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:

• 

  So far a decent car, but the brakes - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By pease_d - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Have had this car since Sept. 01 benn a guud car exceept fo rthe ABS the light wil just come on at random and all the dealer says it is just a sensor that got a rock in it. th only other complaint I have with this car is do not buy it with a sunroof if you are over 59" because you will not fit in it as I have found out after my growing years.

• 

  Perhaps this Car Could have Saved Oldsmobile - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By R.E. Saif - August 5 - 2:56 pm

  I bought my 99 Oldsmobile Alero GLS in Oct. 2002 as a replacment for my 93 Mercury Tracer LTS. It was a zippy little car, but I wanted something bigger. The car was listed below KBB, fully loaded and was too good to pass up with 82,000 miles on the clock. I now have over 142,000 miles on it and have gotten by with few problems. The motor is strong and pulls hard for being "outdated". The only repairs I have done have been the intake gaskets, belt tensioner, alternator and MAF sensor. I regularly take the car to Ohio and WV and it has never let me down. I am now on the hunt for another Alero with fewer miles to replace it. I love the car, so when that time comes, it will be extremely painful to part with.

• 

  99 Olds Alero 4 door 4cyl - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Bob - August 3 - 5:40 am

  I bought the car when I was 17 and beat it to poo. In the three years I owned it I put on 77,000 miles on top of the 45,000. I only had a few problems. It started without the key, gas gauge stopped working along with overflow every time I filled up, tranny slipped when I stomped on the gas. I never put any money into it, I traded it in for $500

• 

  My 2001 Olds Alero - Reposession - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Cedar Park - July 26 - 3:33 pm

  I bought a 2001 Olds Alero GLS in 2005. Ive seen the complaints about Aleros and I have changed or repaired things. My repo had 87K miles when I bought it in 2005. Now 127K. Ive replaced or repaired the following items: Motor performance computer, interior computer, remote keyless receiver, replaced fuel intake gaskets, replaced A/C compressor, plus I removed the AM/FM/CD radio and bought two extra ones off e-bay ($9.00 each). I cobbled best parts off two and put on the best one. Sold the others on e-bay for $45. Thats about it. I did all of the work and bought all parts on e-bay or discount GM dealer on-line for at least 50% discount. 26-32 mpg. This car just keeps running. No oil use.

• 

  Best and Worst of Both Worlds - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Olds5 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The car is a bit of a heart-breaker. Its a beautiful car both inside and out. It does handle well and got though the past winter (2002-2003)ok. The engine is the albatross around this cars neck. A manifold seal has failed twice causing damage to the engine.The car is showing the same symptoms at this writing. Also, the power windows have gone off track at least once. If I had to to it again, This would not be the car I would choose.

• 

  Not bad at all - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Russ Hoss - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Other than the driver seat feeling like its broken, I LOVE the car. I put about 400 miles a week on my car and its really fun to drive. Actually, my wife has taken it from me and she is a diehard Honda fan.

• 

  Ignore the naysayers - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Jeff - June 2 - 12:43 am

  I bought this car at 38,000 miles and put 53,000 miles on it. It has needed the kinds of repairs every car needs - a new thermostat, starter, and a power-window motor. I also had to get new wheel bearings for the front wheels. The one bad thing is the rims. 3 of them are bent, but I do live in New York City. Everyone says theyre pretty cheap though. Otherwise, its a fun, zippy car to drive and the GLS model with a moonroof and spoiler is a good looking car.

• 

  Be Careful - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By sam - June 1 - 11:00 pm

  Bought it ad 59000 miles drove it until it had 85,000 miles and then it was time to sell or drive off a cliff. All the window regulators went out, the fan speed control stopped working, the breaks started to make a creeking noise. I have had 3 different mechanics tell me the engine design is terrible, it has already cost me $850 and there are still problems. They can pin point the problem to many variables. Dont buy not worth the stress.

• 

  Buy this one - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By hjallie - May 30 - 5:43 pm

  The overall performance of this vehicle has been excellent. No service needed outside of routine maintenance. Body integrity has been excellent. No need to purchase polish package or extended warranty on a basic vehicle.

• 

  First Olds Buyer - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Mick27 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Nice car, the V-6 has good power. I have taken several long trips in this car and its gets very good gas milage. Air conditioner is a little weak. The only problem that developed in 30,000 miles was a slight anti freeze leak which was a big job but was covered under the new car warrenty.