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:

• 

  Good Lookin Out - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Big Red Alero - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Nice car for the money. Bought mine used about a month ago and have had no problems since(knock on wood). Was not the first car that caught my eye but once i took the price and standard features into consideration, looked like i was lured, and the bright red really stands out when clean.Looks really sharp from the front but the back could use a little work. Overall i am pleased to be an owner of one of the last oldsmobiles.

• 

  Great Car, so far. - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Chris - August 24 - 9:20 am

  I purchased my car from a private dealer that buys wrecked vehicles at auctions and repairs them. The fact that it had a salvage title made me a little weary but I couldnt complain for $4500 and only 32k miles. The only problem Ive had so far is the wheel bearings at around 45k miles, could be from wreck. Although the motor is strong for a 4 banger it could use a little more power from the get go. A little tip for the gas mileage, buy a k&n air filter and use Lucas fuel injector cleaner every oil change, I was getting about 28 mpg average and now 33 mpg average. I have had a problem with hydroplaning in heavy rain even with brand new tires maybe because the car sits so low to the ground

• 

  I definitely got my moneys worth - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By kjr75 - August 20 - 6:43 pm

  I bought a new 2003 Alero back in June 2003. I definitely got my moneys worth as I just passed the 183,000 mile mark. Sad to say the time has now come to get a new car as there are issues with the cylinder heads under the gasket not responding and long story short Pep boys wants to charge $3,000 to replace. The car itself is probably worth 1k with as many miles on it. After 9.5yrs and 183,000 miles it definitely has done its job. Looking for either a new Sonata Turbo or used 2012 Buick Lacrosse. I dont think I can go wrong either way as I take these cars to the grave so I really dont care much about resale value.

• 

  Just bought my 1999 Alero - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By riker93 - August 20 - 2:32 pm

  I just bought my 1999 Alero GL, with only 105,000 miles on it. Got a good deal at a local dealership. The car is in great shape, and so far in the month that Ive had it, theres been no problems, and I hope it stays that way. Too early to tell though. It gets excellent gas mileage, and with the hot weather were currently having, the a/c puts out very cold air. So, as long as it keeps running the way it does, Ill be happy. Keeping my fingers crossed.

• 

  Why Cant they Build a Decent car? - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Ro - August 17 - 2:06 am

  I ordered my Oldsmobile Alero in 1999. The first couple of years went okay, but in the third year I had to replace the alternater and soon after that my front brakes went. My rear view mirror completely fell off when I was driving and since there are wires connected to it I had to drive with the mirror dangling from my windshield. I can only use my air / heat on the 3 and 4 settings so the air literally sucks the tears from my eyes. Whenever it rains heavily my drivers side floor becomes completely saturated & I have a puddle of water in my car. Finally, on a day we had a snow storm, the drivers side window fell into the door. These things happened after the warranty expiresd and I wasnt offered an extended warranty..hmm, I wonder why?

• 

  Great car, Not so many problems. - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By drivesalot - August 14 - 1:26 am

  I bought a 2001 model in January of 2001. Since then ive put approximately 30k miles on this car. It runs great, and I love the safety features. The only problem I had was a defective fog lamp 5 days after I purchased the vehicle. This was replaced within 30 minutes of me dropping off the car at lunch time. I find this car very comfortable for long (15 hour) drives, and very fun on shorter drives.

• 

  My Expensive Mistake - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By sam2000 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I liked the features and styling when I bought this car, but the build quality has turned out to be very disappointing. The rear rotors are scored deeply with plenty of pad remaining. Had to have all the windows replaced due to the glass getting scratched every time the windows were lowered and raised. Cruise control switch went bad. Power window switches went bad.... three times. Many minor electrical problems. Dash board also had to be replaced. No problems with the power train so far (45k mi.), but I dont trust the car anymore after so many problems; and with the awful resale value, I cant afford to get rid of it.

• 

  hey hey - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Ashee - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I really like it. It has great speed and is easy to handle. It looks sporty and is alot of fun.

• 

  Alero - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Daous80 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  With the 5-Speed Transmittion great car. I get great gas mpg. interior nice. Only thing I would like to see improved is have the ablitily to have P/W in the GX model and the sunroof and fin. I had to purshase these separte. engine is not as quite as I would have liked but for the price I can deal with it.

• 

  My Last Olds - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Melodance - August 2 - 2:00 am

  My last Olds only because GM is phasing them out. Owned Olds cars for 20 years. Overall very satisfied with this car and am glad I purchased it. Have received many compliments on the vehicle. I feel my 1993 Achieva had a little better gas mileage, but Alero delivers and handles well. Good in the city and on the road. Very sad that GM is closing the division. All my Oldsmobiles have been reliable, dependable cars with only required maintenance. Hoping this Alero follows suit--so far its showing it will. Worth considering!