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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  Electrical Nightmare - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By jpbrown - January 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is by far the most unreliable vehicle I ever had. After only four months the car began to exhibit major electrical defects and for the next five months it has been in and out of the shop almost every other week since. Gm maintains the car is sound, but the service department has been unable to correct the issue.

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  Not the best - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By danny - January 4 - 10:06 am

  It may look good, but the 4-cylinder engine in the Alero was not made to last. I have had so many small problems with this car, it is a big headach. Furthermore, the interier is very cheap the dash looks like a raisin. If you buy a vehicle, buy a better class.

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  decent car - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Shawn - January 4 - 9:33 am

  I had just got this car from the dealer, its a pretty decentcar. i like the 2 door body style. great gas milage. the only thing i dislike is all the problems i had with it with in two weeks. and ive been told the rear seats fold down but have no idea cause i cant find a button or lever for them too. but the car is really nice and id recomend it to anyone so far.

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  Awesome, Fun to Drive - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By b-rock - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Although Ive just recently purchased my Alero! I love it, the best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Still a good car - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By GoingStrong - December 17 - 10:16 am

  My father paid $10,000 for the 2001 Alero with 12,000 miles for my brother and I in 2002 when we were in high school. I wasnt really crazy about it then because it seemed like EVERYONE had one but now I look back and see what a good car it was and still is. The only problem we have with it is the blinkers. They ALWAYS CLICK! It takes them a couple minutes to stop clicking even after they switch off. The car is now my brothers and he hasnt had a single problem with it since the battery died last year leaving him stranded in the mountains haha. Overall, great car for the money as long as its taken care of.

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  Save your pennies and buy something else - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By muldoon - December 3 - 8:20 pm

  This vehicle has to be a big joke. Yes the acceleration is somewhat spirited. However, it is not that great. My sisters 4-cylinder Galant keeps up with its V6. Plus it has 98,000 miles and no problems. My Alero on the other hand has been in the shop 5 times. Right now at 85,000 the transmission is starting to slip and the air conditioning blower switch and a/c level selector dont work right. This car is trash! Take my advice and buy foriegn.

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  Solid Feeling Car - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By luckybuck - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The car has a surprisingly solid feel. With all the rebates and incentives I feel i got a great deal!

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  Great Great buy!!! - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Ms C - November 20 - 6:17 pm

  My car has 283000 miles and still going!! The horn doesnt work!! Only had to get general maintenance! ! Got to get another car because of the rust underneath!! Purchase the car in 2006 with 75000 miles

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  Love the Alero - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Darina Popova - November 15 - 9:46 pm

  This is the best car I have bought ever. I was worried about the gas costs and the power but it has worked out great.

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  Good - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Friendly Helper - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I got this car as my second car. Before I was driving a 1994 Olds LSS. Even though this is a lower endmodel than the LSS was at the time it was made I tend to like this car more because it comes with alot of features such as cd which my old car did not have. The stereo was not as good as the lss unofrtunately, but what can you expect from a cheaper car I guess.