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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  DO NOT BUY THIS PIECE OF CRAP! - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By GladTheAlero_isGone! - April 27 - 10:00 am

  These are just SOME of things that put this car in the shop in the 1st 40,000 miles: Brake rotors resurfaced at 10K and 20K miles. Low speed fan motor replaced at 20K. Low speed fan resistor replaced at 30K and 36K miles. COMPLETE ENGINE REBUILD NEEDED AT 38,000 Miles - Right after warranty period was over. $4,000. Fog lamps and headlights/taillights failed. Now the front left end is loud, grinding and vibrating - maybe a joint or something - not waiting around to find out. Drove it to a Kia dealer (just made it) and traded it in for $5,000. Bought a Sorento SUV. One sentence on the Alero - WORST CAR EVER!

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  olds - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By somename - April 26 - 2:00 am

  good car. worth the money

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  Great sporty car! - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By athenaclf - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car new from the dealership with the extended 60 month/60,000 mile warranty (which was worth paying for). The water pump and cruise control button have been replaced-all covered by warranty. The little piece of plastic behind the emergency flasher button on the dash also broke when I used my flashers for the sixth or seventh time-seems to happen often according to the dealership. It was only covered by warranty when it started interfering with the turn signals. The leather on my dash has started bubbling-probably from 3 years in the Southeast sun.

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  Allero 2001 - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By unixit - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This is an Alero V6, GLS model. The car is fast and the v6 easily pushes the car down the road. Lots of nice interior dials and controls. Great Service from the dealership! Sporty car.

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  I Love my Alero - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Chrystal - April 8 - 2:23 pm

  I think Id trade in my better half before Id trade in this car - shes absolutely wonderful. She handles fluidly and is sooo fun to drive. Plus, Ive never felt safer in a car, especially driving in the winter-even driving on ice is worry-free. Nothing feels better than take fast curves in this car. She looks great on the outside, and the inside in extremely comfortable. The crisp sound system is the icing on the cake. I love this car. Everyone should drive an Alero!

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  I have had the worst one ever made . - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Angel Barnes - April 2 - 10:00 am

  It has been in service more than I have had the chance to drive it.

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  great car - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Brad - March 29 - 10:00 am

  i just bought the car 3 days ago i am a olds tech i have been working on these cars for two years i have seen some problems with intakes leaking but other than that they are a great car

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  starting car - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By joyce - March 19 - 4:00 pm

  Our 2003 Alero wont start. Had to have it towed to dealership. Dont know yet how come. Anyone else having problems with it not starting?

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  Like the car, but not the problems - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Lynette - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I liked how it looked(sort of like a Mustang).The first year I had my gear shift break. I did have problems with my turn signal. It wouldnt work, unless I hit the hazzard lights and then turn the hazzard lights off quickly. ROTOR problems...it eats them up! I found out that it is actually a design problem that I think GM should have a recall on. The tires are not rotating straight, but at an angle, like a shimmy....they need to shim the rotors to fix the problem...but of course youll have to pay for it! The tires will cost you about $500. Its hard to tell when the AC light is on in the day time. The dash is peeling on the drivers side.

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  Why does this car exist? - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By TRP - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I cant imagine why anyone actually likes this car. Its uncomfortable, the brakes are terrible, the interior is very cheap, and the steering in loose. This car is why Americans by more foreign cars. Thank goodness this is a "company" car for me. I drive a VW Passat, and the difference is incredible. I cant believe, my car costs almost the same! The Passat isnt the greatest sedan, but it feels 100 times more solid and upscale then then this hunk o junk.