Overview & Reviews
Following a string of truly forgettable small-car efforts in the 1980s and '90s, Oldsmobile celebrated its centennial anniversary by introducing the all-new Alero to compete with the popular and well-established import competition of the day. While it failed to truly capture the hearts and minds of consumers or chalk up many conquest sales, Olds' small car story ended on an upbeat note with a stylish and decently designed effort.
Available as a sedan or coupe, the Oldsmobile Alero was considered by most to be a sporty-looking car thanks to its bulging wheelwells, sleek greenhouse, fluted side panels and large jewellike taillights. The front-drive Alero was also relatively entertaining to drive. Buyers could choose four-cylinder or V6 power. Initially, the Alero came with an automatic transmission only, but a five-speed manual eventually made an appearance.
Handling was nicely balanced and braking was strong. Inside, an artfully designed two-tone dash faced comfortable front seats that were firm and supportive. All controls were easy to see and use, with large knobs and buttons. Unfortunately, all-around refinement didn't match that of the leading imports.
The phase-out of the Oldsmobile brand spelled the end for the Alero. For a shopper interested in an affordable used coupe or sedan from the early 2000s, the Oldsmobile Alero should do nicely as long as one is aware of the car's faults and lame-duck heritage. Service can be handled at select GM dealerships -- you might want to focus on Pontiac, as the Alero was mechanically similar to the Grand Am.
Most Recent Oldsmobile Alero
The Oldsmobile Alero debuted in 1999 as a replacement for the slow-selling Achieva. Coupe and sedan body styles were offered, as were three main trim levels: entry-level GX, midgrade GL and top-line GLS. GX and GL models came standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that made 150 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. Optional on GL and standard on GLS was a 3.4-liter V6 that made 170 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission choice at the time was a four-speed automatic.
Incremental improvements saw it through the next several years. A year after the car's debut, Olds offered a sport-tuned suspension package for the GL. For 2001, an optional five-speed manual transmission became available on four-cylinder models, and the car's antilock braking system was updated. If you're looking at four-cylinder Aleros, take note that for 2002 Oldsmobile replaced the 2.4-liter engine with a quieter and more fuel-efficient 2.2-liter engine. It made 140 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque.
Inside, we found the Oldsmobile Alero offered a user-friendly control layout and seats that were generally comfortable -- though materials quality throughout was a step or two behind that of competing imports; even the leather in the GLS looked and felt too much like vinyl. For those with lots to carry, though, both the coupe and sedan offered a generous 14.6 cubic feet of trunk capacity.
Although neither engine was particularly quiet, the four-cylinder provided adequate power in most situations while the V6 delivered spirited performance. The Alero's suspension tuning was firm and allowed some fun around twists and turns, yet ride quality remained smooth enough to make the Olds suitable for weekday commuting. The steering offered little in the way of road feel, however, and the brakes were strong but could be difficult to modulate due to an overly stiff pedal.
User Reviews:
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Be Careful - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
By sam - June 1 - 11:00 pmBought it ad 59000 miles drove it until it had 85,000 miles and then it was time to sell or drive off a cliff. All the window regulators went out, the fan speed control stopped working, the breaks started to make a creeking noise. I have had 3 different mechanics tell me the engine design is terrible, it has already cost me $850 and there are still problems. They can pin point the problem to many variables. Dont buy not worth the stress.
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Buy this one - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
By hjallie - May 30 - 5:43 pmThe 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.
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First Olds Buyer - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
By Mick27 - May 28 - 10:00 amNice car, the V-6 has good power. I have taken several long trips in this car and its gets very good gas milage. Air conditioner is a little weak. The only problem that developed in 30,000 miles was a slight anti freeze leak which was a big job but was covered under the new car warrenty.
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Best in class - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
By Kevin2001 - May 28 - 10:00 amI went from the Grand Am coupe 99 to the Alero. The Grand Am had a water leak and GM offered me a rebate check to buy another GM. I came hours from buying a Toyota Solara (check in hand) I found alot of water in the trunk and a loud squeak from the cars front and rear springs or struts. NO THANK YOU! I went back to GM and purchased the best in this class. 2001 GLS alero coupe black tan leather I also have the gold package it makes the car stand out along with the 16" crome wheels. I have over a dozen more ops than a Import plus $4,000 saved, plus $50 less a month.whi cares about resale value. I already have my resale money back in my bank.
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Good car. - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
By SSilan3840@aol.com - May 24 - 2:00 amA good car for around the city. Fast, economical, steers well, peppy and plenty fast
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B-E-A-UTIFUL! - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
By SkaterHick - May 23 - 6:16 amOver all an amazing car. Reliable, handles well in the snow, and over all speedy. the only draw backs would be a wavy interior on the dash.
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new owner - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
By bildar - May 22 - 12:06 pmHavent owned it long but love it
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Nice Looking, but it stops there - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
By Vaughn31 - May 17 - 7:06 amI 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!
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Reliable and Stylish - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
By lisa - May 5 - 4:23 pmI never had a problem with either one of my Aleros. I owned a 99 and then a 2000! Oldsmobile finally came out with a beautiful, fun car that blew Pontiac and Buick out of the water.
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What a disappointment - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
By Gregor1022 - April 29 - 10:00 amMy wife and I bought a 1999 Alero GL2 with 28,000 miles on it in early 2002. Weve had it for 1.5 years and have had the following done to it: -Head gasket replaced/repaired ($500) -Ventilation system actuator and resistor replaced ($800) -Left front CV joint repaired ($400) -Right passenger side power window motor replaced ($200) -Front rotors/pads replaced ($300) We have paid over $2,200 in repairs. This is the worst peice of crap either of us have ever owned. The dealership told us "thats what you get for buying a bottom of the line car." Well, after owning this car and being told that - I will NEVER buy another GM car.
