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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  Sexxy car - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Supakrupa - May 10 - 10:00 am

  this car has good looks, and is a fun car to drive.The preformance from the base 4 cylender is above average but not quite a super star. Handles the road well, engine noise is a little louder than expected.

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  Awesum lil ride - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Steven - April 30 - 9:13 pm

  I bought mine in 05 w/ 9,000 miles. now has 120,000. has NEVER let me down. Only minor maintenance costs so far except for the intake gasket, which the dealer covered. Ive customized mine with a new wing, body kit, tinted glass and fancy wheels, and it turns heads everywhere I take it. Both my sons are jealous and want me to hand over the title. (not gonna happen!!!)

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  99 Alero - beware! - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By bkonyu - April 30 - 2:16 pm

  This car has had no end of problems at least for us - restarting issues, parts of the car coming off in my hand, constant replacement of major parts. It is very unreliable. This was the first model year, but come on. On the plus side, it does have good power - but the transmission seems to hamper its full utilization at times. It also is very comfortable. On the other hand we have a 99 Toyota Tercel that is small and wussy, but bullet proof! As a Cadillac mechanic friend once told me - dont buy North American vehicles.

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  This is a good car - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By x - April 27 - 3:46 am

  Decent car. Good power. Smooth ride. 44,000 miles and no problems. Rotors did warp, but replacing them with good rotors and good brake pads solves the problem. If you buy cheap parts, well then, you get what you pay for. Reliable so far, and probably will be in the future. No mechanical problems either.

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  One of my favorites - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By slenderman - March 27 - 10:23 am

  This is my 80 mi. RT commuter. Bought as a GX coupe with 33k on the clock from a GM dealer, 4 Cyl. 2.4L LD9 engine, auto trans, manual windows, a/c. Sporty handling, good acceleration. Great Delco audio system. Since Ive had it, replaced front wheel bearings, brake pads, brake rotors (these seem to warp easy), water pump, alternator. Be sure you keep the oil topped off on these; I switched to 10W-30 when the mileage was getting up there (it was starting to use a lot of 5W-30). Use a better quality oil filter on these also. Only electrical issue Ive had involved the instrument cluster and the vent fan; it used to cut in and out randomly in wet weather. Now getting ready to put it to pasture; its now got cancer behind the doors and 241,000 on it. (It still has the original spark plugs in it!)

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  WORST OF THE WORST OF THE WORST - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By amrshalaby - March 21 - 1:52 pm

  WORST CAR EVER MADE IN THE HISTORY OF MANKIND. Lets see where to start. I will start when the car was bought. AC Fan Resistor. Intake Gasket Manifold. Oil Pressure Sensor. Front Right Spring broke! Front Shocks and Front Springs! Front Wheel bearings went bad. Calibers seized. New brake calibers, new brake lines, and new rotors & pads, and the brakes still seized! AC Clutch bad, needs AC compressor. Cheap interior. dashboard cover is peeling and rolling backwards. New water pump. Then intake gasket only lasted 2 years, needed an engine. This car is an ongoing fire pitt for your money. WORST CAR EVER MADE.

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  Trouble free vehicle - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By jqxwl - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle on 6/18/2000. Besides regular services, I have never brought it to car garage! And it is still in great shape! Very stable and reliable!

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  15 y/o w/ only 29k miles - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Chris - March 10 - 6:49 pm

  I found this car as a replacement for a 1999 Malibu. Its a great replacement. Had an issue with the ignition module right away, but the dealer fixed that and since then this car is a gem!

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  consistant - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By papadoc - February 25 - 9:10 pm

  well looks like im not the only one with the same probs, ive also expierenced window motor troubles on two windows! also frequent replacement of lights and bulbs here and there, fuel pump (first time) and it seems pretty consistant with everybodies elses expierience with their Alero. Good thing the thing is paid off!!!!

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  great used buy - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By chip - February 22 - 6:56 pm

  Excellent used car buy. Does everything well at bargain basement price. Last of the low cg gm midsize vehicles. Recently put 245 45 16 series bridgestone potenza tires and handling is phenomenal. (have owned corvettes, lotus, and Audi a-4 turbos) 6 cyl auto mpg over 26 at real speed (75 mph+).