problems or they beat it to death. A car has to be taken care of not abused to keep it in good shape and running nice. I would buy another one. But I don't want to sell the one I have any time soon.
99 Olds Alero 4 door 4cyl
Bob, 11/21/2008
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the car when I was 17 and beat it to poo. In the three years I owned it I put on 77,000 miles on top of the 45,000. I only had a few problems. It started without the key, gas gauge stopped working along with overflow every time I filled up, tranny slipped when I stomped on the gas. I never put any money into it, I traded it in for $500
Good for the money
lalalolo, 09/14/2007
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Well, you could buy an ugly early 90's import, or an Alero for about the same price. For me, there's no contest. I'd take my Alero. Unless you plan on driving it for the next 15 years, it is an excellent car for the money.
Great Looks/Perks bad Design
Marc, 03/18/2006
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought the vehicle off of my parents. Since new, the car had to be taken itn for repairs about 2-3 times a year. It has gone through about 4 wheel bearing, 2 sets of struts, new Drive/Pass seatbelts, 2 resistors for the blower, intake gasket issues twice and replaced the alternator after 90,000 miles. There were other issues but these are being pulled from the top of my head. The good looks on the out and inside are very nice, the drive and handling are excellent and the stock sound system is better than anyone would expect. One should expect problems with this car, but as consumer reports is showing this is expected from most GM vehicles. I would not recommend this car.
I love my Alero!
tldore, 04/29/2002
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really like my 99 Alero..but i am a bit worried aobut what i have read regarding the brakes..cause i noticed the brakes in mine didnt seem to be very good when i first tried it out, but I just fell in love with the outside design of car. I have the gold edition, 4 cylinder and i think its beautiful and fun to drive. I think Oldsmobile means good quality too.
decent car
Shawn, 11/19/2009
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had just got this car from the dealer, its a pretty decentcar. i like the 2 door body style. great gas milage. the only thing i dislike is all the problems i had with it with in two weeks. and ive been told the rear seats fold down but have no idea cause i cant find a button or lever for them too. but the car is really nice and id recomend it to anyone so far.
New Owner in Maryland
JessinMD, 11/11/2002
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it 3 weeks ago,so far I like it except... Top of the list: Cupholders,who designed this so I can get a wack at them.Just me or do you have to take the car out of park to get a big cup in the holder? Shakes at 80mph. Oops then again I'm not suppose to go that fast. The trunk, could have not spent a few more dollars on the parts.Those little fake me out screws just dont cut it.Most have fallin out, the others wont stay in.Think it's a decent car,then again it's my first car of course it's decent.Crossing my fingers that I dont have horror stories like the other reviewers.
COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER
PWB, 11/19/2002
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
IN 99 PAYING OVER $18K FOR A CAR YOU WOULD EXPECT ALITTLE BETTER, BUT NOT BAD. DID HAVE ALOT OF PROBLEMS: LIGHTS ON REAR VIEW MIRROR WOULD'T GO OFF, FAN WOULDN'T WORK UNLESS ON HIGH, ROTORS AND BRAKES SHOT AT 18K MILES. BUT MAYBE MY FAULT FOR BUYING FIRST YEAR MODEL. VERY BAD RESALE VALUE. ALMOST HAVE TO GIVE AWAY. IF YOUR BUYING GET THE V6. THIS IS THE BEST THING ABOUT THE CAR!!
junk
GFYS123, 05/21/2002
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
No reliability. Many problems. Rotors warp in 10,000 miles. Steering problems like crazy.
rotors
Rebecca71500, 06/21/2002
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I keep reading about bad rotors. I brought my car in to have the windshield wipers replaced several months after I bought it. (I had to replace the other side last month) I was told that the rotors needed to be replaced. It wasn't a recall, but if the cars were brought in for other reasons they automatically replaced them. I have also had to take my car back several times because it was leaking oil.
Alero: Four Years Into Ownership
chamescalvin, 11/23/2002
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After four years, it still looks good and drives well. Driven only 24k miles, mostly short trips to work. So far corrective maintenance has been minor. I've had the PS pump adjusted once, the rotors turned once, one battery replaced, the driver's side power window motor replaced, and rear door upholstery repaired. I was surprised by the problems reported at this website by some of the other owners. The V-6 provides strong acceleration, the car handles well, and I find it quiet and smooth. Driver visibility is excellent. The car's exterior looks solid. The interior looks fine at a glance, but the dash and door materials are cheap.
Best Car I Have Owned
td121402, 12/14/2002
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Alero is a great car. Without a doubt I am off the chart when it comes to miles driven/year. I bought my Alero with 23000 miles and within 12.5 months have 60000 miles on the odometer. If anyone can give an evaluation of a cars durability I can. When I bought the car the rotors were slightly warped. The dealer fixed the problem before I picked the car up. I only mention this because others on this site have mentioned rotor problems with this car. The problem has not returned in 36000 miles. No other problems
Not bad for a cheap american car
manicstoic, 12/13/2002
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have owned an Alero for three years and 45,000 miles. Cons: cramped, questionable quality on interior design -- have had a couple of things break on me. Pros -- no repairs, knock on wood. Has been reliable, good gas mileage, pretty good acceleration for a 4 cyl -- better than our 2001 Altima. Actually, more fun to drive than the Altima, too.
Sleeper Olds
cybernco, 12/17/2002
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The V-6 has plenty of torque and just begs to be wound out to the redline. But, the 170 HP peaks at 4800 RPM. The same engine in a Chevy Ventura Van is 185 HP at 5200 RPM. It's too bad it doesn't come in a 5-speed transmission though. The wide tires give the car a very firm feel. But the car has very soft suspension and a lot of sway in the corners. I'm sure this keeps the less experianced drivers from loosing it in the corners. The brakes are extremely inadequate. Performance brake pads are a manditory minimum upgrade. Overall this is a very fun car to drive though. It's almost a great sports car.
Mel's Alero Review
MELISSA, 09/11/2003
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you are looking for a reliable, comfortable, good looking, decently priced car the Olds Alero is definately an option. I absolutely loved mine. Unfortunately I was recently in an automobile accident where the car rolled. I will say that the Alero held up to my standards and kept me safe. If I would have went with a smaller car or a different brand, I don't believe I would have survived. Another car would have flattened in that situation. I am highly considering purchasing another Olds Alero. It looks good, drives good, and is a safe sturdy vehicle.
The "Newmobile" Alero
AliasX, 05/11/2002
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My father bought his Alero a couple of years ago, and I have to admit that at first I was rather appalled by his decision to get this car. However, whatever opinions I had about the car quickly changed after a few errand runs. The Alero has a way of growing on you. This car's traction control system works wonders in the snow. It got me out of a bad situation real quick...
stay away
e gremmels, 07/05/2002
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
At this point, the car has 63,000 miles. In the last 6 months I have had to replace the air conditioner condensor, fan switch on the air conditioner,head gasket, and starter. Also, the hazard light button has fallen into the dash board and the cell phone receptacle has come loose from its connection and does not work. For a car with this low mileage-the expense of the keeping it running is about to drive me crazy-$2,500 in 6 months. I drive 120 miles a day to work. I have to have a dependable car and this is not one. In addition, the seats are not comfortable for long drives and the cup holders are almost impossible.
RUN THE OTHER WAY!!!!!!
chocokitty, 12/28/2002
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my '99 gl3 9/29/2002. 1st in shop 10/02/2002. In 3 mon. I've had it they've replaced: fuel pump&filter,#2coils,battery,+ cable,plug wires,reprogrammed pcm,replaced all window trim,cowl&door vapor shield,dome light,seat belt retractor,window reg.,rear door handle,driver mirror.Car still has problems! Sometimes wont start. Been in shop at least 10 times for that alone. They say they're in Dark about it. Warranty runs out TODAY! Found out today that before I bought car previous owner had problems too. Car not starting, battery no good,engine leaking oil from front of it,lower intake gasket leaking,rotor problem,etc.Too much to list!
Road hugging
Jennie, 03/02/2002
1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love my car