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Used 2003 Oldsmobile Alero Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
87 reviews

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Another Alero

Alero Boy, 08/18/2003
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I traded in my 00 Alero GLS sedan for this 03 GLS coupe in February because of the $5000 in rebates I qualified for. The new one seems less quality. My tailights are not sealed properly, so when rains, the water gets in & there has actually been sparks in there so the inside of the tail lights are burnt. The Tire Pressure monitor was eliminated for 03 and the hood in the 00 has struts, but they changed to prop rod in 2001. Nonetheless, it's still the perfect car for me. I would like to get one of the Final 500 next year, but if not, I'll just hold on to this one.

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2.5 out of 5 stars

Electrical Nightmare

jpbrown, 10/29/2003
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is by far the most unreliable vehicle I ever had. After only four months the car began to exhibit major electrical defects and for the next five months it has been in and out of the shop almost every other week since. Gm maintains the car is sound, but the service department has been unable to correct the issue.

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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome Car

Harold Bernard, 11/03/2003
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My Alreo is my dream car. It is alot fun to drive and be seen in.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Nice Ride!

Temperob, 11/07/2003
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Well I just traded in my 98 Ford Contour Sport on a used 03 Alero. I was very happy with the Ford but this GM is making me smile every time I drive it. The brakes are a bit numb but they work like a champ, and the steering is a little vague but when driven hard this car really comes to life. It has a nice ride quality and a very pleasing exhaust note. So pretty much you can tool around down with the family or drive thought the canyon roads with confidence, good blend of Sport and Economy.

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5 out of 5 stars

Comfortable

K4ala, 12/07/2003
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Excellent around town and in parking lots Reall will make a sharp turn

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5 out of 5 stars

Great ride

BlondieT, 12/30/2003
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I actually have a 2001. I have been very pleased with this car overall. One problem with the turn signals. They needed replacement. Other owners I talked to said they experienced the same thing - blinkers would work some times and not others.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

02 GLS

ghelwig, 03/04/2003
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Very good performance out of a 87 octane engine. Transmission shifts very smoothly. Nice seats both front and back. Rather large trunk for a midsize car.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

dress her up AND take her out!!!

swede1978, 01/13/2004
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Always had a pick up truck, one day saw the Alero on a lot.... went home with it, never looked back. Has the "moxy" i like on the highway and handles tight like a tiger. OH YEAH- nice fuel economy too, real relief when at the pumps, especially compared to a pick up truck @16MPG or less and Alero @ 34+hiwayMPG! Has plenty of room for stuffs in the trunk with folding rear seats. Ive convinced 3 of my friends to get one and my Mom too. Excellent sound sys as well that appeases the music connoisseur.

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4 out of 5 stars

For the money it is worth it!

jreynard, 01/18/2004
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car in a haste. The car has been worth every cent that I paid. The features are nice for the price. The ride is quiet and the car is mechanically sound. The steering is a little disconnected but you still have a decent sense of the road. I enjoy the layout of the controls. They seem to have put a little extra thought into the lay out in the cabin. I enjoy my car and it has been good to me.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Excellent!

Witchbaby, 01/20/2004
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just bought this car and found that it was the size and reliability that I am looking for. I love it!

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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome, Fun to Drive

b-rock, 01/21/2004
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Although I've just recently purchased my Alero! I love it, the best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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5 out of 5 stars

Love the Alero

Darina Popova, 04/25/2006
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the best car I have bought ever. I was worried about the gas costs and the power but it has worked out great.

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5 out of 5 stars

My Last Olds

Melodance, 03/16/2004
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My last Olds only because GM is phasing them out. Owned Olds cars for 20 years. Overall very satisfied with this car and am glad I purchased it. Have received many compliments on the vehicle. I feel my 1993 Achieva had a little better gas mileage, but Alero delivers and handles well. Good in the city and on the road. Very sad that GM is closing the division. All my Oldsmobiles have been reliable, dependable cars with only required maintenance. Hoping this Alero follows suit--so far it's showing it will. Worth considering!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

pros and cons of the alero

sazisarah, 04/24/2004
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Love the way the car looks , although it is alittle slow on intitial take off but does fine when passing

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Alero Good With Exceptions

TheDarxion, 06/21/2004
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I like the Alero for all aspects except two: 1) Front brakes and wheels. My Alero has had two brake jobs and a replaced hub assembly (wheel bearing) in 30,000 miles....and GM only warranties the break pads (at $70) for 1 year / 12,000 miles. 2) Poor city, rural (not highway), and winter MPG...22 MPG winter, 26 MPG summer on country roads (22 miles home to work), 33 MPG hiway. Not sure what gives here. So, if you are willing to put up with continued brake and wheel work (as I discovered has happened to many others) and lower MPG (except on the highway), this car is good....but don't buy it new...poor resale value.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

2003's Still: "Good as Gold!"

Bill Cuthbert, 03/10/2003
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GX 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Purchased Basically on Price, Dealer Knocked about $500.00 of Sticker Price @ Gen motors Was Offering a $3000.00 Cash Back. A Pretty Good Deal I'd Say.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

GL2 - Great Buy, Fun to Drive

paulc, 10/01/2004
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Have the pretty loaded Gold 4 Dr. GL2 that comes with the 3.4 6 cyl. engine, which Edmunds did not list. Bought it in April of 2004 used after finding it on the internet at Sandberg Olds in Seattle. It was a great deal too good to pass up at $8,995 with less than 30K miles, almost new condition as it was a former rental car. Drives and handles very well, hope its reliability holds.

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5 out of 5 stars

I Love My Alero!!!!

cldavis, 10/18/2004
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car about a month ago after trading in one of the worst cars I have ever owned. Needless to say I love this car....it is very reliable and it is fun to drive. It is also very sporty and it is fun to be seen in as well.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Pretty Good

Schmutz, 03/18/2003
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GX 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

No problems to speak of, except when I ditched it. Can't expect a car to go 80 on snow and ice.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Good So Far...

kugrad07, 11/30/2006
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The Alero is a good handling car with great looks, but it is notorious for brake problems. It's almost time for my second brake replacement at only 55,000 miles! Fixes also very expensive in comparison to other cars in same class.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

2003 Olds Alero at 47,100 Miles

Alero owner, 01/29/2007
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The dials and some buttons on the dash have had to be replaced under warranty. They have also lost some of their black coating, I am not sure why this happened. Also, the ignition switch went out at 38,000 miles.

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5 out of 5 stars

olds

somename, 04/01/2003
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

good car. worth the money

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4.5 out of 5 stars

2003 Olds Alero

JAMMINJED, 04/02/2007
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It's been a great vehicle. It has a sporty feel to it even with the 4 cyl engine. I can get from 0-60 in about 7 seconds easy. It's not bad for only 140hp and a heavier car than most with this size of engine. I love the sharp turns and handling.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Nice Car

Gardner, 04/24/2003
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GX 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was in the market for a Subaru....I liked the AWD, Was won over by the alero when i found out about the 5 speed and the gas mileage. I have grown to like this car much much more every day. I wish the interior styling was more like the new German style interior quality. fake and chinsy looking

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Suprised it's not a Honda!

R W, 07/09/2007
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought it with 20,000 miles. I owned 3 Honda's before this one and I didn't enjoy the reliability. I've only replaced an alternator (93,000 miles) and a fuel pump (91,000 due to a very bad tank of gas). That's it outside of regular oil changes, brakes, and tires. This is the best money I've ever spent on any car. It still runs like it is brand new. For a 4 cyliner it is quite peppy, more than the Honda Civic that was $2K more than the Alero at that time Now, it's 2007 and I can't find Alero's anymore? That's OK. Mine runs fine. I'll keep driving it. GM should re-open the Olds Alero line. This is the best 4-cylinder car for the money GM has made!

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5 out of 5 stars

OLDS TO THE MAX!!!

FiSh, 05/15/2003
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A great car. This is my second car.... after a 2000 Inifiniti G20. This V6 is so awesome! I hope this car will last the rest of my life! Very powerful, excellent steering radius, and a well rounded car! Always fun to drive. I love speeding past those fancy BMW's on the highway! A MUST BUY!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Another great Olds

zelda, 03/05/2003
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned/driven most America makes & models over the years, but most have been Olds. While I have had lemons with other makes, never with Olds. This is another great one. (I also have a 2002 Bravada) Will probably hang on to these until I'm too old to drive since they will no longer be made.

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5 out of 5 stars

Love This Car!

luv_alero, 01/13/2003
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had my 2000 Alero for 2.5 years and absolutely love it! It handles beutifully and really hugs the road. The interior is comfy and quiet. Very smooth ride. I was in a fairly bad front end accident (+/- 30-35 mph) two years ago. I was very pleased with the safety performance of the car. Even after the accident, I've (surprisingly) had absolutely no problems with it. My lease is up in 6 months and I am torn between getting another one or not since GM is closing Oldsmobile. Too bad, they had a wonderful product with the Alero.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

starting car

joyce, 04/07/2008
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Our 2003 Alero won't start. Had to have it towed to dealership. Don't know yet how come. Anyone else having problems with it not starting?

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great car for the price, few problems

Chelle, 04/10/2008
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I got this vehicle after totaling my Dodge Dakota. I am definitely more pleased with it than I was the truck. I read after we had the car for about a year that there were many complaints about it, especially the dash and inside door material peeling up. I have put quite a few miles, a lot of them aggressive-driving miles, and have only had the air go out (turned out that a cap was missing-less than a couple dollars to fix) and the ignition was not recognizing my key, so the car shut down. That cost me about 300. Also, sometimes blinkers quit working, then suddenly come back on. But so far, so good with anything Major.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

goodbye to the almighty alero

manda, 04/16/2008
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had my Alero for 2 years now. It was my 1st car and at first I loved it. The sound system in it is great but thats about it. I have had to replace both front bearings on it every 6 months and is crazy expensive to do being a college kid. It was a good 1st car to me but I need something more reliable.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

seems to give me no problems

alero 03, 04/22/2008
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought the car with 25,000 miles on it, and i seem to have no problems now with 43,000 miles. New brakes would help. But i love my car, very reliable!

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4.13 out of 5 stars

nice car

car guy, 07/25/2002
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

steering is totally numb. No feedback. The ride quality is good but needs better geometry when cornering. The car is great for traveling. Killer A/C

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5 out of 5 stars

I love my car!

Robb2651, 04/04/2018
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GX 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful

I would happily return to Metro Cars and Credit for another vehicle.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3.13 out of 5 stars

A Lemon!

Meeme, 01/19/2009
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GX 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have had this car for ove a year now and I have put so much money into it that if I saved it all I could have paid this car off.. The pass lock locked my car first. 3 mechanics couldn't figure out what was wrong. All together $1000 fixed the problem. My Ford that I paid $1000 didn't give me as many problems as this! Brakes, bearings, spring coil, A/C, drum and the pass lock. All together well over $5000 put into it already! It makes me sick to my stomach. I will never again get an Oldsmobile! No wonder they shut down their production. The sound system is great but I would rather have a reliable car instead.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Alero Update

Alero Boy, 10/12/2004
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this car new 2/2003 to replace the 2000 Alero that I had. It doesnt feel as stable as the old 2000. Now I'm having problems with the ignition: the key hesitates to go in & is difficult to remove. Of course this happens after the 36k of the warranty. (I gave back the 5yr/60k mi warranty for a $1500 credit). With rebates & discounts, I saved about $7k on this car, but I still couldn't trade it in as I owe 14500 & it's worth about $11k as I have 40k mi on it. Does anyone else have no traction on wet roads? I did a 180 into on on-ramp one morning while going 15mph. I think it's the Goodyear Eagle LS tires, but can't afford to replace them.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Fun to Drive in Good Weather

Jerry Elliott, 02/10/2007
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've owned this vehicle for 3 years and had no maintenance problems except the usual tires, brakes, and battery changes. The front suspension was a bit squeaky the first year or two but seems to have settled down. The biggest drawback has been this car's performance in the snow. Though it is FWD, the Enhanced Traction System (which can be turned off with the push of a button) actually makes it more difficult to control the slippage and power of the vehicle. Overall, the vehicle is a little noisy, but fun to drive, even on long road trips.

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