Oldsmobile Alero

dindak

Na.. it's not great as it is and I doubt a hand full of people getting a super deal like that is going to make it much worse. Of course like I always say, I paid less so I expect less back when I sell. I'm hoping the fact I have ABS on mine mite help as GM has dropped it as a standard on entry level cars. ABS is a big seller up here.

coonhound

Blower speed, lowest, quit for the second time on my 2000 GL. First replacement was at about 19,000 miles, and today at 27,000 miles I had the resistor replaced again.

I have a good dealer so there was no discussion about charges since it had been done before. Even though out of warranty this time.

I am always amazed that the Alero does not get many hits on Edmunds compared to the Intrigue. We have a 2000 model of each. And yes the Intrigue has been a much more trouble free vehicle. Highway mileage is better on the Intrigue than the 2.4 liter Alero. City mileage slightly better on the Alero.

The factory radio sucks on the Alero. The Intrigue is decent. The problem, as I see it, is the antenna in the rear window and then an amplifier added to increase signal strength. The problem is the all sorts of garbage is picked up and amplified in city driving. But, once on the open road the range is 100 miles or so on FM, further than any FM radio I have owned.

In the past, under warranty, the traction control went off due to a bad fuel injector. Strange!! fouled injector shuts down the traction control.

rdeschene

You mention that you get better highway mileage with your Intrigue than with your 2.4L Alero. What kind of highway mileage numbers do you see?

We just came back from a trip to Southern Indiana (their tulips have dropped all their petals, and our buds have not even opened yet! Quite a difference.) and by my calculation we got 33mpg (U.S.). This is for a 2000 Alero, 3.4L V6, almost all highway mileage, and running at 60-70mph.

Ho-hum, that's pretty consistent with every other time I've measured hwy mileage with this car: 32-34mpg (U.S.) in the summer, A/C or not, regular unleaded or the "90% Regular:10% Ethanol" fuel they sell around here.

rdeschene

We put new BF Goodrich Touring SR4's on the front, and kept the (maybe 30,000km old) fairly new tires on the back. We then had a chance to drive through some pretty heavy rain in the Bloomington/Indianapolis, IN area. It was coming down so hard my wife and I couldn't clearly hear each other speaking in the car. But even through that the car was very "surefooted" when braking, accelerating or through lane changes at 60-65mph.

Pretty good resistance to hydro-planing I'd say. Just FYI in case you were wondering how these tires handle heavy rain.

The wind was gusting strongly as well, and directional stability was also very good. That's a compliment to both the tires and the "tightness" of the steering and suspension, in my opinion.

Happy motoring,
Rick D.

dindak

We get about 33 with our 2.2 Ecotec on the highway also. I think the 4 cyl does better in the city though and that's where our Alero does most of it's driving.

jragan

My 2001 Alero with 60000 miles on it is losing antifreeze. No noticeable leaks, car runs great.
The potential for where this stuff is going is starting to sound very expensive. Anyone else have this problem or any ideas.
Scheduled to have a pressure check May13.
Thanks

evandro

You didn't mention the engine, but it's very common in the 3.4 V6. The head gaskets are damaged and leak outside, if you're lucky, or inside otherwise.

Man, I wish that there would be a recall about this issue on this engine and on the 3.8 V6... <tt:-(

jragan

How widespread is this problem? After I posted the message, we had a closer look at the car and found antifreeze all around the engine. Any suggestions?
JRagan

evandro

Unfortunately, this complaint pops up here and in newsgroups quite often, not only in the Alero, but also in other cars with either the 3.1 or the 3.4.

I had the same issue in another car of mine with the 3.8 V6 (same problem, different causes) and the dealer told me that they usually do 1 or 2 cars per day with this issue!

jragan

Are you referring to the head gaskets in all cases? We just had a dealer tell us that he had some problems with intake gaskets and he is checking for technical Service Bulletins on head gaskets. Just wondered what you had seen and what you thought.
JRagan

evandro

Exactly. There is a TSB specifically for the 3.4. Unfortunately, there's some debate on whether the new gasket really fixes the issue or not. Some customers have trouble identifying the replacement gasket as the new part #. Make sure that you get the said TSB to check which part # should be.

regfootball

as Michael Jackson would say

"you are not alone"

this problem is very frequent on the GM 3.1, 3.4, 3.8.

My father in law had the problem and it was a costly fix. He's lives in a small bo-dunk town of about a 1000 and called the guy at the local non-dealer repair shop. When he started to describe the problem, the mechanic guy described back to him in exact detail what the problem was and virtually was able to describe in exacting detail over the phone what was needed, how long it took to fix, etc. The mechanic had already repaired quite a few and said they were seeing the issue on a regular basis. If a mechanic in a town that small is doing those jobs on a regular basis I hate to think of how frequent the issue is where there is actual population.

But its good that you've found the issue relatively early. Good luck on the fix.

jragan

Thanks for the info folks. The dealer we bought the car from thinks he can get GM to pay 1/2 of the repair. That is just for the intake gasket problem though. If it gets worse I am not sure what we will do. I feel sure that I am fnished with GM products though.
I looked on some buyers guide sites before I bought this car and never found this sort of thing. Is it OK to post on these sites and warn other people? I am new to this kind of thing. I had a Dodge Caravan for 8 years and it was a workhorse. I wish I still had it!!
JRagan

dindak

It's not very common at all on the 3.8L. On the 3.1 and 3.4 it happens more often but I wouldn't say it's "very frequent" either. I know lots of people with both of those engines and not one case. I had a 3.1 for 8 years and nothing.

regfootball

there are many on this site who have had the problem

bottom line- if you have a 3.8 (like my father in law did), a 3.4 or 3.1

and

your intake manifold is plastic composite...

chances are very good it will happen to you. Keep an eye on it. Very frequent is accurate enough.

dindak

"there are many on this site who have had the problem".

Yes, typically people come to this site to look for help with problems and discuss cars, not to repeat over and over that their car is running well. Counting complaints on a internet board is meaningless.

evandro

I bid you good luck on the repair.

As for warning others, I think it's fine. I had a '99 Alero V6 for 36000mls and didn't have that issue and many others that some have had. I can only recommend the car.

OTOH, my Bonneville with the 3.8 V6 needed a new intake manifold with just 17000mls. It's actually been the single dark spot on an otherwise fine car. I still recommend the car.

ctalerico

Counting complaints is not necessarily meaningless. The complaints let other Alero owners know that the problem exists. The more people who post about it, the more you may be aware of it if it happens to your car (or it could make a difference between you paying for the repair or having GM pay once they find out you are aware of a possibly defective part, which happened to me). I'm sure we are not looking for a ratio of how many people have this problem compared to how many who don't.

dindak

If you re-read my post, I only meant it's meaningless in a statistical sense.

mlm4

Statistics - lie.
Composite upper intake manifold - bad.
Rest of car - fun!

Sorry, I'm a bit punchy today. :-) Still waiting on word about the Final 500 Alero!

I've noticed in the new "24-Hour Test Drive" TV campaign that the Alero is represented. Almost gone, but not yet forgotten by GM.

regfootball

You give the appearance of wanting to brush the manifold issue 'under the carpet'. Actually statistics would never be 100% accurate but lately from the posts I've read it seems to be the most frequent problem I see posted here. Research onto other sites shows its an issue, and had experience within my family of it. Now, it will be impossible to quantify the level of badness or insignificance, but enough folks are out there to suggest the problem is not minor and should at least be talked about.

If it was another make besides GM that was having this problem, what would your feelings be about it? For example, if it was Toyota v6's that were leaking coolant that way would you consider a problem or not a problem? Or, if GM was having engine sludge issues like Toyota has been how would you view that?

CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG here but I am sensing you are cutting GM some slack on this issue because you really like GM cars a lot and I am suggesting that perhaps you would not cut other manufacturers the same slack, if the same issue was happening to their car. Throwing it out for you to verify....correct me if I'm wrong.

dindak

There is no doubt it's a problem and it happens to some cars, but you make it sound like it's an epidemic. which it is not by any stretch of the imagination. If Consumer Reports doesn't even mention it can't be happening that often.

coonhound

The 2000 GX 3.5 Intrigue has the 3.08 gears and 32 mpg highway at 70 mpg is normal. Max was 35.5 mpg with a good tail wind. The 2.4 liter Alero will get 29 to 30 mpg and not pushing it quite as hard. And yes the 3.4 in the Alero is rated better than the 2.4. But the 2.2 Echo-tech is rated about 3 mpg better than the 2.4. But, conservative semi city driving with the Alero yields 25 to 26 mpg. The Intrigue, with my lead footed wife driving gets 22 mpg semi city driving.

dindak

First I've herd its rampant.

What year is your car, what's your story?

oldsman01

Is there really going to be a final 500 Alero? Did Olds actually make 500 of those for both the Intrigue and Aurora as I have yet to see one. Local Olds dealer is one of the largest and oldest in the region and I don't think they ever got one in as I never saw one.

dindak

There is still another year left in Alero production. Won't see Final 500 models until spring 04.

iamgwc

oldsman01 .. My local dealer did have a "Final 500" Intrigue and it sat on the lot for a while as the price is up there with all of the included features. I'm not sure if it still there. The Oldsmobile website has information on the Final 500 series so you can be assured that it does indeed exist(regardless of my observation)

See "Colector's Edition" the main site page

ijennings1

Hi Guys,

Thanks to you all, especially Greg, for your help in our Alero turn signals not working. You were of course, quite right. It was the hazard warning switch. I've also managed to get the driver's door to lock as well! Things are now looking good! Sorry about the delayed reply, been to England for 2 weeks to see my family. Paid $5.75 per gallom of fuel. I'm used to that of course! Traffic everywhere, but the roads overall are so much better regarding the road surfaces and sings. Still prefer drinving here though! In Kansas City, they don't know what a traffic jam is!
Take care
Ian

gregkillian

Ian, I'm glad to hear that my lucky connection of the hazard switch with the turn signal problem helped you.

Could you tell me what the mechanic found and what was replaced so that I can tell my dealer when I bring it in next?

Thanks!

dindak

Our 02 Alero GX turned 1 this past May 1st. All is well with the car and the only issue we have had is a fogging up headlight which was easily fixed under warranty. We generally get the posted mileage except in the winter months where it drops off due to the cold and more wheel spinning.

Over all we are very pleased with the car. It's comfortable, smooth, well built (rattle free) and fun to drive. I highly recommend the car, too bad there is only 1 year left in production.

jpelder

Congrats on your Alero's 1st birthday! Ours has been flawless, as the power and 5-speed getrag have improved with age. Mileage has been average...our last tankful had 26MPG, which was all city driving. A long trip for this car is 15 miles roundtrip...we rarely take it on trips.

Just put a coat of Zaino on her last night...makes the black really look wet.

I am still very pleased with this car, and still look forward the times I get to drive it (it's my wife's car). Get one while you can! The rebates are incredible.

dindak

Wow, 26 in the city is much better than the auto tranny.

I never got a chance to wax in the fall. I am going to try to do the Alero the weekend after this one coming. Managed to avoid scratches for the most part this winter which is good.

Alero's with auto are being advertised for as little as C$18,500 cash here (about U$13K). Of course they don't have ABS/discs standard any more, but still a heck of a deal.

jpelder

Yeah, I guess when I think about it, 26 is ok. For most of the winter, we were getting about 24-25 city.

Get a coat of wax on that thing! I saw a Ruby Red one last week, all waxed and looking great. I really like the ruby.

Have you seen the new Red color offered on the Alero? I forget what it is called, but I got the idea it was a bright red.

You can get a GX with auto tranny for about $13,500 here. I still am glad I got the '02 since it is configured more as I wanted.

bridgeman49

Am considering buying a 2003 Alero GX, but I have a question about the cost of a 5-speed transmission on this vehicle. One local dealer's factory window sticker shows an $880 credit for this item. Another nearby dealer's factory sticker for the same exact model shows no credit for the 5-speed at all. The second car does have a $150 credit for the sport package, which I guess contains the manual trans. Any ideas why the variation in otherwise nearly identical cars? If one car has it (the larger credit), shouldn't the other? Thanks.

dindak

jpelder : Ya, I'll get the wax on soon. It got really cold really fast last fall and I only got one car done. Have not seen the new red, ruby is gone now correct?

bridgeman : Odd. Are you sure they were all GX models? 5 speed is standard on the GX but maybe a delete on the GL? Go with the best price in the end.
;-)

gregkillian

bridgeman49: your numbers are correct. The GX comes standard in the US with a slushbox, and there is a $850 credit for the 5-speed. (dindak, sounds like this is different for Canadian models as you get the 5-sp standard?)

However, if you select the "Sport Package" you get the 5-sp plus 15in aluminum wheels, spoiler, and leather wrapped wheel and shift knob. With the extra goodies, the 5-sp "credit" drops to $150.

In case you're only interested in the spoiler, that is a no-cost option on the GX, so you can get the 5-sp and spoiler for the $850 credit price (probably tough to find on a lot though). The wheels, tires, and leather wraps effectively end up costing you $700, but are more available in dealer stock.

I have a 2001 GL2 w/ the Getrag 5-sp, and it is a pretty nice tranny. IMHO, the current offering of the Ecotec-4 w/ the Getrag 5-sp is GM's best powertrain for cars. (with the exception of the Vette of course!)

Note, the 5-sp is no longer available on the GL model.

dindak

You know lots more about it than I. I think you are right though, no 5-speeds on GLs anymore. The 4-speed auto is nice though, silky smooth shifts. GM makes good auto trannys.

gregkillian

I agree dinkak, GM does make some of the world's best, smooth shifting autoboxes. I find though that they're a bit more suited to luxury than sport with no "auto-manual" mode or sport-mode (i.e. BMW) that provides quicker, albeit harsher shifts. To me, the 5-sp makes a good sporty fit for the alero's chassis. That's just me though...I commute 30 miles each way on twisty country roads, and the 5-sp makes the Alero an extra-willing dance partner. If I drove frequently on congested highways, my opinion might change!

jpelder

Actually, the GX 5 speed with the sport package gives you a $1000 credit. The $150 credit for the sport package is ON TOP of the 5 speed credit. That's right, they give you another $150 for taking the leather wheel and shift knob, aluminum 15" wheels and spoiler! It sounds crazy, but it's true. I couldn't pass that deal up!

You are right, the 2.2 with 5 speed is a world-class match...get one while you can.

dindak

jpelder : My mom and dad were shopping for cars and the salesman said the Alero will continue as a Chevrolet for a couple of years more. I wonder if there is any truth to that?

greg : Unfortunately I live in the Toronto area which tends to be a parking lot during rush hour. My wife wasn't crazy about the 5-speed idea either so I passed on it. Someday I will get a manual summer car for just me.

gregkillian

jpelder: Wow! I didn't realize that. It IS a great deal!!!

dinkak: Interesting info. Could be true? I was in Belgium a couple weeks ago and saw a Chevrolet Alero on the highway. Looked exactly the same but had bowtie logos.

The Alero is a great car. I say let it die a dignified death and go out in style. To slap a bowtie on it and bring it down to Chevy's level is demeaning in my opinion. Chevy hasn't put out a decent car (again, with the exception of the Vette)in decades.

Between the Aurora, Intrigue, and Alero, Olds had engineered some pretty damn good cars for reasonable prices, and I like to think that they went down fighting.

gregkillian

There have been recent articles that Bob Lutz wants to bring GM Europe's Opel brand to the US. read article at: http://www.autoweek.com/search/search_display.mv?port_code=autowe- ek&cat_code=carnews&content_code=02924895&Search_Type- =STD&Search_ID=1291615&record=3

For us Alero fans, that means the Opel Vectra. For those who have not seen these, go to www.vectra.de. It's all in German, but to see pictures click on "Galerie", and to see powertrain options, click on "Motoren u. Getriebe".

These cars are sprung tight on a very solid platform, have an interior that comes close to VW/Audi standards, and a number of powertrain options including the 2.2 Ecotec, a 2.0 Turbo Ecotec, and a 3.2 V6 Ecotec, all available with a 5 or 6!-speed. They look nice too. I rented an Ecotec w/ a 5-speed and it was sweet.

Bob, bring these over!

dindak

My only thought is there are too many brands in North America, is there a need for another? Perhaps Saab could sell them if they do come though.

The Vectra is really the same as the 04 Malibu coming out in about 2 months. It will be interesting to try one of those out though I don't think a 5-speed manual will be available.

As for a Chevy Alero, I also saw them in Europe. I hope they don't either, but it still sells well so I can see why GM probably doesn't want to kill it either.

gregkillian

True, there are a lot of brands. Saab would be a good fit as it's image is for solidly engineered european style/feel cars. However, the brand has historically commanded more $ than I care to spend. If I'm going to spend Saab money, I'd rather just get an A4 1.8T or 325i. The reason I like the Alero is that you get a great car without spending money on "image" which I'd rather not do.

Anyway, I don't care what they call it, but if they call it a Chevy, they'll likely give us squishy suspensions (even if the platform is solid), lackluster styling, and only autoboxes.

Maybe the next Grand Am (which will no longer be called Grand Am) will be a decent car. I believe it is also to be built on the Epsilon platform. Though their styling has improved, it'll probably still look a bit too boy-racer for me and not have simple, clean lines i.e. the Alero and euro sedans.

oldsman01

I've read for several years that the Alero is sold as the Chevy Alero in Europe. If you look at an Alero's license plate cut-out on the rear, you'll notice it is big enough for the larger(widthwise) european plates. As for the Alero continuing on as a Chevy in the US, this is doubtful. The platform is scheduled for total redesign with the 2005 model year.

dindak

oldsman : I doubt what the guy said is true, especially since GM Canada is releasing 3 new Chevy Daewoo models to pick up the slack for Oldsmobile volume. All Chev dealers in Canada are paired with Olds dealers.

greg : The new Malibu looks promising, we will have to wait and see how it drives. The G6 (Grand Am replacement) may be the best hope. Pictures I have seen look fantastic, very clean lines like the Alero but it will only have a V6.

regfootball

yeah but the vectra is much more tasteful looking than the Malibu with childish swooshes.

vcjumper

I shudder to think of the resale value and maintenance nightmares these will be.

ijennings1

Greg,

Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. The paperwork stated that to cure the turn indicator "replaced fuse, but still not working. Turn signal hazard flasher has an internal short, replaced turn signal hazard flasher". Also, the intermittent drivers door lock not working turned out that they had to replace the lock and unlock relays. Both problems have been fine since, but we still get an annoying "squeek! from I think the right front sispension area, but only at low speeds over Kansas City's discraceful road surfaces. Thanks for your help again. Ian

ijennings1

Coming from England, I find it amazing you guys actually WANT to change gear! Only kidding really as I know it is a novelty to you. But having changed gear approx 1100 times a day, every working day on the road, plus stop start, slip the clutch etc in traffic jams, you can keep your manual boxes. I of course accept you get better gas mileage with a stick shift, but remember to take out the cost of clutch replacments from this and let's face it, gas is so cheap here compared to $5.80 per gallon in Europe. Incidentally, in the U.K, G'm's Vauxhall brand offers auto boxes with sport mode (changes up at higher revs for better accleration) and winter mode (takes off in 3rd gear to avoid wheel spin). I wonder why they don't on their Aleros, Grand Prixs etc. Remember though that you should also overidde the auto if you need to, e.g, exiting a freeway on a steep curve, do not EVER brake here of course, drop the box to 3rd or even second. The best gears of all is the C.V.T box. I used to own a Fiat in the U.K with this brilliant DAF (Dutch) invention. No gears, just a band on a bevel, works a treat with no torque converter (TC) to eat up power. Early ones had a "snap" when you took off due to no T.C. But Nissan invented a metal "powder clutch" which cured it. Apparently, the powerful Audis have CVT's and they work really well.