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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  Good value for money - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Ian - June 21 - 9:10 am

  Our Alero V6 is excellent value. We paid $10,700 when it was 15 months old and had 22,000 miles. It has lots of features, such as traction, ABS, CD player and I like the way the lights come on automatically too. My biggest gripes are the parking brake which has no adjustment for the cable,and which I personally feel should be used to protect the auto-box parking pawl, and the over-gearing, a typical GM trait. For a 3.4, it loses power dramtically at the slightest onset of a gradient. Lower gearing would make the performance more reachable and save me having to change down to maintain my momentum. However, you get what you pay for and the Alero is excellent value and has been pretty reliable.

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  loved it! - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By lovedmyalero - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I just traded in my alero gl 4dr for an suv. But I really miss it! The car was fun to drive. I put 30,000 miles on it with just some minor problems all covered under the warranty. It can do 0 to 60 in just seconds. Its fast, racey and great looking. I feel like Im driving a sports car. Too bad they are not made anymore. I had to trade it in because I needed a 4wd car. But otherwise, I loved it and I miss it.

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  one great car - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By YARD DOG - June 2 - 2:00 am

  THE COMFORT IS UNDER STATED THE BODY STYLE IS WONDERFUL ITS ECONOMIAL BUT POWERFUL IT TAKES YOU WERE YOU WANT TO GO WITH NO HASSLE,IT HANDLES SO WELL ITS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT YOU GET SUCH A GREAT CAR AT AND EFFORTABLE PRICE.

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  What happened to quality? - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By ScottCAL - May 30 - 12:56 pm

  I leased this vehicle prior to Oldsmobile being phased out by GM. Now two years into the lease I can see why. Over the past 2 years I have had my rotors replaced twice, struts replaced, electrical problems and numerous body/integrity issues. This is not a low end nor cheap vehicle but the problems have been way too numerous and bothersum. Next time Ill looking to Toyota, Honda or even Subaru - Ill try my luck with them...

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  Great car - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By The Baron - May 2 - 6:03 am

  I just recently purchased this car, and, I love it. I have never owned a car this new before, but, I love the new car feel. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for an inexpensive alternative to higher priced and highly overrated Import cars.

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  A great surprise - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By pshaulk - April 26 - 3:53 am

  Im finding out what a great car I bought in my 2004 Oldsmobile Alero GL1! Its champagne, with "oak" interior. I love the power seats and comfort, plus the satilite radio. I enjoy having a classy little car without it costing more than my first home.

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  runs great even after 155,000 miles if you take care of it - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By superstar1213 - April 25 - 6:28 pm

  I have 175,XXX miles on my Alero and it is running great!! For those of you who are talking crap about this car is obviously not taking care of it very well. If you take care of a car and maintain it, it will last a long time. I know a man who has a 1989 gmc safari van with almost 500,000 miles on it and still drives it to work every day! Take car of your vehicles and they will run forever!

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  Okay Car - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Marissa - April 22 - 10:26 pm

  I purchased this car about 8 months ago and have put lots of mileage on it. I have replaced 2 front rotors and brakes and drivers side window regulators. The interior is made real cheap and you can tell, and stereo keys fell off within weeks of having the car, but it has been pretty much reliable. I would not buy another one, but its been okay while it lasted.

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  All About Alero - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Alero Owner - April 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. The only thing that has happened to it is the leather wrap around the hand brake needs to be re-stitched. There have been no mechanical problems at all. Not much leg room in the back, especially with for kids in car seats. They will probably get their legs broken if we get in an accident. Other complaint is the small gas tank. Only holds fourteen gallons. Most I can go without having to re-fill is a little over 300 miles per tank. Around town, only about 270 miles per tank. Great car if you dont have kids.

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  174,000 miles and still going - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By danroberts1964 - April 13 - 5:20 am

  I bought my car used 2 years ago and it now has 174,000 miles on it and its still going strong. Only problems I have had was the fuel pump and the alternator went out. Oh and the pass key thing had problems but there is a easy fix for that if you Google it and it consists of a inexpensive diode being soldered into the wiring. Would I recommend this car even with the high miles mine has.... You bet I would.