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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  2003 Olds Alero at 47,100 Miles - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Alero owner - July 13 - 8:50 am

  The dials and some buttons on the dash have had to be replaced under warranty. They have also lost some of their black coating, I am not sure why this happened. Also, the ignition switch went out at 38,000 miles.

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  You Should Buy One - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Shauna - July 3 - 3:36 pm

  I love my new Alero. I overpayed i guess...but it was well worth it! It is a fun and sporty car that has a decent amount of power. Nothing has seriously gone wrong with it yet. It is a very reliable car and all my friends are jealous with there plain looking Honda Civics and Dodge Neons...ewwwwwi e....hahaha!

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  If you know a car - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By nflsonic - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I just received this car from graduation recently, and Im totally surprised. My father had to fix this car up a bit, but now, the brakes are flawless and the minor problems (molding around the door was already fixed) are non-exsisting. I love the acceleration on this beauty and wherever I ride, I DO get some looks (kinda fun to point out cause I didnt before on my 89 Buick). If you can test this model, do it, but definitly try to point out the small problems if any. If you can find a seller that treated this car superb (my father- neat freak), than you will have many enjoyment rides than what other drivers say about this car.

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  Terrible Resale Value - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Jay - June 18 - 8:50 am

  I have had every single problem that you can think of from brakes going to the check engine light going on and off. I bought this car new and traded in a 97 Nissan Maxima that worked and sounded better then the new car. I tried to take the car back to the dealership because I knew I made a mistake but they would have no part of it. I paid $21,000.00 for a car that I can not get a Happy Meal and five bucks for today (poor resale value). I really do not like this car, and I rather go into more debt and get rid of it then to drive it another day.

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  A sharp car to drive - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By meghan - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car from a private owner. It handles great and sure is fun to drive. The leather interior is so comfortable. The only complaint, I dont get to drive it as often as Id like to.

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  2001 Oldsmobile Alero - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Blcofee - June 10 - 3:43 am

  The only problems I have had with my 2001 Oldsmobile Alero are with the intake manifold. My Alero had 31,000 when I purchased and at around 41,000 miles the intake manifold went bad. It was just by the grace on of God that my car was still under warranty! I enjyed driving this car when I first boight it, and I still do. It does have many large blind spots though.

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  Olds Alero - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By micco - June 8 - 11:56 am

  The alero was much more than we expected. My wife loves it so much she will not let me drive. The cars workmanship is tops in its class.

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  The "Newmobile" Alero - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By AliasX - May 21 - 10:00 am

  My father bought his Alero a couple of years ago, and I have to admit that at first I was rather appalled by his decision to get this car. However, whatever opinions I had about the car quickly changed after a few errand runs. The Alero has a way of growing on you. This cars traction control system works wonders in the snow. It got me out of a bad situation real quick...

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  My Alero - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Not Fathers Olds - May 18 - 6:56 am

  I bought my Alero after lots of rentals, and loved it at first. However, all of the typical quirks I read about on this car have occurred. Steering cylinder failure; plugged heater core (Dexcool) b/c sediment collects at lowest point=heater; Intake gasket=Dexcool problem; ABS sensor failure; Early transmission slip failures; gas tank solenoid (check engine); alloy wheels corrode/leak at tire lips; premature serpentine belt wear/squeaking. Too bad, as it would be a great car if GM would have address the reliability issues before tiring the line.

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  Great car! - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Mich72 - May 4 - 4:36 am

  I have owned my Alero since 1999. I have NEVER had any major problems with my car. I have taken it in regularly for the maintenance and oil changes. My warranty just expired last year and the only things that I have had to replace is the motor for the power window. I would highly reccomend this car to anyone. Too bad they do not make them anymore!