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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  alero - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By reese - June 6 - 2:00 am

  all out great vehicle stylish sporty.just the right amount of power,it also haves great features, most standard.

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  Several problems ruin a nice car - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By c34j46 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The rotors made by GM are junk and should have been recalled but GM refused to recall the part. My new brand new rotors and pads were pulsating after only 3500 miles. My turn signals would not work at least once a week and then magically start to work again so the switch needs to be replaced. Rear stabilzer bars had to be replaced to stop the annoying squeak the car would make after even the smallest bumps in the road. Im looking to buy some aftermarket rotors which hopefully will last more than 3500 miles. I think the brakes on my ten speed bicycle would have stopped the car more efficiently than the junk GM puts on the car.

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  Alero Coupe with Getrag manual trans. - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Johnnyangel - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, easy to handle, firm shifter, good clutch engagement, comfortable interior- plenty of front and rear legroom, plenty of engine mods available

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  Youll take the long way home from work. - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Bork - May 7 - 10:00 am

  The car is a real thrill to drive, with plenty of zip off of stoplights to take care of Civics and Eclipses. The handling is aggressive and crisp, and the acceleration is outstanding. The engine has a nice growl to it, if you like that sort of thing. Ive definately gotten nothing but positive comments from friends and strangers. My major complaints are with rear visibility, due to the high back end, and the extremely large tailights. Theyre unique, but theyre a blaitant attempt to shed Oldsmobiles "your fathers car" steriotype.

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  Alero = "lemon" - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Timo - May 7 - 10:00 am

  In the last nine months Ive had the Alero, Ive had to bring it in to have warranty work done 4 different times. It feels cheaply made and has proven itself to be just that. I expected alot more.

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  All smiles until 40,000 miles - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Alero owner - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This car ran wonderfully until it hit 40,000 miles, since than many minor and major things have broken. In the past year, 15,000 miles, it has been in the shop 7 times. Water pumps, window regulators, intake manifolds, the ABS harness...and countless more. Beware, if you by an Alero make sure to buy the extended warranty.

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  Love my Alero - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Aeroguy0369 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Ths is my first car and so far i love it. Performance is great, once u break it in...looks.. it looks really nice.. black coupe.. its hot

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  Where can I buy another one!! - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By flyboy - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Alero new in 2001. It is used as a commuter for teenagers. We also own an Eclipse, but are looking for a second Alero and will sell the Eclipse. The Alero is safe, handles well and provides the kids with the ability to take themselves and a couple friends to a movie and spares the back seat passengers unnecessary gymnastics.

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  Where can I buy another one!! - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Flyboy - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Alero new in 2001. It is used as a commuter for teenagers. We also own an Eclipse, but are looking for a second Alero and will sell the Eclipse. The Alero is safe, handles well and provides the kids with the ability to take themselves and a couple friends to a movie and spares the back seat passengers unnecessary gymnastics.

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  Oregon Alero - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By out of the country - April 28 - 10:00 am

  I now live outside the country and unfortunately have to sell my car. The V-6 is very powerful but also nimble. I am 64" and it is not crouded, I still have confortable head room. Gas effeciency is very good at close to 30 GPM on the highway. When I bought it I compared it to the Japanese/ German 2 dr. V6 Coupes. Nothing could come close enought in price (with comparative features) to warrent a 2nd test drive