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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  Not your old Olds - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Mike - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 20k miles from a decent dealer. Have owned Olds before and was disappointed in the quality. At 80k miles, gets decent gas mileage both in town and on the road, 20/30. Its a small car and rides like it. Had the security key module replaced three time and then finally the on board computer, which is quite costly when out of warranty. Replaced the front strut assemblies as they were worn out by 40k miles. I would look for a foreign make instead of this.

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  Trouble Car - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By drazzst - January 1 - 6:46 am

  Approx. 6 mos. after purchasing the vehicle, we had a minor rainstorm, and the driver side window wouldnt go up or down (power). Had the connection repaired. Next night, we had a MAJOR rainstorm, and the problem happened again. Shortly after, the radio stopped working due to a wire being disconnected by the dealer (their fault). After that was repaired, because of the location of the wire in the driver side, it became disconnected again. Then the starter started messing up...sometimes it takes up to 6 tries to turn the engine over. Now the coolant light comes on, chimes, and goes off. My car is currently considered a "Friday Night Special"

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  Not a big fan, overall - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By NeglectedMind - December 15 - 11:50 pm

  I have had so many problems with this vehicle, that it was really not worth the money I paid. I have replaced the brakes more often than I should have to, and have had numerous problems with the security system, that no one seems to be able to fix. I will take it into the shop, and they will temporarily fix the problem, and it will stop again. I have changed the spark plus, the ignition system, brakes, bearings, command start, and the clutch. It drives nicely when it is working, but not worth the money that I have had to put into it. All in all, I plan on buying a new car and ditching this lemon of an Olds. Do not buy!

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  2-Year Review - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Vicky - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I would not recommend this car. I have driven nothing but oldsmobile but next time will switch to Toyota. Customer Service should be called NO customer service as they could care less about you once you have driven off with the car and it is yours. Gas mileage is horrible, steering wheel shakes and brakes make a noise when you back up when you first start up the car. I will tell everyone to stay away from oldsmobile!

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  It was fun ! - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Fun car - December 12 - 12:13 am

  I owned this car for 3 years. For the most part, I really liked it. It wasnt a roomy car. Taller people had a hard time with the leg room and the head room. There was some clinking noise behind the radio, they couldnt figure out. The drivers door window seal wasnt tight, and would sometimes leak water when it rained. In the winter time I had the most problems.The drivers door wouldnt latch tight when I shut it every time. I would have to spray W-D 40 on it for it to shut properly. The worst part was the brakes. If I hit snow or ice, especially going downhill, there was no stopping the car. The brakes sounded as if they were grinding, bad. All in all, it was a smooth ride.

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  Great ride - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By rique - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Great car never had a problem with it. You feel comfortable in it, look stylish, and feel smart because you didnt pay a fortune for it.

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  Family Car - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By aldhur - December 6 - 3:27 pm

  For the price we paid, this is a wonderful family car. There is more than enough trunk space to carry our baby stroller and a full cart of groceries. Gas mileage is decent: we average between 20-25 MPG.

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  Aleros SUCK! - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Alero Hater - December 3 - 10:00 am

  In the past 2 years we have replaced the parts the hold the windows up (both windows fell inside the doors, brakes, tires, water pump, altenator, belt (we had to lift the engine out to put it on), and that doesnt include everything is wrong with the car. I have my antilock brake/trac light go off once a week, my fan only works on the 3rd and 4th setting, and my cruise control button doesnt work. This car has been a pain value has depreciated, its ridiculous! DONT BUY THIS CAR! GET RID OF IT, if you own one.

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  Functional - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mngolf - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a pretty dependable car. In 80,000 miles, theonly problems Ive had were with the power steering. Both times were covered under the initial 36,000 mile warranty. Other than that, Ive only replaced the brakes and tires. The car handles very well, but gas mileage has decreased over time. My only complaint is that the resale value is horrible. You cant get anything for the car, so you probably have to drive it forever.

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  ALERO - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By melissa spear - November 24 - 2:00 am

  i just got my car. but so far i love it it rides real smoothe and it is roomy i have to kids so the 4 door comes in handy its a really nice car.