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: Four Years Into Ownership - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By chamescalvin - February 16 - 2:00 am

  After four years, it still looks good and drives well. Driven only 24k miles, mostly short trips to work. So far corrective maintenance has been minor. Ive had the PS pump adjusted once, the rotors turned once, one battery replaced, the drivers side power window motor replaced, and rear door upholstery repaired. I was surprised by the problems reported at this website by some of the other owners. The V-6 provides strong acceleration, the car handles well, and I find it quiet and smooth. Driver visibility is excellent. The cars exterior looks solid. The interior looks fine at a glance, but the dash and door materials are cheap.

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  Sporty Ride - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By RKP - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great ride, sporty and great acceleration for a 170 HP engine. I like its cornering ability no push in the tight corners. Layout is good, night lighting excellent. The ride is solid Excellent handling capability. I am very satisfied mechanically but am looking for a softer and more plush ride.

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  CAUTION! - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By CAUTION!!!! - January 16 - 3:00 am

  Bought my Alero because I had rented one once and fell in love with its performance and ride. It is really fast for a coupe. If you are considering buying one from a dealer you better get the extended warranty! I have replaced the rotors on the front (big problem with Aleros). The lower intake gasket leaked so that screwed up the antifreeze. The resistor that controls the blower motor burned out. There is a rattling noise in front suspension that I cant seem to find. Fortunately I got the extended warranty! Id be out a few thousand if I hadnt. Depreciation is ridiculous! Paid $11,000 for it in 2002 and its now worth $6,000 retail/$4,000 trade. I owe $8000.

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  Great College Car - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By luminesa - January 8 - 10:00 am

  My parents and I bought this car for my use during college. It gets wonderful fuel mileage, which is great for all of the driving I do. The space available to load my luggage in is also wonderful. The body of the car is very stylish--great for a young student.

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  i feel safe in this car - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By justjess26 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Last week, I got in a bad accident in my Alero. I was hit in my drivers side door by a truck and my car ended up being totaled, as the accident was very bad. However, it is amazing that I walked out of the accident without any injuries. Both of my airbags deployed, my car did not roll over, and it kept me from getting hurt. There was another Alero owner in the parking lot and he said that it was good to know that the car could protect so well, and that the airbags work, etc. I agree, and would have no problems getting into another Alero.

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  cool car - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By knn - September 30 - 10:00 am

  its reliable and good for a first time cheap car. cheap and reliable. Ive had no problems with it except a brocken oil sensor and a leak on the door all of which were covered in the warranty

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  alero "the family car" - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mcky09 - September 24 - 10:00 am

  the title says it all. this car has a mature feel throughout every aspect.the ride is very nice and has the power to pass if necessary. maxes out at 97 mph. this is the car to grow old in. and im only 20 with no family. why do i have this car?

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  Leased Alero - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Alero Driver - September 15 - 3:43 pm

  I leased my Alero in July 99. It has the GL1 package and have found it to be a good solid car but nothing exceptional. The heat and a/c did not work on the 2 low settings after a year but other than that I have had no major problems. The gas mileage is not that good - I drive in the city mostly - around 18 miles to the gallon with the 4 cylinder. Resale value poor.

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  Fun to drive but its the little things - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Eric - September 15 - 6:00 am

  I bought the car about a year and a half ago, and had the brakes done and found out i needed a wheel bearing. Less than a month later it went out again and I needed to get two more after that. Many of the fuses have gone out also (horn) and the lights like to burn out in a short amount of time. License plate, side markers and blinkers.

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  Good for the money - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By lalalolo - September 10 - 5:33 am

  Well, you could buy an ugly early 90s import, or an Alero for about the same price. For me, theres no contest. Id take my Alero. Unless you plan on driving it for the next 15 years, it is an excellent car for the money.