Used 2002 Oldsmobile Alero Consumer Reviews
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runs great even after 155,000 miles if you take care of it
I have 175,XXX miles on my Alero and it is running great!! For those of you who are talking crap about this car is obviously not taking care of it very well. If you take care of a car and maintain it, it will last a long time. I know a man who has a 1989 gmc safari van with almost 500,000 miles on it and still drives it to work every day! Take car of your vehicles and they will run forever!
A good first car, does have some known issues.
We have two Alero's in our family. Our daughter drives an 01, and I just pickes up an 02 for our son. The Alero is a decent sized comfortable car with quite a few amenties for the money. We paid $4800 for the 01 with 74k 1 owner, and $3700 for the 02 with 55k one owner as well I should add the 02 has some hail damage and needed the lower intake gasket replaced. Both have leather and a power driver seat. Given a choice, the 3.4L V6 is the better engine even considering the gasket issue. I am getting 30 mpg highway
- GL2 SedanMSRP: $2,9501,206 mi away
- GL2 CoupeMSRP: $10,9801,584 mi away
- GL2 SedanMSRP: $2,5002,529 mi away
2002 Oldsmobile Alero 2.2l 225,000 !
I bought the car new in 2002, retailed for $17,450 came with the new ecotec 2.2 L with manual transmission, standard ABS, 4 wheel disk brakes, 4 wheel independent suspension, AC, CD Radio. After rebates and previous olds rebate purchased for $11,400. After 225,000 the 4 cyl engine still runs like new. I beat the crap out of the suspension with my daily commute gravel roads, potholes, high and low speed driving, bent a couple of rims. I love cornering in the car. I leave trucks and others behind. The car is well balanced with the 4 cyl 5 speed manual handles like a European car. Thats because it was designed for the European market.
rides great.. WHEN ITS NOT NEEDING REPAIRS.
BEWARE!! There are SO many issues with car that just about every one ever made seems to have. Warning indicator Lights on dash are always ON - Electric Windows always breaking & costly to repair. Rear Exhaust manifold gasket will go before 60K miles (& more than once from what ive been told).. I have only 55K miles on mine and am currently saving for this $700 repair now.. Also car having a starting problem again.. 110th time.. have replaced battery, alternator, starter, and still wont start. ALSO beware the "pass-lock" system.. shuts your entire car down for 10 min at a time and actually SHUTS YOUR vehicle down from stating for exactly 10 min,,. and you never know when it will happen..GM SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THIS ENTIRE LINE BACK IN 2002-2004 WHEN IT SETTLED IN COURT A CLASS ACTION SUIT BUT DID NOT ISSUE RECALLS ON ANYTHING EXCEPT THE IGNITION SWITCH!
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- Reliability
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consistant
well looks like im not the only one with the same probs, ive also expierenced window motor troubles on two windows! also frequent replacement of lights and bulbs here and there, fuel pump (first time) and it seems pretty consistant with everybodies elses expierience with their Alero. Good thing the thing is paid off!!!!
Good and Bad
Have owned this alero for a few years now, and it's been a pretty good car overall. Only true repairs were the LIM gasket and one of the wheel hubs. Otherwise no major problems...BUT...the security system acted up once, preventing us from starting the car, costing a new starter till we figured it out. The paint on the hood is terrible, the rear doors are rusting, and the rear quarter panels are rusting too. The plastic is flaking off the interior in places. The dashboard is starting to bubble. The "low tire pressure" light is on constantly. Most importantly, it starts every day, and even with the V6, I got 27 mpg on the last tank, which was mixed driving. Nice car, but...
Oldsmobile Alero 5-stars
True American muscle from Lansing, Michigan, the ironically named Oldsmobile Alero is anything but old. I owned my all-black, John Wick edition, 02 Oldsmobile Alero GLS for three glorious years. I had to sell this high-speed aphrodisiac once I desired a committed relationship. This car leads to nothing but street racing, infidelity, and a rockstar lifestyle. 0 to 60 in four seconds faster than the next leading car, you'll be tempted to challenge the police, and you should. The Alero was the original vehicle proposed to headline the Fast and Furious series but when Vin Diesel was too scared to sit behind the wheel of one, they moved on. The sheet metal over paper mache exterior is as aerodynamic as it is light. You can throw a barbell between two of these puppies and bust out a 10-set of incline bench. Consider investing in some top-tier windshield wipers because the stock model wipers won't be able to handle the number of moist panties being thrown towards your dash. The car's a classic all-terrain war machine. It only goes up in value. 5-stars.
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- Technology
- Performance
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- Comfort
- Reliability
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Two-Faced
I've had this car for approximatly three months now and she's been trouble at some points and a joy to drive during others. I've blown a window regulator, have the hazard switch short, and have a gasket leak (oil leaking from car). If you can pick one up that's free of problems, by all means, do so. Its a truly fun car to drive.
Luv my Alero
This is my 2nd Alero...been driving Alero's since 1999. I love the stylish looks and feel of this car! It zips around town (3.4 6 cyl) with ease and love how it handles, especially on tight curves. Like the dashboard layout - easy to reach stereo and controls. Quality car!
WORST OF THE WORST OF THE WORST
WORST CAR EVER MADE IN THE HISTORY OF MANKIND. Let's see where to start. I will start when the car was bought. AC Fan Resistor. Intake Gasket Manifold. Oil Pressure Sensor. Front Right Spring broke! Front Shocks and Front Springs! Front Wheel bearings went bad. Calibers seized. New brake calibers, new brake lines, and new rotors & pads, and the brakes still seized! AC Clutch bad, needs AC compressor. Cheap interior. dashboard cover is peeling and rolling backwards. New water pump. Then intake gasket only lasted 2 years, needed an engine. This car is an ongoing fire pitt for your money. WORST CAR EVER MADE.
Olds Alero
The alero was much more than we expected. My wife loves it so much she will not let me drive. The car's workmanship is tops in it's class.
2-Year Review
I would not recommend this car. I have driven nothing but oldsmobile but next time will switch to Toyota. Customer Service should be called NO customer service as they could care less about you once you have driven off with the car and it is yours. Gas mileage is horrible, steering wheel shakes and brakes make a noise when you back up when you first start up the car. I will tell everyone to stay away from oldsmobile!
oldsmobile alero
seriously i dont recomend this vehicle to no one i bougth my car in 2010 since them i bee having too many problems this is the worse car ever, they should have a recall for this vehicle
Hunk Of Scrap! GM are theives to have even marketed this DEATH TRAP!!!
This is the worst POS on the planet. This was Oldsmobile's last car before they went belly up and I now know why. I bought it used three years old and have had nothing but problem after problem from the front bumper to the rear bumper. Too many problems to name but I will say this. The guy who sold me this POS knew what a Death Trap and it was when he sold it and got his eyes blackened and a broken nose in return after it landed me in the ditch over a mechanical issue that was recalled by GM! I bought it used so there was nothing I could do about it as the "class action lawsuit" in which the lawyers got everything and the owners got nothing was resolved. I WILL NEVER BUY A GM PRODUCT AGAIN!
112,000 Miles
Well I bought my Alero two and a half years ago. Keep in mind that I drive this vehicle close to 140 miles a day, and close to 40,000 miles a year. I have replaced 5 wheel bearings, the fuel pump, fuel filter, coil pack, spark plugs, brakes (numerous times), warped rotors - for a total of close to $4,000 in repairs in two and a half years. Also the resale value is horrible. Dealers offered me $3,500 for a 2002. I still owe more than that. I am sorry to say that my next vehicle purchase will be a Toyota. GM has lost my business and probably will never get it back unless I buy a Corvette.
Bad mistake
When I bought this car in 2001, I loved it, the sun roof, the V6 engine, the cornering...... things soon started to unravel. The car goes through pads and rotors about every 20,000 miles, i have had to replace front pads and rotors at least 6 times already. Some of the major repairs I have had (which I have never had with any other Japanese/Asian car) 1. head gasket seal - $700 (need again) 2. In take manifold - $700 3. Catalytic converter - $663 4. car alarm ignition kill switch sensor $480 5. Power steering pump $220 (which needs to be replaced AGAIN) 6. Direction signal relay switch $480 7. Power window regulator $280 Thank god my dad works for GM & I got a $3200 discount
Fun to drive but it's the little things
I bought the car about a year and a half ago, and had the brakes done and found out i needed a wheel bearing. Less than a month later it went out again and I needed to get two more after that. Many of the fuses have gone out also (horn) and the lights like to burn out in a short amount of time. License plate, side markers and blinkers.
2002 Alero Sedan GLS
I have rented the Alero 5 times while on business. I needed a second family car. I like the features for the price. I compared this car to the Grand AM and other similar foreign cars. I purchased the GLS will all the options and the 6 cyl motor. The performance and suspension options make this car perform better than most of the cars in the price category.
2002 Olds Alero
Bought my Alero a few months ago with 72k miles on it. Solid engine, no problems thus far. Have replaced passenger side window motor, vinyl on the dash was already cracked. Decent car for the money. Uncommon tire size(225/55/16) expensive to replace.
Poor Choice
The car had 74,000kms when I got it. When it got to about 98,000kms it started to have numerous problems. First thing that went was the slave cylinder only we were told it was the master cylinder. So $1600 later it had a brand new slave cylinder, master, and clutch. There was no problems till about 103,000kms one of the cylinders stopped firing, When the spark plugs were changed the car reacted badly, I guess only GM parts will make her run. Other then those two recent problems, it drives very well and is good on gas, with premium. Buyer be aware of what your getting, do you research first!
could-a-been-better
over all it's a good car just poor build quality like the dash is rippled/ buckled, the fan blower only works on high, the blinkers work only when they want to. (have to fiddle with the emergency light button to make the blinkers work)
I Love my Alero
I think I'd trade in my better half before I'd trade in this car - she's absolutely wonderful. She handles fluidly and is sooo fun to drive. Plus, I've never felt safer in a car, especially driving in the winter-even driving on ice is worry-free. Nothing feels better than take fast curves in this car. She looks great on the outside, and the inside in extremely comfortable. The crisp sound system is the icing on the cake. I love this car. Everyone should drive an Alero!
What a Lemon
I have had this car for just over 3 years and it's been the worst car I've ever owned. Pretty much everything that can go wrong with a vehicle has gone wrong in this car. It's been a real money pit. I have owned a total of 3 cars in my entire life and this has been the worst by far. I actually feel guilty selling it because it's such a lousy vehicle.
alero
all out great vehicle stylish sporty.just the right amount of power,it also haves great features, most standard.
The Contender
This is an interesting vehicle. The dealership won't be getting repeat business. The car was delivered with 1200 miles on the odometer and no explanation. The rear passenger-side door has a power window switch for non- existant pw. The salesman didn't know anything about the car, even got the radio wrong. The car is beautiful inside and out. Gray is a little plain but workable. The stereo keeps getting better. Handling is very good for a car this size and price. Interior room is outstanding. Seats are comfortable. Equiment level is high for a stripper. Washer sprayers and hand brake have already gone out. Fix on brakes didn't take.
ALERO
i just got my car. but so far i love it it rides real smoothe and it is roomy i have to kids so the 4 door comes in handy its a really nice car.
Love the car!
Went from a VW to this and I'm glad I did. It's sporty and a very reliable car. For a smaller car there isn't that "tin" sound when you close the doors. The acceleration is great.
Junk...
Rented one. my daily driver is BMW 330xi. I like the looks especially the rear end lights. Got in, wow - sucked. Too much plastic feel. Handling is crummy. Motor poor for V6. GLAD GLAD I can recommend anyone NOT to buy one of these. Look at a Honda or Toyota before this thing... terrible. Sorry.
Could be better
Not a good idea to purchase one of these the resale value went down 8,000 from Jan to now. That is not saying anything good for this car.
Alero
With the 5-Speed Transmittion great car. I get great gas mpg. interior nice. Only thing I would like to see improved is have the ablitily to have P/W in the GX model and the sunroof and fin. I had to purshase these separte. engine is not as quite as I would have liked but for the price I can deal with it.
Driving Performance of Olds Alero
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...
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.
Will sit you in your seat.
I bought this car after it had been used as a rental, and it already had 99000 miles on it. I love the power of the v6 and the fact that it easily beats 90% of the people off the mark at a stop light..... I'm a bit of a lead foot and this car meets my needs. Even with my lead foot I get 27MPG(Mostly Highway Miles)! When my wife drives she gets 33MPG(Also highway Miles)! About 2 months after I bought it I had to replace both front wheel bearings. About 2 yrs it was loosing all power and I had to take it in and have $1600 worth of repairs, but now it feels brand new again and is going great. I've put 50000 more miles on it and look to put another 50000!
Great vehicle!
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.
2 Year Review
This car has been very reliable over the two years I have owned it. I have not incured any breakdowns...yet. The car has had two problems, one of which the dealer resolved. The outside mirrors would vibrate while driving. This was solved by replacing both mirrors with parts of a newer design. The dealer has been unsuccesful in finding and removing any of the rattles and buzzes in the interior of the car. They were also not able to get rid of a strange sizzling type of noise from the back seat area caused by driving on wet surfaces.
Alero 2002
vehicle is a reliable, economical commuter car and made in the USA
I wish I loved this car
I really wanted to love this car. I bought this car new and unfortunately have a lot of problems with it. Replaced the brakes 4 times in 6 years. Because of the rim material, the tires don't seal tightly and they leak air - windshield started cracking under the top seal. The driver side window motor stopped working. Now the directional makes the clicking noise ALL the time when I am not using it. Coolant needs to be replace often. "Service Engine Soon", "Anti-lock break" and "Trac control" lights are always on. Was told it was because of a bad wheel sensor, so I replaced it, but the lights remain on. Engine started knocking at 100k miles. Paint is chipping
Baracuda96
Very nice, but bad brakes... :( so far, so good. :) Very impressed with acceleration and torque power.
I love my Alero
Only real problems...crappy BF Goodrich (Garbage?) tires. They are noisy. And, the front pads wore out at 35000 km.
big mistake
I have had this car for only 3 or so years and have already had to change the fuel pump (2x) brake pads (4x) power window regualutor (2x) and already have to do that again! I've already had alot of problems w/ the security system which causes it not to start and i have to take it in and get the whole system reset. power steering pump went out, wheel bearing needs to be fixed. my service engine light, anti-lock brake light and change oil light are always on. this car has costed me alot of time, inconvenience and money.
Good value for money
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 my Alero
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.
junk
I have had nothing but problems with my alero.I have had it for 3 years and now it is nothing but a big problem. I have replaced brakes constantly. Had the fuel pump replaced and the timing chain broke which cost me to end up having the motor replaced.These cars to me are junk but needless to say I still have this junk car because I still owe on it.
The Great Alero
My wife and I purchased this 02 Alero in the fall of 01. It was for her and she wanted something sporty with a little extra room and comfort features. We looked at others, but the Alero seemed a good choice for the dollar. We got everything except for the sunroof. What a machine! This is one fast V-6. Off the line or in the lane. We followed the maint schedules and 122000 miles later it still looks great and running like a top. First 5 years reg- maint all 100% orginal looking for 3rd set of tires. This past year I replaced the gaskets, sensors, fuel pump & filter. A new battery(3),more.. about $3,000 Garenteed to last another 4-5 years. Except for that damn dash, starts to peel after 1yr
Not bad for a company car
The Alero GX sedan is a pretty decent company car. It has adequate acceleration with the 4-cyl engine, and nice handling. The ride is okay, although it can be jittery on smooth roads. The brakes are just marginal, and they seem to need a lot of pressure to get the car to stop. The GX model does have a lot of features for the money, too, and the standard stereo, cruise control, and automatic headlights are nice. The workmanship is *definitely* not up to Japanese standards, though. It's a nice enough car, but there are nicer ones. I wouldn't buy this car, but as a free car, it's not bad.
I love it but need something bigger!
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!"
My Alero
I bought my Alero after lots of rentals, and loved it at first. However, all of the typical quirks I read about on this car have occurred. Steering cylinder failure; plugged heater core (Dexcool) b/c sediment collects at lowest point=heater; Intake gasket=Dexcool problem; ABS sensor failure; Early transmission slip failures; gas tank solenoid (check engine); alloy wheels corrode/leak at tire lips; premature serpentine belt wear/squeaking. Too bad, as it would be a great car if GM would have address the reliability issues before tiring the line.
Nice Reliable Car
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.
Alerio
Great Car
Domestic Sleeper
My wife and I bought the GLS 4 dr sedan w/ all options and the car is awesome. We have found the domestic sleeper to foreign competitors. Handles like a 4 dr sports car w/ luxury amenities. Although car hasn't been broken in yet