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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  Up In The Air - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mlzebe - September 20 - 11:43 am

  I bought my Alero last year with 72,000 miles on it. I was loving it I thought it was a all around good car. Well it was until I started having this problem with the security system. Sometimes when I turn the car off, and go to start it again nothing happens except for the dash light coming on. I priced to fix and was told about $300 to 400 to fix. Besides that and the air drafts its a nice car.

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  Not too many problems... - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mynameisalreadyinuse - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I havent really had too many problems. In fact, the only ones Ive had were minor. I did have one that upset me, though. Both of my fog lights shattered and I needed to buy new ones. Other than that, my car still looks new and runs great (for having 50k miles on it)!

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  loved it - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By brendapriebe - August 31 - 10:00 am

  The Oldsmobile Alero is a fun car to drive. It "fits" my style...the stereo is set at an angle so tuning in is easy. I feel safe in my car, its a sturdy vehicle but as stylish as a European import.

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  Best for the Money - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Buffalo Town - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a beautifully designed sweet running car. Sure I might like some more Hot Rod Power with a heavy foot on the highway but Im not willing to give up the nice mileage to get it. Well over a year now and not the first problem. Great sound system, great comfort, nice leather, feels good to drive and you and the wife can each have one for the cost of a small BMW that really is no better and certainly doesnt have a five year warranty.

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  Nice car for the $$$ - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By oleo - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used and the price was easy on the wallet for what i got its a good buy.

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  great car for my family - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By alleng - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I have really enjoyed this car. Has performed well for what I needed. If you are a traveler, probably not the best option, but does well for teenagers and small families. Ive had one brake problem. No other major issues. Gas milleage is great!

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  Stay away from this car. - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Aubreysdad - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought used from CarMax dealer. After two months (only 29k miles on car), fuel pump has to be replaced, side mirror breaks off and replaced, dash starts peeling away and repaired, shifter nob breaks and replaced. Sure, a little less expensive than Japanese, but youll pay more in the long run. Went back to CarMax, took $1800 hickie on appraisal, and traded in for Honda.

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  Alero - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Neptune Nagrani - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Its a very good vehicle

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  Good solid vehicle - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By B-randie - July 18 - 5:56 pm

  Ive had this car about 2 years now and I bought it used. Ive had minor problems that are quite normal with it, most of them come from normal use. The gas mileage is really good especially in a car so affordable. I really recommend this car to anybody and everybody. I feel so safe when Im driving anywhere. I do a lot of traveling to see friends and Ive never owned a more reliable car.

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  GL2 is a good car. - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By DanAlero FromAlegra - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Been back to dealer only 2 times in 30,00 miles: once to learn again how to flip down the back seat; once to have the driver window fixed, but it fixed itself (twice) before I went in. The brakes sound funny, but they still work OK. (Other reviewers mention brake problems; maybe Ill check em.) I didnt need the spoiler, but it looks cool. MPG is between 22 and 28; probably would get 32 at 55 mph.