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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  Alero - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Daous80 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  With the 5-Speed Transmittion great car. I get great gas mpg. interior nice. Only thing I would like to see improved is have the ablitily to have P/W in the GX model and the sunroof and fin. I had to purshase these separte. engine is not as quite as I would have liked but for the price I can deal with it.

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  Terrific Car - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Powers - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Alero in a row. Its easy to drive, fairly comfortable.

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  I like my car - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By ssobom - July 15 - 4:53 am

  Just passed 100,000 miles on my Alero. It has been a pretty reliable car over the past eight years. I love the exterior styling as well as the cockpit layout. The car has always been fun to drive. I have had to replace a few items over the past few years.(evaporator, brakes, fuel pump, fan control knob, rear defrost button) My next car will have better suspension, but I will miss this Alero.

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  Brakes are the only real problem - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By linenoise - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 1999 (its a 2000 Coupe with 2.4l) Other than the usual problems with Aleros (Brake Rotor/Hazard switch) this has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. I have 53K on it and the brake rotors are my only service items (twice but due for a 3rd), if considering drive the 2.4l and the 3.4 and youll find that the 2.l4 seems smoother and quite fun.

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  Poor quality - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By joe joe - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Very disappointed in the quality. Nothing like buying a car and watching depreciation fall through the floor after 2 years, (paid 11k, trade in offer of 2.5k, 50k total milage) OUCH!. All sorts of irratating problems like electrical, workmanship. No major problems for the first 50k but didnt wait around for that to happen. Dumped for a loss, didnt trust it over the long haul. Very disappointed with GM on this and went with a Honda.

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  All smiles until 40,000 miles - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Alero owner - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This car ran wonderfully until it hit 40,000 miles, since than many minor and major things have broken. In the past year, 15,000 miles, it has been in the shop 7 times. Water pumps, window regulators, intake manifolds, the ABS harness...and countless more. Beware, if you by an Alero make sure to buy the extended warranty.

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  I like my Alero - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By rplank - April 23 - 7:56 am

  Leased it because it was cheap and seemed solid compared to the imports in the same price range. I have 30000 miles on it and not a problem. 4 cylinder has adequate power for the gas milage it gets. I just bought a new 2002 Alero because of the rebates and incentives. If it wouldnt of been cheap I would of gone with an import only for resale value, not because I like them better than the Alero.

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  Average - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Willie - April 1 - 10:20 pm

  The Alero is fun to drive, but it gets horrible gas millage, it is horrible in the snow, and its speakers rattle with every hint of base in a song.

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  2001 Alero GLS 4 door - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By 3and14 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Purchased an Alero GLS in Feb 2001 and have not regretted it in the nearly 3 years since. The handling and braking with the performance suspension is excellent, although the steering is a little quick at highway speeds. The car has been very reliable with the exception of brake pads and rotors that wore out prematurely (22K), a common Olds problem. For the money, this seemed to be the best choice at the time and nothing has made me question that decision. Too bad Olds is going away as whats left in GMs lineup for the foreseeable future doesnt do it for me.

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  Not Bad... - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By tburts - January 18 - 4:56 am

  I purchased my Alero in 08. Checking the head gaskets prior to purchase is essential since they go bad on the 3.4 V6. Had some minor issues after purchase such a water leak on passenger side console. A cheap foam patch from the dealership corrects this problem. There is also the occasional problems with wheel bearings. Also, the rear defrost system failed due a failure of a control module in the rear of the car. Apart from some rust issues, car is pretty reliable for the most part.