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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3 Year Update from 11/09/03 Post - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
By us_blueskirt - June 14 - 12:50 amThe milage and performance has dramatically decreased over the last year! The only real issue outside of that was a problem with the flasher system, which was fixed by a factory recall on the assembly. I cant really complain about the performance...Its got just over 165,000 miles on it. The performance didnt waiver until it hit around 120,000 miles, but its been downhill since then. I keep up with all scheduled maintenance and it seems to work for this car. It is very reliable...I still take long trips on a regular basis!
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Nice cheap car - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
By Justin - June 10 - 2:46 amThis cars nice. 3.4L v6 it has plenty of power. Good gas mileage 22 city 30 highway. I wish it had ABS or ETS but oh well. Good trunk space. Smooth drive. Poor quality though considering almost every 60degree v6 has a failing lower intake manifold gasket. I replaced mine once I got it around 77000 miles.
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nice car for the money - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
By baddog - June 1 - 10:00 amlike the way it looks mine is RED and looks great. Nice car for the money. wish Olds didnt end.
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Not Impressed - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
By Tony - April 27 - 9:53 pmIf you happen to purchase this vehicle and their is a option to get an extended warranty I would highly recommend it. Very unhappy with the mechanical problems. At 58k I had to replace both front wheel bearings. Blower switch would only operate at high speeds. Replaced thermostat. The big one was at 78k the head gasket had to be replaced. Thirteen months later had to replace another front wheel bearing, ($500) out of my pocket because the warranty expired. The best investment in this vehcile was paying $35 dollars to transfer the original warranty to my name. Design of the interior isnt to bad except for cup holders in front. Gas mileage is good for a 3.4L, 26 city 31 hwy.
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Buy Toyota - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
By Donewithit - April 10 - 2:00 am3 years owing this car, thank God it had a warranty. Power window motor went out, strut became unattached, paint peeling, hazard button fell through the dash, doors required realignment, noisy, and cruise control stopped working. If you enjoy visiting the dealer then this car is for you. My car has two days left on the warranty and Im getting rid of it now.
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Former Toyota Owner - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
By S. Racer - March 11 - 1:33 amMy first car ever was a 72 Nova SS. The mechanic saw this car more than I did. This experience made me vow to never own an American car. Ive owned 4 Toyotas, including an MR2 (best car Ive ever had). When the Alero came out, I had to go back on my vow. I currently am driving a slick looking black V-6 coupe. Only major problem Ive had was a power steering leak. Besides this, my Aleros quality build has been much better than what I expected. The power under the hood is scary (Im thinking about getting a radar detector). Seating is good in the front AND the back. The styling is terrific! Beware: This car drinks gas like crazy. Besides this, its a very fun & cool car to drive.
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I agree - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
By chairmanfat - March 9 - 4:56 amAll the same problems: brake rotors that are worthless, a recall on the turn signal problem, and a rapid depreciation but I like the car. Weird. When I think of the crap I could have bought for same money ( I went in with a budget and stuck to it) I really like the car. I wont buy from GM again though. The last American car I owned was in 1984. There just isnt any excuse for the problems they have with this car. They must do it on purpose, seriously. They cant be this stupid.
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Nice Car - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
By lbsorensen - February 28 - 6:10 amI bought this car 6 years ago. The kids were much smaller then. Now that they are leggy teens, the back seat is small for 3 of them. But I find that the car is a great family vehicle. nice body style, and fairly peppy.
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solid - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
By vinmore - February 15 - 10:00 amvery easy to drive. zero problems.
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A rental unit got me hooked! - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
By ajw - February 10 - 10:00 amI drove this car for 8 hours straight... and felt absolutely no fatigue... that rental car made me go out and by my 99!
