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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  Terrific Car - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Powers - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Alero in a row. Its easy to drive, fairly comfortable.

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  Fun car to drive!!! - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By sweetheart29 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have always dreamed of owning this car since they first came out, but was never in the market for one since I already owned two reliable cars. It didnt seem like much since to buy a third until my husband was in an accident with our one car, so then it was perfect timing to buy a 2004 and we are so happy with it. Its very fun to drive and you get lots of looks from people and compliments.

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  I like my car - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By ssobom - July 15 - 4:53 am

  Just passed 100,000 miles on my Alero. It has been a pretty reliable car over the past eight years. I love the exterior styling as well as the cockpit layout. The car has always been fun to drive. I have had to replace a few items over the past few years.(evaporator, brakes, fuel pump, fan control knob, rear defrost button) My next car will have better suspension, but I will miss this Alero.

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  best car Ive owed in thirty years - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By RADKOR - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car as a storm damaged r- titled car, tree fell accross the hood. Been driving for almost 2yrs. only thing replaced was a fuel regulator. Gets 34mpg hwy/ 24city. Keeps up w/ the best from Germany. Still has the original BFGs with 55k miles. With traction contol I was never stranded in our Pittsburgh snow,(66"). Gobbs of room, should have seen me, my wife and 2kids coming back from the grandparents in NC @ Christmas.

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  The Great Alero - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By 7ate9 - July 11 - 5:46 pm

  My wife and I purchased this 02 Alero in the fall of 01. It was for her and she wanted something sporty with a little extra room and comfort features. We looked at others, but the Alero seemed a good choice for the dollar. We got everything except for the sunroof. What a machine! This is one fast V-6. Off the line or in the lane. We followed the maint schedules and 122000 miles later it still looks great and running like a top. First 5 years reg- maint all 100% orginal looking for 3rd set of tires. This past year I replaced the gaskets, sensors, fuel pump & filter. A new battery(3),more.. about $3,000 Garenteed to last another 4-5 years. Except for that damn dash, starts to peel after 1yr

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  Good deal if you find one - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Dan - July 5 - 6:16 pm

  I bought the car right after Olds stopped making them, so I actually bought the car for about 3K less than it would have been worth had Olds not tanked, which was fine in my eyes. With a huge available array of mechanicals left over from both the Alero and Grand Am (sister vehicle) theres no need to worry about service in the future.

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  Brakes are the only real problem - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By linenoise - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 1999 (its a 2000 Coupe with 2.4l) Other than the usual problems with Aleros (Brake Rotor/Hazard switch) this has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. I have 53K on it and the brake rotors are my only service items (twice but due for a 3rd), if considering drive the 2.4l and the 3.4 and youll find that the 2.l4 seems smoother and quite fun.

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  Poor quality - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By joe joe - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Very disappointed in the quality. Nothing like buying a car and watching depreciation fall through the floor after 2 years, (paid 11k, trade in offer of 2.5k, 50k total milage) OUCH!. All sorts of irratating problems like electrical, workmanship. No major problems for the first 50k but didnt wait around for that to happen. Dumped for a loss, didnt trust it over the long haul. Very disappointed with GM on this and went with a Honda.

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  Olds Alero; Not Just for the Older Set - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By fourjs - June 20 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car from an individual. We had never been big fans of the Oldsmobile line, thinking this was an "old" persons car. However, we test drove this car and were blown away. The Alero drives very well, with clean reaction to steering and is very comfortable to boot. Its a nice size for the family and yet is very sporty. We couldnt beat the price either, bought it for under 5,000.00 (2000 model, w/47,000 miles and light hail damage) and still are happy after almost a year. The only complaint is that there is alot of road noise.

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  Alero is a great car - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By johnpelder - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Every aspect of this car has been outstanding. Fit and finish are first rate. The GX sport package is a great value, and the 5-speed getrag tranny is very tight and crisp. Im not usually a fan of 4 cylinder engines, but the 2.2 ecotec is super smooth, yet still torquey.