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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  Merry Christmas! I keep my dash board... - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By JC - October 28 - 3:40 pm

  Lights on all year long! My car is paid for and has been for some time. This is a good thing because it costs so much to keep it running! Wheel hubs, bearings, brakes, $$tires. I would tell anyone who asks not to buy an Alero, it is a complete lemon. I bought this car brand new, I have taken it to the Oldsmobile dealer for repair and no one can seem to fix my car. My dashboard lights are back on two weeks after it is "fixed." anti-lock, service vehicle soon, service engine soon, trac off always on!

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  What I think - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By awesome car - October 9 - 1:56 pm

  This car has been a joy to drive it has a moon roof very comfy and rides and handles great it was a great decision and a great price and a lot better than my cavalier.

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  Great ride - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By BlondieT - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I actually have a 2001. I have been very pleased with this car overall. One problem with the turn signals. They needed replacement. Other owners I talked to said they experienced the same thing - blinkers would work some times and not others.

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  junk - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By GFYS123 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  No reliability. Many problems. Rotors warp in 10,000 miles. Steering problems like crazy.

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  Good Car - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Susi - October 4 - 6:23 am

  This has been a dependable automobile. I have had very little trouble with my Alero. Its fun to drive.

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  Quick and Sweet - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By foxyfennec - October 3 - 5:43 am

  I have owned my Olds Alero Coupe for almost two years...Oldsmobiles were a family tradition, and I was pleased to be able to own this classy little car before Olds was canned for good. I favor the Alero because its not a dorky car, and its not a boring Honda/Toyota. Its exterior design has a lot of personality and class. I get a lot of looks of approval in my little gal, and shes as stock as the day I bought her! So far, I have had ZERO problems with this car. She is very reliable and so much fun to drive. The Alero is quite possibly the most underrated car of the decade. Needless to say, Ive gotten my moneys worth, and a whole lot more.

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  Looks and muscle arent everything. - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Folderol - September 29 - 10:00 am

  2 years ago this was exactly what I wanted: green,sleek,V6,alloy wheels and CD. Then problems started: first the heater/AC blower went. Then the blinkers cut out part of the time. Then the front rotors warped, were resurfaced under warrantee but warped again even worse and had to be replaced out of pocket. Acceleration, ride and handling are good but compared to my fiancees Jetta the brakes and steering are terribly numb and disconnected. Seats are comfy at first but after an hour my butt hurts. Overall, looks great inside and out but after a couple years the car grates on me. My next car will be an import, probably a Mazda.

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  satisfied owner - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By bthompso_99 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought used two years old with 25,000 miles. Several problems while it was still under warranty. CD player was replaced, driver side window motor replaced, blower electrical controls replaced, cruise went out, rotor problem. No major problems since warranty expired. Other than these mostly electrical problems the car has been fun to drive and for the most part a reliable vehicle that met our needs. Traded it off for a larger vehicle with growing family. If not for the need of a larger vehicle we would have kept it for a few more years.

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  2001 ALERO - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Gayla Smith - September 17 - 11:33 pm

  Security light comes on and will start. This started off and on after the constant blinker noise that drives me nuts. The dealership supposedly fixed the blinker, the very next day is started doing it all over again and now the security light comes on and the car WILL not start! Called GM they said they have no issues or complaints about this! No recalls ! I have numerous other issues but this is the main one.. NOT reliable and will never buy GM again!

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  Good So Far... - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By kugrad07 - September 7 - 3:13 am

  The Alero is a good handling car with great looks, but it is notorious for brake problems. Its almost time for my second brake replacement at only 55,000 miles! Fixes also very expensive in comparison to other cars in same class.