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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Pretty Bad Car option - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
By markcan - December 24 - 10:00 amOne of the worst cars I have ever purchased as a sales rep on the road.
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Oldsmobile NEEDS to Replace every Alero - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
By Becky - August 14 - 3:33 amI bought my vehicle in June of 2002, thus far I have replaced brakes, rotors, intake gasket, waterpump, fuel filter, power steering pump, and now my transmission is slipping, have any of you realized that there is n o way to check the transmission fluid on your own? Not to mention the tires I have had to replace. The dashboard is raised due to sun damage. It appears to me that a bunch of monkeys could have done better when they decided to build this car. I had contacted Oldsmobile many times and they seem quite content that a bunch of fools like us made them rich. The car is paid for, but the repair bills are adding up. I will NEVER buy AMerican Made Again!!!!!!!
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Aleros are death traps - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
By Sherri Bett - January 8 - 3:43 amMy brake pedal went to the floor a lot and I almost got seriously hurt in 2000 with this thing. The mechanics kept fixing the brakes and a month later Id be back at the shop.
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worse car ever - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
By dale - July 27 - 8:03 pmthis car is the biggest pos ever...fuel pump went out...now the brakes suck big time...cant figure why the brakes freeze up....would never tell anyone to buy one.....DO NOT BUY
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Hunk Of Scrap! GM are theives to have even marketed this DEATH TRAP!!! - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
By alderozrjunk - March 29 - 8:20 amThis is the worst POS on the planet. This was Oldsmobiles 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!
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Disgraceful - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
By TKincaid - December 5 - 10:00 amI gave this car poor on its rating to get back at Oldsmobile for not fixing my Alero. The Aluminum Wheels make a grinding/humming noise. Oldsmobile has not had enough complaints for a recall so turn off the radio, roll up the windows and listen as you drive at 10 to 15 mph. Olds. does not deny that this is a problem but will not stand behind their product. There are 3 types of wheels and the aluminum ones are making the sound. Let Olds. know or write BBB. This is no way to treat a customer.
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Junk - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
By oldsjunk123gfy - November 30 - 10:00 amGarbage. Power windows broke. Rotors warp every 10,000. Trans problems. Steering column problems.
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This car is terrible... - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
By Jason - March 28 - 11:10 pmI inherited this car when I got married and started pumping cash into it immediately. Things that are wrong: 1. 3 fuel pump replacements 2. constantly blown fuses 3. window motor replaced 4. brakes constantly replaced (1.5 times a year) 5. lights burn out regularly 6. hazzard switch short.
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Worst Car Ever Owned; A Real Lemon - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
By joners - July 11 - 9:09 amPaid 8,000 for car and put 3,000 into engine, mostly seals, major problem in coolent system, cracked engine block, the list goes on and on.... this was the worst engine GM ever built, I dont reccommend it. Replaced fuel pump, then it was needing repairs twice a year. Joined a class action lawsuit and GM got out of it by filing bankruptcy. If your buying an Alero plan on spending alot for repairs, due to cheap parts and a poorly running engine.
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Aleros are really death traps - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
By sherri bett - April 25 - 5:30 pmI would have my brake pedal go to the floor with no warning. Once this happened I quickly released the pedal and then the pedal worked. Except one time. I was going down a steep hill, and when I put my foot on my brake pedal, I felt NOTHING! Talk about having my heart fall into my stomach, it scared me to death!! I pushed harder and harder on my brake pedal but nothing happened, and when it hit the floor, my life flashed in front of my eyes! I pushed and pumped my brake pedal but nothing happened, my brakes were failing!! I just went into shock when I touched my brake and felt nothing. I was almost at the guard rail, I pumped them one more time and they finally came back and I didnt die
