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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  I wish I could get one in 2003! - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By dreamin02 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I liked my 2002 so much that I went to buy another one in 2003. The dealership salesman told me nothing had changed between the model years. ABS is "Optional" Traction control is "Optional" CD Player is "Optional" but seems to be included on the cars. The warranty has been reduced dramatically. The performance doesnt feel as good as on the 2002. Is this the same suspension package???

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  Terrible Car!! - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By AleroOwner - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Purchased in 2000 this car has been a very unreliable automobile. Luckily, still under warranty, it has been in the shop 24 times! Engine, Head Gaskets, Water Pump, Alternator, problem with low tire pressure light, still is on to this day (cant find a problem) just to name a few... this was all at 42,000 miles!! Good job GM!

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  Worst Car I Have Ever Owned! - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By nick - November 1 - 7:56 pm

  This looked like a really nice car. The first year changed that! Constant brake problems, transmisson problems, and broken interior switches. After about 4 years and 80,000 miles all sorts of things went wrong! I replaced alternator, starter, fuel pump, wheel bearings, and the ignition system( because a cheaply made plastic cover cracked and fried the whole system!) Olsmobile would look for any reason not to honor the warranty and were constantly difficult to deal with! I can see why they went out of business. It is too bad, I paid a lot of money for a very poorly made car and I will never buy American again! It is really too bad!

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  Best Midsize Car - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Alero after heavy consideration and comparison. Over a year later I am 100% sure I made the right decision. The car’s handling, ergonomics and styling are excellent. This car has given me a newfound love of driving. Resale values are poor, but I will not be selling it anytime soon. The six-cylinder engine moves this car well, with plenty of acceleration. The seats are comfortable and supportive. The cloth seats are very nice but the leather is cheap feeling. To sum it up, if my Alero were totaled in an accident today, I would go out and buy another one.

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  alero - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By marymezzarobba - October 21 - 10:00 am

  very dificult to see out all over

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  Annoying Problems - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By AJB - October 1 - 1:46 am

  I have owned my Alero for a little over a year. The car is a solid drive, fast and fun, but I have been plagued by annoying problems. For example its been in to the shop four times for the "service engine soon" light coming on. Turned out to be the O2 sensor each time, not particularly expensive but annoying just the same. Also the brakes are always noisy and seem to wear out quickly.Even with new rotors I still feel like it grates and grinds too much. The power windows have also caused a problem recently. Great looking car and real fun drive, but having previously owned a Japanese car, I think Ill head East again next time I buy. Make sure you like your dealer....youll be back.

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  Still Lovin it... - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By ang - September 21 - 10:26 am

  So, I bought this car for its looks. Im still loving it. I had to replace its brakes and rotors, my husband says I ride the brakes though. Also, I had to get a new water pump in 2004. To get to the point...I have three young kids and am a full time student, this car keeps up with all of us and has never left us on the side of the road! We do live in a hilly area and sometimes find that the tranny slips going up steep hills. I too love the automatic lights and convenient map lights. Oh, when I got this car it was missing the hazard lights? Im not sure what that was all about.

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  costs way to much for what you get - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Lisa S - September 3 - 10:00 am

  This car gets horrible gas milage for a 4cylinder car, both city and highways miles. It has lots of rode noise and is very rickety sounding, meaning the inside like the doors are making noises like creeking noises as you are driving down the rode. Considering this car will cost you 18K to 20K brand new there is no reason for it to be this horrilble of a car!! I would expect this from like a cheap car like around 10K to 15K

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  Pretty good at first..... - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mjr - September 3 - 3:00 am

  I bought my Alero with about 24,000 miles on it. In about a month I had to return to the dealership for four new window assemblies and window. This was an obvious design flaw, but they claimed it was a fluke (4 all at once...). Also, the front wheel bearing went, blower motor, and a few other things. I bought a 75,000 mile warranty for it, and of course, with 75,252 miles the other front bearing goes bad. I take it back to the dealership for the noise. They come out and tell me that its the bearing, alternater, lower intake manifold gasket, both lower control arms, both upper strut mounts. I was given a rediculous quote to fix it all. Im not sure what to do, but I would recommend avoiding picking one of these up.

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  257,000 miles and going - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By 257,843 miles going - September 1 - 12:10 am

  I bought this car at 19,543 miles. True, all cars will have problems. In the last 7 years I have had to replace head gaskets, Fuel Pump, Tie Rod Ends. Only major issues. Overall, its an ok car. As of today it has over 250,000 miles. Its hard to believe from an Alero but YES.