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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  Excited About Alero!!! - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By vanillaalero - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my new olds alero. Thus far, from what I can tell, this is a great vehicle. Has great handling, good acceleration, nice turning raduis & is a sporty little car but has four doors. So that is a great solution for mothers like me who still want sports cars but need space for the little ones. Best of all its soooooo fun to drive!!!

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  Aleros are death traps - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Sherri Bett - January 8 - 3:43 am

  My 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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  Bye-bye Olds - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mountainman68 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Maybe it is good GM is axing Olds. This was a "program" car, so maybe it was abused before we got it, but before 75000 miles we had a motor mount break, coolant leak from intake manifold, 3 full brake jobs, twice in shop for driveability - one was an air sensor. Dont remember the other problem. Continuous intermittent electrical problems that dealer cant find. Im glad I bought an extended warranty. (too bad the brakes werent covered) I do like the sporty styling and V6 performance, but interior is too small and car cannot be trusted. I will be trading it in the very near future. I will not be buying another GM product. Period.

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  MY GREAT ALERO - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By JAKENCOOKIE - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE NOTHING BUT FUN IN THIS CAR

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  Never again! - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By not happy with GM - December 21 - 2:00 am

  At 39,000 miles had to have a head gasket replaced. In 61,000 miles have had to have 3 o2 sensors replaced at various times. Car now has a problem with hesitating going up hills and no one can track down what the problem is. This is the first and last GM product I will buy.

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  stay away - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By e gremmels - December 19 - 10:00 am

  At this point, the car has 63,000 miles. In the last 6 months I have had to replace the air conditioner condensor, fan switch on the air conditioner,head gasket, and starter. Also, the hazard light button has fallen into the dash board and the cell phone receptacle has come loose from its connection and does not work. For a car with this low mileage-the expense of the keeping it running is about to drive me crazy-$2,500 in 6 months. I drive 120 miles a day to work. I have to have a dependable car and this is not one. In addition, the seats are not comfortable for long drives and the cup holders are almost impossible.

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  Best Olds ever - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By galaxybeing - December 1 - 4:23 am

  This is the 2nd Alero owned by my wife and me. She has been driving her 99 Alero since 2000. A super car. She has 110,000 miles on it now and it is still a great looker and a terrific little speeder - especially with the K&N air filter, which make sit roar. Both aleros, I drive the 04 have the 3.4 engine, which I highly recommend to anyone considering buying an Alero. Great styling, too, for the price range. Keep Mobil 1 in the crankcase and the engine will always show the driver its appreciation. So far, the 99 Alero needed an alternator and a front strut replaced. As well, the hazard switch broke but will be repaired free under a recall order. The 99 is super fast - much faster than the 04,

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  Extremely Safe - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Pegster - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I unfortunately do not have my car anymore, as I totaled it on August 11, 2001 in a rainstorm. When I had it I loved it!! Everyone who rode in her loved the comfortable ride, even from the back seat. It was great for long trips. I had the full package and wouldnt go for less. I disagree with Edmunds review in the fact that mine had side air bags. None of the airbags deployed, but that was only because we did not take any direct hits to the sides or front. I hydroplaned into a cable barrier in AZ (taking out 300 of cable and 7 poles). It smashed the front and passenger side windows when we went under the cable. We were TOTALLY UNTOUCHED inside the vehicle.

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  Will sit you in your seat. - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Camwise - November 2 - 4:20 am

  I bought this car after it had been used as a rental, and it already had 99000 miles on it. I love the power of the v6 and the fact that it easily beats 90% of the people off the mark at a stop light..... Im a bit of a lead foot and this car meets my needs. Even with my lead foot I get 27MPG(Mostly Highway Miles)! When my wife drives she gets 33MPG(Also highway Miles)! About 2 months after I bought it I had to replace both front wheel bearings. About 2 yrs it was loosing all power and I had to take it in and have $1600 worth of repairs, but now it feels brand new again and is going great. Ive put 50000 more miles on it and look to put another 50000!

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  Very Unhappy - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Not A Fan - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I am very disappointed with my 2 door GLS Alero. After owning it for 10 months, it has leaked (I mean 2-3 inches of water in back floorboard) 4 times!!! The dealership keeps "fixing" it, but to no avail. Not a happy customer