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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  About to retire black beauty after 291,000km - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mcalpine - March 21 - 1:29 am

  I bought this car years ago used from a car dealer in Scarborough. It was very cheap (probably because of 5spd gear box and dent in hood) and my expectations were quite low. I just needed a car for the winter. It lasted a LOT longer than one winter. The 2.4l engine feels gutless in normal driving but when you put your foot down it picks up the pace nicely, albeit with plenty of noise which seems to be typical of GM four cylinders. I have full records of what has been replaced from new: Connecting pipe, small vacuum hose, blower motor resistor, rear window heating module, rear speakers, all struts/shocks/springs, gas cap, brakes x3 with new calipers, emerg brake cable, drivers seat back.

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  Two-Faced - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Chris - March 18 - 1:36 am

  Ive had this car for approximatly three months now and shes been trouble at some points and a joy to drive during others. Ive blown a window regulator, have the hazard switch short, and have a gasket leak (oil leaking from car). If you can pick one up thats free of problems, by all means, do so. Its a truly fun car to drive.

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  Watch for the brakes and windows... - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By butterfly5180 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  LuV Car! I practically kiss gnight, but experienced a few problems. The car after 2 yrs Ive had new windows due to scratching, warranty fixed. However, when brakes need replaced do IMMEDIATELY. Had to wait 2 wks brakes had 1% on pad the other nothing left. Braking was metal 2 metal there is metal ALL OVER vehicle. My chrome rims scrubbed still hasnt removed rust color spray from rims. Unhappy becuz its all over exterior of car as well, spent 3-4 hours scrubbing and cant get all off. Windshield is fogged needs replaced, upset I take care of vehicle car seems ruined. Also the seek button paint has worn off immediately.

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  nimble little two door - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By vespagl - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This has been a fun car to own...lots of pep and good handling for a modestly priced car. Styling is very attractive and more than a few folk have commented on how nice this little "European coupe" was. I love the fold down rear seats for when the trunk needs to hold large items. I am gonna miss Olds when they go.

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  Owner Review - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By lhsgcs - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Car is fun to drive, seems solid and well put together. No problems, loaded with features not found in competition.

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  seems to give me no problems - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By alero 03 - March 9 - 8:13 am

  I bought the car with 25,000 miles on it, and i seem to have no problems now with 43,000 miles. New brakes would help. But i love my car, very reliable!

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  solid car - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Jeff L. - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I have put 80,000 miles on my Alero and have had no problems with it at all.

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  Loving It! - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Loving It! - February 17 - 2:16 pm

  I love this car. What I really wanted was a grand am but i couldnt get one due to my credit so i got the closest one to it. I absolutely love this car! It has about 111K on it, it has a few squeals in the front i think its just because I hit a pothole too hard and the ignition sticks a bit but nothing serious so far. I love that it has that sporty feel to it and it beats the hell out of my Mercury Tracer I had.

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  Brake problems - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Jlab - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for 2 1/2 years, and I too have had complete brake jobs three times due to warped rotors! We are now getting very close to 36000 miles and are going to sell it because I dont feel comfortable that things wont continue to go wrong after the warranty runs out. A person should not have this many problems with the brakes on a car this old! Its too bad, because otherwise, the car is comfortable to drive and the interior layout is nice. Im not sure that I would recommend this car to someone.

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  the car that has it all - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By betty - February 7 - 10:00 am

  this car is a pleasure to be in. it is very comfortable to be in especially on long trips. i have a sun roof which i love and even though its black i dont mind washing it all the time. great choice of a car and im sure ill be happy until i buy another new one in about three years.