Overview & Reviews
Oldsmobile has dropped the slow-selling Achieva in favor of this new clean-sheet design patterned after the successful Intrigue midsize sedan. Available in both two- and four-door configurations with three well-equipped trim levels, the Alero represents a quantum leap forward over previous small Olds models.
- Sleek styling. Sprightly performance and handling. Ergonomically designed interior. Well-equipped standard model.
- Hint of cheapness to interior bits. Lame front passenger cupholder. Unrefined engine noise intrudes upon passenger compartment. Ugly cloth fabric pattern on GX and GL.
User Reviews:
Showing 11 through 20 of 108.00-
cheaply made - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
By Joe - May 16 - 7:26 pmThis car is good looking and has a lot of pep. Unfortunately out of view the car is cheaply made. I bought the car with about 50k. The car was a one owner and well maintained so I expected only normal maintenance, but not so. The latest expense, the power window mechanisms have to be replaced,lf an rr, along with the lf window because the clamps that hold the window to the up and down track came off. This latest cost $530. Cruise control switch, front wheel bearings power steering problems in the past. The car has a lot of road noise and the dash is cracking. Ive been a GM fan for years but now I finally understand why so many people buy imports.
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Buy foreign, not an Alero - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
By Zach - November 18 - 6:50 amThis car is easily the worst car on the road. Had brakes replaced two months after purchase, then the power windows started to go. Driver-side replaced twice, passenger replaced once and needs to be replaced again. Alternator went out twice, electrical problems are constant, it took Oldsmobile 6 years to recognize a flaw that causes your hazards and turn signals to fail. Wheel bearings have been replaced at least 4 or 5 times, leather peeling off steering wheel. This car eats antifreeze like theyre Pringles. There are many many more problems, just do yourself a favor and dont buy an Alero. Send a message to American auto manufacturers and buy foreign.
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Reliable and surprisingly long lasting - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
By benjito - August 21 - 5:41 pmThis car now has 208000+ miles on it and it still runs great. All of the motor mounts have been replaced, but it still vibrates like crazy when its in drive and the brake is on. I am afraid it may be the transmission, but at least I get a full-body massage at every stoplight. The interior keeps threatening to fall apart. I keep making small repairs to the brackets that hold the drivers side mirror adjustment and the ash tray beside the steering wheel. The trac-off light is quite a pest though and it [the car] sometimes hesitates or skips when the driver accelerates. Very good handling and pretty decent spunk to the engine. Overall way worth the money, I would recommend this car to anybody.
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HIGH MAINTENANCE! - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
By JO - August 4 - 12:03 pmIm the 3rd owner of the alero that I purchased from my parents in 01. They found it to be very uncomfortable & difficult to get in & out of. It was one of many issues that I would have with the car. Ive owned it now for 8yrs & every year Ive had to put $ into it!I lost count on how many wheel bearings have been replaced.Ive replaced engine; airconditioning unit; gas tank; alternator; starter; just to name a few. Currently; the engine is knocking; the car screams with ac or heat on; needs u joint; gas guage doesnt work. Its been very high maintenance & I would not recommend it.
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Fun but junk - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
By jnichols77 - March 24 - 9:36 amI purchased my Alero used four years ago and have put on 60,000+ miles on it. It has a peppy 6 cylinder engine, the transmission is great, braking is good, and driveability is good. Its interior quality and build is terrible though. I have replaced the driver window hardware twice, replaced both engine head gaskets, rear door rubber, etc. There is nothing major wrong, but all of the small things add up. I love the car for commuting but cannot trust it anymore on the interstate. If the interior had better quality materials and the overall build quality was better, this would be a great car. Without these, this an average car with better alternatives from imports.
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Look further - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
By $ in toilet - December 7 - 2:13 pmI bought my 1999 2 door GL model used in 2002 because it was sporty, yet sophisticated. Since I have bought this car, the manifold gasket has had to be replaced twice (I am waiting for it to go out again this winter. This resulted in coolant leaking into the oil.) Also, the drivers side automatic window motor had to be replaced around 50k miles. I have had the front brakes and rotors replaced twice, the rear once. The trunk sometimes takes two tries to close, and it leaks. Brake pedal is too stiff. If you are looking at this car, I suggest to keep looking, or else buy an extened warranty. I bought one with the car, and I have used every penny of it!I am heading to the Volvo dealership next.
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New Owner in Maryland - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
By JessinMD - April 10 - 2:00 amBought it 3 weeks ago,so far I like it except... Top of the list: Cupholders,who designed this so I can get a wack at them.Just me or do you have to take the car out of park to get a big cup in the holder? Shakes at 80mph. Oops then again Im not suppose to go that fast. The trunk, could have not spent a few more dollars on the parts.Those little fake me out screws just dont cut it.Most have fallin out, the others wont stay in.Think its a decent car,then again its my first car of course its decent.Crossing my fingers that I dont have horror stories like the other reviewers.
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Great Looks/Perks bad Design - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
By Marc - March 20 - 5:53 pmBought the vehicle off of my parents. Since new, the car had to be taken itn for repairs about 2-3 times a year. It has gone through about 4 wheel bearing, 2 sets of struts, new Drive/Pass seatbelts, 2 resistors for the blower, intake gasket issues twice and replaced the alternator after 90,000 miles. There were other issues but these are being pulled from the top of my head. The good looks on the out and inside are very nice, the drive and handling are excellent and the stock sound system is better than anyone would expect. One should expect problems with this car, but as consumer reports is showing this is expected from most GM vehicles. I would not recommend this car.
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A fun car overall - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
By Jak75 - February 10 - 10:00 amThis has been a fun car to drive, however, the reliability of the vehicle is questionable. In the two years that I have owned this vehicle, there has been approximately $4000.00 in repairs that have been necessary on internal components.
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Had to give up on it - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
By groveland - September 16 - 2:00 amI loved this vehicle for the first 40k miles. Now I have to trade it in (and be upside down on the loan).In the last 2 months the wheel bearings/entire hub assembly replaced 3xs! My ABS AND ANTI LOCK light are on constantly,rear defroster doesnt work, driver side window regulator broken, 3 out of 6 heater speeds broken, intake manifold leak(very costly repair). I have taken very good care of this vehicle but I can not continue to make payments and pay all these costly repairs. I have read similiar problems on line w/ other Alero owners. Brakes,wheel bearings, ABS!!! Watch out- $250 per side.
