Used 2002 Oldsmobile Alero Consumer Reviews
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Driving Performance of Olds Alero
Earl B. Stiff, 11/12/2003
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Olds Alero is a smooth riding car with ample speed to move you down the hiway. Power brakes (antilock) have been very helpful in avoiding near accidents.
Watch for the brakes and windows...
butterfly5180, 11/24/2003
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
LuV Car! I practically kiss g'night, but experienced a few problems. The car after 2 yrs I've had new windows due to scratching, warranty fixed. However, when brakes need replaced do IMMEDIATELY. Had to wait 2 wks brakes had 1% on pad the other nothing left. Braking was metal 2 metal there is metal ALL OVER vehicle. My chrome rims scrubbed still hasn't removed rust color spray from rims. Unhappy becuz it's all over exterior of car as well, spent 3-4 hours scrubbing and can't get all off. Windshield is fogged needs replaced, upset I take care of vehicle car seems ruined. Also the seek button paint has worn off immediately.
i love my Alero
michelle, 08/16/2005
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently had a baby and feel so safe in my Alero. I wish now I would have purchased a sedan instead of a coupe, they look just as good as the two doors. I love my car, it is the best decision that I have ever made.
Great vehicle!
jtrujillo86, 12/29/2003
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just purchased this car after owning a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu for 2 years (which was hunk of junk by the way). I have the GL1 with the 3.4 liter V6 engine. It is sooooo responsive and compliant, it's amazing! The vehicle knows exactly when to downshift and the shifts are smooth and fluid. The traction control is okay on the vehicle, but not nessecary, even in slick weather. There are, however, a few TINY rattles and/or vibrations on the interior. They don't bother me too much, but I plan to get them fixed before the warranty runs dry. The only thing I wish this car had was a spoiler.
Good value for money
Ian, 08/31/2005
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Our Alero V6 is excellent value. We paid $10,700 when it was 15 months old and had 22,000 miles. It has lots of features, such as traction, ABS, CD player and I like the way the lights come on automatically too. My biggest gripes are the parking brake which has no adjustment for the cable,and which I personally feel should be used to protect the auto-box parking pawl, and the over-gearing, a typical GM trait. For a 3.4, it loses power dramtically at the slightest onset of a gradient. Lower gearing would make the performance more reachable and save me having to change down to maintain my momentum. However, you get what you pay for and the Alero is excellent value and has been pretty reliable.
I love it but need something bigger!
amy's alero, 09/25/2005
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Oldsmobile Alero used with 15,000 miles on it. It has great power with the V6 engine! I love the look and the drive. The gas mileage is about 20 mpg around town. It seems I stop twice a week for gas! The trunk space is huge! Has a great factory sound system. It is comfortable on long rides! The only problem has been with the CV joint (it still need to be replaced). It causes an annoying knocking if I am on a bumpy road or turning. The interior quality is ok, except for the power source cover is made of weak plastic and has broken from use. It hangs off if opened. I need a bigger car for my larger family! This car does not have much backseat legroom due to long legged drivers. When people tell me my lights are on I love to say "That's Ok. They go off automatically!"
Nice Reliable Car
dustin, 02/28/2006
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I put over 120,000 miles on my Alero in a very short amount of time. Its engine was running great when I traded it in. I did not have problems with anything except for the brakes, I do all highway miles, and had to replace my breaks twice. I would have kept my car longer if it wasn't for the breaks wearing down so fast. The power windows often go out in these cars as well. My friend's windows went out on his '99 Alero three times. It has a very strong running engine. It's quick and fun to drive. It gets decent gas milage with a lot of passing power for a car in this price range. Overall I was very satisified and would have bought another one if GM would have kept making them.
Nice Looking, but it stops there
Vaughn31, 03/10/2006
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2dr Alero 3.4L GLS, Gold Package Alero used in 2003 with 15,000 km. I am now at 98,000 km and have had all the Alero problems. The window motor regulator went twice, brakes and rotors 3-4 times now, hub assembly twice, intake manifold gasket, head gasket, ignition failure, broken seat. Several things. I love driving the car, it has good V6 power, a sunroof, and looks nice with the Gold package, but I am not sure what to do with now. I am still paying for it, but am thinking of cutting my losses and buying a HONDA!
so good I bought a second one
tuckbar, 03/04/2002
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
my wife and I leased a '99 alero when they first came out. although we bought the base model, (with the 4 cyl.), we both enjoyed driving it! So much so, that I bought an '02 with all the options(except leather). The 6 cyl motor & performance suspension options make this car perform better than most of the japanese cars that I test drove. the price was also thousands of $$$ less!
alero
marymezzarobba, 07/11/2004
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
very dificult to see out all over
costs way to much for what you get
Lisa S, 09/22/2004
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car gets horrible gas milage for a 4cylinder car, both city and highways miles. It has lots of rode noise and is very rickety sounding, meaning the inside like the doors are making noises like creeking noises as you are driving down the rode. Considering this car will cost you 18K to 20K brand new there is no reason for it to be this horrilble of a car!! I would expect this from like a cheap car like around 10K to 15K
60000 and Counting
wkinkaid, 11/11/2004
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After renting an Alero, we decided to move away from Ford for a while and bought a 2002 GL1. This car was solid until 40K. I feel things like the steering rack, gaskets, struts, brakes and fuel pumps shouldn't fail until 100K or more. Just glad we bought the extended warranty this time. Too bad for us the value has went down and we are forced to keep it. GM shows that being the biggest doesn't mean being the best.
Buy this one
hjallie, 05/11/2005
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GX 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The overall performance of this vehicle has been excellent. No service needed outside of routine maintenance. Body integrity has been excellent. No need to purchase polish package or extended warranty on a basic vehicle.
Excited About Alero!!!
vanillaalero, 03/14/2003
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just bought my new olds alero. Thus far, from what I can tell, this is a great vehicle. Has great handling, good acceleration, nice turning raduis & is a sporty little car but has four doors. So that is a great solution for mother's like me who still want sports cars but need space for the little ones. Best of all it's soooooo fun to drive!!!
Update from original post
jtrujillo86, 06/16/2005
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After owning this car for nearly 2 years, I thought I should write an update. I am still in love with her! I've added a front strut tower bace and it makes the "fun to drive" factor increase by 10! In the area of quality, I've had to have the wheel bearing and the power steering pump replace, both under warranty. The wheel bearings are common issues on these cars, but the pump was just a fluke with mine. Anyway, even at nearly 50K miles, I am still as happy with it as the day I bought it...I am saving up now to get a REAR strut tower brace.
This car is terrible...
Jason, 04/28/2006
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I inherited this car when I got married and started pumping cash into it immediately. Things that are wrong: 1. 3 fuel pump replacements 2. constantly blown fuses 3. window motor replaced 4. brakes constantly replaced (1.5 times a year) 5. lights burn out regularly 6. hazzard switch short.
Nice ride
andreah, 03/26/2003
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the 3.4 6cyl,and it is powerful, the car is really smooth, and a big improvement from my 1986 olds calais, I LOVE the two tone interior, that ismy favorite part of the car, the speakers are nice too, also the windshield wipers fascinated me by how the washer fluid comes out of the wiper arm, also impressed with transmission, doesnt require care until 100,000 miles supposedly, well see
Good solid vehicle
B-randie, 10/15/2007
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car about 2 years now and I bought it used. I've had minor problems that are quite normal with it, most of them come from normal use. The gas mileage is really good especially in a car so affordable. I really recommend this car to anybody and everybody. I feel so safe when I'm driving anywhere. I do a lot of traveling to see friends and I've never owned a more reliable car.
Will keep it forever
ckpzone, 04/28/2003
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love how this car drives. It has great pickup, and feels really safe. The cupholders are annoying, but that is the only thing I don't like. The stereo system is great, and gas mileage is okay. I love the way the seats open to the trunk. All in all, this is a great car. I would buy it again.
You will be sorry if you purchase Alero
Stevfonso, 05/16/2003
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After one week of ownership car was back to dealer for 7 problems. Everything was not fixed or problems have returned. Dealership has the worst customer service I have ever experienced. When you experience several problems from your Alero, don't expect any help from the No Customer Service Assistance Center. Beware of the brakes, steering wheel shakes and vibrates in your hands. GM knows about this problem, but who knows what they are doing about it? The V-6 is only good for low-end power. The gas mileage is horrible for this size car 23mpg while driving mostly on the expressway.
I wish I could get one in 2003!
dreamin'02, 02/12/2003
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GX 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I liked my 2002 so much that I went to buy another one in 2003. The dealership salesman told me nothing had changed between the model years. ABS is "Optional" Traction control is "Optional" CD Player is "Optional" but seems to be included on the cars. The warranty has been reduced dramatically. The performance doesn't feel as good as on the 2002. Is this the same suspension package???
Alero
jschopstix, 01/20/2003
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GX 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive.
"Brake'n In My Alero"
joanbrad016, 06/29/2003
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for a full year now. Strong points include powerful acceleration, great handling, attractive looks, and an overall fun to drive machine. In general, I have found that GM struggles with brakes,and this car is no exception. The rotors first warped at 9K, again ready to be re-surfaced at 18K. This annoyance is offset by a great package, otherwise.
Ryanz review
Ryanz, 03/24/2008
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been a great car. Very little problems. The car has 128,000 on it. The expected fixes like brakes, tune up. The only major fix was getting new suspension from the very, very bumpy roads.
My new car
toronto30, 03/26/2002
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Awesome!!!
Really can't complain
snogame, 05/25/2008
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd Alero (1st - 99, had lots of under warranty work) but took my chances and got another 1 and I love it. Have been vigilant on regular maint, considering mileage (294,000 km) repairs have been expected (apprx $4k in 2 yrs), typical for this car (or any car with this mileage for that matter), brakes, fuel pump/filter, intake manifold gasket, head gasket, hub assembly, multifunction switch, theft-lock system sensor. I drive mostly highway miles, around 1000 km per week min. Love the drive, feel very safe and comfortable. Handling is excellent, low interior noise. A little disappointed with the low resale value. Overall a great reliable car I just wish they hadn't discontinued it.
Half decent commuter.
Samuelwise, 04/18/2019
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been passed down through the family from the dealer. By the time it was in my possession it had 80000 miles. And now stands at 280000. It has some querks for sure, but overall as been a reliable car. It has only failed me twice, bad fuel pump, and bad altenator. Which 13+ years down the road I'm not complaining. Now for the querks, the speed sensors do not last long and require the entire hub to be replace. Otherwise a series of lights come up on the dash, and you loose traction control. The interior, it's nice and comfortable. But some of the pieces just feel cheap, and did not age as well as the rest of the vehicle. The transmission. I haven't had to replace it. But there where several time I've considered it. Apparently over time the cooling grid looses tolerances causing fluid to not cool properly, and for the transmission to operate at a higher temoature then design, this as a driver means you'll experiance hardshifts, delays on take off, and a loud winning sounds in low gears. A external oil cooler solved all this and haven't had a symptem since. But the transmission is defiantly the weak point of this vehicle. And if a better design was chosen for this vehicle I'm sure it would be revered as a absolutely dependable car such as many of the Asian counterparts of the time. The good. I've kept up with general maintenance, but have dove very little in ways of major repair, just what's listed above and replacing some acceptably worn chassy parts. Fluid replacement, water pump, timing replaced when recommended by owners manual. Acceleration is excellent in this vehicle. And although there are some cheap parts the interior is very comfortable. It's good on gas. looks fairly sporty. It's has a nice ride, nothing exciting, and nothing luxurious. But some where in the middle. It feels like a boats when you take it easy, but proved to me on a few occasions that it will turn on a dime when you need it too. It's a smooth ride, with some unspoken potential behind it. And that ecotec engine isn't anything to write home about. But it's a solid engine. It's an old car. A old mobile. I will soon part with it. But I have to say, in the decade I have spent with it. It has served me well. It has taken me many places. and I've never doubted it, to take me where I was going.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
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- Reliability
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Best car I has ever owned.
Allen Hetrick, 07/29/2020
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GX 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in 02 and I have not ever had to do anything other than normal up keep like tires, brakes, wipers. I service this car myself and everything is done when called for. I buy the best of everything I do to it, wipers too. This car currently has 230,548 and it is a daily driver of 47 miles every day to work and back. It has always started fine winter and summer. I am a tall guy at 6'2" and I can stretch out when driving. It is fun, economical and rides great.even my headlight lenses are not foggy as I've always maintained them.My only wish is I'd love to buy another brand new one someday but there no longer available. Stands to reason if you take really good care of anything it will last for many years to come.when you do need a part or even tires buy the best money can buy. You take care of your car...it will take care of you as well. My Alero has no rust anywhere, not even underneath as cause when I seen rust forming I took care or it right then . This car has been sprayed with old transmission fluid mixed with other things that I won't mention.Great mid sized car.
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- Performance
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- Reliability
- Value
02 olds alero gl
Mike, 07/18/2021
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have one too has 215k on odo and just simple oil change coolant change and just what i call ordinary maintenance. Just replaced fuel pump and has a small idle problem but cant tell when accelerate. Overall its a great smooth riding car. Btw if u have the no nothing on dash when starting turn key to on position for 10 mins cut off for 10 seconds and it will fire back up. Good ole GM security system. I own the 3.4 V6 and its a power house and will climb to 100 quick i changed plugs wires injectors and air intake system. The ram air pontiac v6 will work and you drop the fog lights out. Will save the life of the engine to let it breath. Good luck guys and maybe one day it will be a rare 💎 to own.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Fun…while it lasted.
Hwan.421, 07/23/2022
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I never got into American cars until I got my GLS sedan. It was a 6 cylinder and fun too. Whoever decided the one cup holder should block the hvac controllers is an @$$hat! Unfortunately the first week the break lines rusted thought n they was just the beginning. The side skirts were falling off because the rocker panels were rusted through and it chugged has like crazy. I did like the sunroof and the sound system was alright. Idk much about Oldsmobile but I’ll never get one again. Pros: Fun. Great acceleration. Sunroof. Cons: Rusty. Cheaply built. Terrible cup holder location. Oldsmobile.
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 4-dr 3.4 V6
grwulff, 01/03/2010
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
got it for cheep so i wasn't expecting much. very smooth. excellent handling for it's weight. the engine technology is lacking though. the 3.4L V6 has only one intake and one exhaust valve so performance and fuel economy are not the greatest for the engine size. it is also a cast iron block in stead of an Aluminum one which increases weight and reduces power. it also shifts rather high for my taste, also reducing fuel economy. i would love this car much more if it came with a manual transmission.
Great Car
pookysmom, 12/04/2006
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
I enjoy driving my Alero. I haven't had any major problems with it so far. I'm thinking of giving it to my son after I'm done with it.
Junk
sharon, 09/13/2010
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used to save gas driving to work in Feb 10. The car had 135,000 miles on it when I got, I have nothing but problems with it. The car started overheating after I bought it and the intake gasket had to be replaced, passenger window gets stuck down, the dash material is rolling up, replaced water pump, replaced catalyst converter, replaced over fill tank and now I have to put another $300.00 in it because there is a gas leak around the intake because a valve is broke off. I would not recommend anyone to buy this car.