2002 Oldsmobile Alero - Good or Bad?

Question

I'm thinking about buying a 2002 Oldsmobile Alero and would like to know everyone's experience with this car. Is it a good car? Or bad car?

Answer 1

Here are some consumer reviews of the '02 Alero, a lot of negative reviews: http://www.carsurvey.org/modelyear_Oldsmobile_Alero_2002.html

Here's the Consumer Guide reviews for the '02 model:
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2002-oldsmobile-alero-5.htm

And their overview/review of the entire run of the car from '99-'04: http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/1999-to-2004-oldsmobile-alero-6.htm

I wouldn't let the negativity necessarily dissuade you from buying the car, especially if you are getting a cheap price on it.

Answer 2

Its not real clear from your description but if I understand your issue its that the air doesn't exit all the vents equally? My guess is that you've got diverter door problems. All ventilation systems have diverter doors that open and close to direct the air flow wherever its needed. Those doors are usually operated by either vacuum or electrical controls. When the electrical contacts are bad or the vacuum hoes leaking or disconnected you end up with the symptoms you describe. If you can hear the blower operating at the different speeds there's no problem with the fan motor or the resistor. The climate control switch could be the issue if the diverter doors are electrically operated. Doubtful its a relay but wouldn't hurt to check the manual to see if there's any relays in that circuit, other than for the fan.

Answer 3

Buy a 1998+ Honda Accord or 1997+ Toyota Camry.

Answer 4

my son had a 99 alero and we had nothing but trouble from it.spent more time working on it than we did driving it.

Answer 5

As Dave Berry (a wonderful writer) once said: "The symptoms of being brain dead are complete lack of movement and other body functions or... buying an Oldsmobile."
Hey, do not blame me! He really said so.