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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Nice Reliable Car - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
By dustin - February 7 - 12:33 amI put over 120,000 miles on my Alero in a very short amount of time. Its engine was running great when I traded it in. I did not have problems with anything except for the brakes, I do all highway miles, and had to replace my breaks twice. I would have kept my car longer if it wasnt for the breaks wearing down so fast. The power windows often go out in these cars as well. My friends windows went out on his 99 Alero three times. It has a very strong running engine. Its quick and fun to drive. It gets decent gas milage with a lot of passing power for a car in this price range. Overall I was very satisified and would have bought another one if GM would have kept making them.
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Done with GM - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
By Terry - January 28 - 8:20 pmI bought my 2001 Alero brand new and have had too many service issues with this car. Brakes, water leaks, windows, rear defroster, blinkers, security system. I will never buy another GM product again. This was my first brand new car and all the used cars I had previous to this one had better service records. What bothers me the most about this car is that GM/Oldsmobile really did not step up to the plate on this car. I even wrote to Oldsmobile headquarters - they only gave me some free oil changes! The only reason I keep this car is that its paid for, but thinking of trading in before it gets too bad. Shame on you GM and Waliers in Keene NH!!
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Reminds me of a T-bird - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
By Smack - January 27 - 10:00 amI bought my Alero GLS 2dr with sunroof, leather, 17" aluminum wheels, and sport tires. It reminds me alot of a Ford T- bird because of the sound of the engine. Personnally though, I like a quiter ride like my 94 Grand Prix which I think rides smoother. Still the Alero has more power and performance capabilities.
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Alero Good With Exceptions - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
By TheDarxion - January 17 - 10:00 amI like the Alero for all aspects except two: 1) Front brakes and wheels. My Alero has had two brake jobs and a replaced hub assembly (wheel bearing) in 30,000 miles....and GM only warranties the break pads (at $70) for 1 year / 12,000 miles. 2) Poor city, rural (not highway), and winter MPG...22 MPG winter, 26 MPG summer on country roads (22 miles home to work), 33 MPG hiway. Not sure what gives here. So, if you are willing to put up with continued brake and wheel work (as I discovered has happened to many others) and lower MPG (except on the highway), this car is good....but dont buy it new...poor resale value.
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"Braken In My Alero" - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
By joanbrad016 - November 16 - 10:00 amI have had this car for a full year now. Strong points include powerful acceleration, great handling, attractive looks, and an overall fun to drive machine. In general, I have found that GM struggles with brakes,and this car is no exception. The rotors first warped at 9K, again ready to be re-surfaced at 18K. This annoyance is offset by a great package, otherwise.
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Put the brakes on... - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
By Andrea Nel - November 13 - 3:56 amFun car to drive, stylish, roomy in the front, and love the air flowing to the back seat and removable ash tray that turns into a cup holder. This car was so close to my dream car until the mechanical problems started. Replaced brake rotors twice, water pump, and now am experiencing problems with the fan and the annoying blinker switch noise (anyone who has one knows what Im talking about), problems with starting the car due to a electrical problem all before 75,000. My extended warranty ends at 85,000, and Im sure Ill make use of it. Not the most mechanically dependable car I ever owned. Very nickle and dime on the mechanics...
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cars - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
By rbp - November 4 - 2:00 amI like the car alot, I have rented it a few times and always try and request it again at times i cant get it--i wonder y. I have had the Grand Am and the Malibu,. I like the Alero alot better
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No surprises - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
By rhammel - November 2 - 10:00 amWe bought our Alero brand new off the lot. It is a 4dr GLS V6 w/Sun & Sound pkg & has a sweet looking maroon paint. It is a sharp looking car. Its peppy & gets decent gas mileage. Ours had very good fit & finish & thus far (approx. 26K miles), we have had no major problems, though I think the brakes will need replacing soon. The front end is pretty low. My wife has already beat the heck out of the black rubber/plastic thing under the front by hitting curbs & tire stops. My wife complained about the moonroof rattling (I never noticed it), so Arnold Palmer Olds replaced the cover. No other problems with the moonroof.
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A little short on quality - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
By rmc - October 15 - 2:00 amThe good: torquey engine, handling, braking (but see below); exterior paint/finish/styling; sound system. The bad: front brakes replaced at 28K miles-- rotors warp easily & sound creaky; interior material cheap/unrefined; poor seal on drivers side door caused sound system to short out on wet days; hazard switch went through dash (the last straw). Overall: A pretty good car with nice features that lacks refinement & compromises a little too much on quality. Was not sorry to let mine go after 56.5K miles.
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Decent value. - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
By alerodriver - September 5 - 10:00 amBought in 2000... no problems after they recalled the brakes in 02 (they had to replace pads twice). Trunk a little small but no other problems. Great commuter. I replaced the fuel filter at 60k and oil changes is all. I added an aftermarked spoiler (the same one that is on the 6 cyl) to my base model for 300$, improves the looks greatly. Would buy again in the same situation.
