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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  Wish I hadnt - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Unhappy - December 21 - 3:20 pm

  I bought an Oldsmobile Alero because of its easy handling. I wish I hadnt. Luckily some of the problems have been covered under the warranty, but now thats up and I might as well have a car payment with the money I spend on the thing. Ive replaced the rotors, brakes, cruise control and much more. The interior is falling apart with the upolstery sundamaging very very easily. I wouldnt recommend this car to anyone at all.

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  So So, Nothing Special - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Dustin - November 24 - 12:03 pm

  First off the brake design of this car is horrible. Ive already had to put in new brake pads and have the rotors turned twice. The car has less than 50,000 miles on it. The gas mileage varies from 22 to 30 depending on oil changes, driving conditions...etc. Its seats arent really that comfy and the interior looks cheap. You definitely pay for what you get. I wont ever by another GM, next time its a Honda or Toyota.

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  2001 Alero - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Dawno - November 16 - 11:16 pm

  The 2001 Alero is a sporty looking car for a sedan. I love the power seats,radio,traction control,cruise and easy to use knobs for climate control.

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  I Love My Alero!!!! - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By cldavis - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car about a month ago after trading in one of the worst cars I have ever owned. Needless to say I love this car....it is very reliable and it is fun to drive. It is also very sporty and it is fun to be seen in as well.

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  Alero 2002 - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By spanish56 - November 7 - 10:33 am

  vehicle is a reliable, economical commuter car and made in the USA

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  What a Lemon - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By javascript - November 3 - 10:26 pm

  I have had this car for just over 3 years and its been the worst car Ive ever owned. Pretty much everything that can go wrong with a vehicle has gone wrong in this car. Its been a real money pit. I have owned a total of 3 cars in my entire life and this has been the worst by far. I actually feel guilty selling it because its such a lousy vehicle.

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  Over 220,000 and still running strong - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Curt - November 2 - 3:06 pm

  I brought this car in 04 used with only 30,000 miles. Now its 2010 with 220,458 and still running. Just minor repairs (oil change, minor tune-up, brakes & tires). Im still shocked over how reliable this car is.

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  Pre-Owned Alero review - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By whs03 - October 19 - 4:50 am

  Since the day I bought this car it has been nothing but wonderful, of course you get the pre-owned quirks but all that aside, I love the accessory of being told when one of my tires are low, and being able to choose between playing a cd or a cassette tape in my car. I believe I made a great decision on my first purchase of a pre-owned but still feels new Alero.

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  For the money it is worth it! - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By jreynard - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in a haste. The car has been worth every cent that I paid. The features are nice for the price. The ride is quiet and the car is mechanically sound. The steering is a little disconnected but you still have a decent sense of the road. I enjoy the layout of the controls. They seem to have put a little extra thought into the lay out in the cabin. I enjoy my car and it has been good to me.

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  My alero - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By marilis - September 25 - 12:06 pm

  Outstanding, very good car it was worth every penny. ive have not had one problem since day one.