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 - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By jschopstix - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive.

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  1999 Oldsmobile Alero - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Shanaenae - October 14 - 10:23 pm

  I bought this car over a year ago without an engine, as the teen who owned it before me was hard on the car. After replacing the engine, the car has been fine, except for a little problem. IT FOGS! This car is great in the summer, the AC works like a dream, but in the winter, if there is more than one person in the car, or the heat is on, the windows fog so that you cannot see out of it. I have to roll down the passenger window, thank goodness its auto, to see into that mirror. Once it starts to fog, you either have to turn off the heat to prevent it, and hence be cold, or turn on defrost all the way. It is so annoying, and dangerous! Otherwise, the breaks squeak, and at least its am American vehicle.

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  nice car - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By car guy - September 22 - 10:00 am

  steering is totally numb. No feedback. The ride quality is good but needs better geometry when cornering. The car is great for traveling. Killer A/C

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  Bought Two Of Them - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By FLORIDA JOE - September 5 - 9:33 am

  My daughter and sister each had their cars totalled. I bought low mileage used Aleros for each of them. At less than 11K for such a feature laden car you cant beat them. They both looked like new cars with very low mileage. They love their new Aleros and I feel good that they are in a dependable car.

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  Fun, Looks great & only small problems - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By ibjeepr - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car used with 33000 miles on an impulse when I was actually looking for a used suburban. I havent regreted it. It is one of the nicest looking cars out there,is fun to drive and has had only a couple insignifigant problems. I drive 400 miles every other weekend and enjoy it. I drive hard (just ask my poor passangers)and havent seen the rapid brake wear even the mechanic told me to expect.

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  so good I bought a second one - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By tuckbar - August 10 - 6:26 am

  my wife and I leased a 99 alero when they first came out. although we bought the base model, (with the 4 cyl.), we both enjoyed driving it! So much so, that I bought an 02 with all the options(except leather). The 6 cyl motor & performance suspension options make this car perform better than most of the japanese cars that I test drove. the price was also thousands of $$$ less!

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  Just the facts.. - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Dean Morales - August 9 - 11:03 am

  I bought the car as a commuter and daily drove it with 2 passengers for 3 years. I drove it on vacations and cross country. It handles well, (better than an Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, (my car pool partners vehicles and got better mileage) I see no difference in the quality and reliability. Its north of 89,000 miles now and is my daughters college and roadtrip car. Zero problems in 5 years...

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  2001 Alero - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Ruth - August 2 - 10:00 am

  It is a decent car for the money. It is fun to drive, but definitely not luxurious. I have the v6, so it has tons of pep. A lot of road noise on the expressway and you feel every bump in this vehicle. My car has a very long crank, which can be embarassing. (GM says its normal) And the suspension doesnt feel like it is built for a v6.

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  2000 Alero GLS Sedan - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By GLS Owner - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Within the first 9000 mile iI realized that I cant get more than 24 miles to the gallon and my rotors were warped, although I had plenty of pad left.After 4000 more miles(twice) I turned them at my own cost. Then had to replace them all. My right side driver seat bolster pulled off so I am driving around with a metal bar against my back.The problem is WARRANTEE and SERVICE no car is perfect!

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  Keep the Alero - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Ray Sarchet - July 23 - 5:56 pm

  Its a darn good car, comfortable, affordable with good fuel economy. Its the kind of car America ought to be driving!