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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Overall--I really like the 4 door GLS - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
By richinatlanta - January 6 - 2:00 amI did a lot of travel in 2000 and ended up renting the Alero several times. I really liked the layout of the interior and when I got a GLS version, the 6 cylinder had plenty of power. I was able to find exactly the model I wanted at a local dealer when GM was offering incentives, so I got a fully loaded 2001 silver model. The problems have been minimal in my opinion, and the build quality is ok for an American car, much better than I remember after owning several foreign models. Make sure to get the handling package option. I would recommend the car based on my experiences.
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Still a good car - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
By GoingStrong - December 17 - 10:16 amMy father paid $10,000 for the 2001 Alero with 12,000 miles for my brother and I in 2002 when we were in high school. I wasnt really crazy about it then because it seemed like EVERYONE had one but now I look back and see what a good car it was and still is. The only problem we have with it is the blinkers. They ALWAYS CLICK! It takes them a couple minutes to stop clicking even after they switch off. The car is now my brothers and he hasnt had a single problem with it since the battery died last year leaving him stranded in the mountains haha. Overall, great car for the money as long as its taken care of.
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Solid Feeling Car - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
By luckybuck - December 1 - 10:00 amThe car has a surprisingly solid feel. With all the rebates and incentives I feel i got a great deal!
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Good - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
By Friendly Helper - October 30 - 2:00 amI got this car as my second car. Before I was driving a 1994 Olds LSS. Even though this is a lower endmodel than the LSS was at the time it was made I tend to like this car more because it comes with alot of features such as cd which my old car did not have. The stereo was not as good as the lss unofrtunately, but what can you expect from a cheaper car I guess.
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Looks and muscle arent everything. - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
By Folderol - September 29 - 10:00 am2 years ago this was exactly what I wanted: green,sleek,V6,alloy wheels and CD. Then problems started: first the heater/AC blower went. Then the blinkers cut out part of the time. Then the front rotors warped, were resurfaced under warrantee but warped again even worse and had to be replaced out of pocket. Acceleration, ride and handling are good but compared to my fiancees Jetta the brakes and steering are terribly numb and disconnected. Seats are comfy at first but after an hour my butt hurts. Overall, looks great inside and out but after a couple years the car grates on me. My next car will be an import, probably a Mazda.
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satisfied owner - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
By bthompso_99 - September 26 - 10:00 amBought used two years old with 25,000 miles. Several problems while it was still under warranty. CD player was replaced, driver side window motor replaced, blower electrical controls replaced, cruise went out, rotor problem. No major problems since warranty expired. Other than these mostly electrical problems the car has been fun to drive and for the most part a reliable vehicle that met our needs. Traded it off for a larger vehicle with growing family. If not for the need of a larger vehicle we would have kept it for a few more years.
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Good So Far... - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
By kugrad07 - September 7 - 3:13 amThe Alero is a good handling car with great looks, but it is notorious for brake problems. Its almost time for my second brake replacement at only 55,000 miles! Fixes also very expensive in comparison to other cars in same class.
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Fun car to Drive - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
By Love this car - September 3 - 1:53 pmGot this car in 2001. Love to drive it, love the looks I get. It handles great. I have the 3.4 lt and its fun. The seats are so comfortable (leather) that I really enjoy long trips. Trunk is very spacious and the rear seats fold down for the longer stuff. Have not had any major problems. Those other people must have gotten lemons to have so many problems or they beat it to death. A car has to be taken care of not abused to keep it in good shape and running nice. I would buy another one. But I dont want to sell the one I have any time soon.
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I love it but need something bigger! - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
By amys alero - August 5 - 8:43 pmI bought my Oldsmobile Alero used with 15,000 miles on it. It has great power with the V6 engine! I love the look and the drive. The gas mileage is about 20 mpg around town. It seems I stop twice a week for gas! The trunk space is huge! Has a great factory sound system. It is comfortable on long rides! The only problem has been with the CV joint (it still need to be replaced). It causes an annoying knocking if I am on a bumpy road or turning. The interior quality is ok, except for the power source cover is made of weak plastic and has broken from use. It hangs off if opened. I need a bigger car for my larger family! This car does not have much backseat legroom due to long legged drivers. When people tell me my lights are on I love to say "Thats Ok. They go off automatically!"
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Good Car - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
By Rick - July 17 - 12:13 pmI love my Alero, I did have some brake issues at first, but GM replaced the brakes and rotors and I have not had any problems since. I have over 70,000 miles and love the 2.4L engine. I just replaced the original tires. Overall this is a good car.
