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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  Do youself a favor - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By ;oaiuwsdhfoiau;shdf - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for two years. Ive had the alternator replaced twice. $200 Dealership picked up the second one for me for free. The drivers side power window had to have the entire window system replaced when it broke. $100 The brakes wear down faster than any other car Ive had. The tape player stopped working. Ive lost pickup and power as soon as I got over 50k miles. The ignition casings malfunction and locked up, so the key wouldnt turn, thats $650 from the dealership. I bought it used, no warranty. I bought this car two years ago for $1500 below the blue book, and its depreciated 50% in two years.

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  This thing just wont quit - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Nick - July 10 - 8:41 pm

  Bought my red 2 door alero for dirt cheap and it had next to nothing for the miles (114,000) for the GM 3.4 thats nothing!! The ride of the vehicle could be better but the handling is fantastic! Acceleration is really good probably because I have the 3.4, sorry for you 4 cyl out there lol. The safety of this car is amazing for such a little car, took a lifted Dodge Ram head on I really thought this car was going to the junkyard but nope I slapped a new hood bumper and fender on and it drove like new! This car does go through brakes pads and rotors pretty often ( replaced 3 times already mileage is only at 145,000) and when they were replaced it still squeaked when drove (annoyed the hell outta me but hey the car still stopped) also the car goes through tires quickly too ( also my 3rd set 30,000 miles) you really need to keep up with the maintenance on this vehicle and she should last you a very long time! My advise to you if youre looking to purchase one is make sure its been maintained pretty well or it will be a nightmare

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  Good Solid Vehicle - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By My Review - July 8 - 12:20 am

  I bought my 00 Alero brand new. I was going to purchase a Grand Am, but once I drove the Alero, I knew it was the right choice. I have the GLS V6 2- door. I dont know if this is different than some of the bad reviews Ive read on this site or not, but my Alero has been great. I have 140K miles on it, and my mechanic says that it is still running strong. I feel it is a solid car.

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  Olds - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mikend33 - June 30 - 6:43 am

  My wife has driven this car almost 100 miles a day for a year with no problems. Still runs just like the day we bought it. We have since moved closer to her work. We would buy another Oldsmobile if they were still making them.

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  Good Car - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By justytt - June 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for the money. It gets great gas milege, i get around 345 mpg highway. ive had no probelms with it execpt i did have to get new front brakes at about 40,000 miles and they still grind. the cars best features is the stereo and it also handles very well. the back tail lights are a little bit to big and it could use a little more horse power. other than that i would recommend this car to anyone who wants a good inexpensive car.

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  Backaches galore - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By desiresnewcar - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Alero for a little over 2 and a half years and its time to get rid of it! Unfortunately, Im going to loose a lot of money because resale is HORRIBLE, on these cars!

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  THE BEST CAR OUT THERE - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By MIA - June 22 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY FIRST CAR.....MY OWN CAR...AND I LOVE IT..I HAVE DRIVE OTHER CARS FOR ALONG TIME BUT IN THE YEAR THAT I HAVE HAD MY CAR I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT AND IT IS ONE OF THE ONLY CARS THAT I COULD AFFORD THAT I REALLY LOVED

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  Do not buy this car - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By dsh1127 - June 16 - 11:40 pm

  I bought this car new in April 2003. It was a nice car until about 50,000 miles. At that point, my opinion on this car changed greatly! It started having one problem after another, and had so many squeaks, rattles and air leakage that you would think it was a 20 year old car. This car was in the shop so often that everyone knew me on a first name basis! The final problem was a major computer meltdown at 68,000 miles. I left it at the shop (unrepaired), got what I could for trade, and bought a used Nissan Maxima! Do not waste your money and time on an Alero!

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  Really cant complain - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By snogame - June 6 - 7:30 pm

  This is my 2nd Alero (1st - 99, had lots of under warranty work) but took my chances and got another 1 and I love it. Have been vigilant on regular maint, considering mileage (294,000 km) repairs have been expected (apprx $4k in 2 yrs), typical for this car (or any car with this mileage for that matter), brakes, fuel pump/filter, intake manifold gasket, head gasket, hub assembly, multifunction switch, theft-lock system sensor. I drive mostly highway miles, around 1000 km per week min. Love the drive, feel very safe and comfortable. Handling is excellent, low interior noise. A little disappointed with the low resale value. Overall a great reliable car I just wish they hadnt discontinued it.

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  2002 Olds Alero - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By japorter11 - May 19 - 12:17 am

  Bought my Alero a few months ago with 72k miles on it. Solid engine, no problems thus far. Have replaced passenger side window motor, vinyl on the dash was already cracked. Decent car for the money. Uncommon tire size(225/55/16) expensive to replace.