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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  Fun car to Drive - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Love this car - September 3 - 1:53 pm

  Got this car in 2001. Love to drive it, love the looks I get. It handles great. I have the 3.4 lt and its fun. The seats are so comfortable (leather) that I really enjoy long trips. Trunk is very spacious and the rear seats fold down for the longer stuff. Have not had any major problems. Those other people must have gotten lemons to have so many problems or they beat it to death. A car has to be taken care of not abused to keep it in good shape and running nice. I would buy another one. But I dont want to sell the one I have any time soon.

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  A great all-around car - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By W. Tersch - August 26 - 9:50 pm

  I bought my Alero certified used five years ago, and it remains a beautiful and practical car inside and out. Low mileage Oldsmobile are one of the best bargains out there and have served several friends well too. I replaced a power steering pump and a ventilation resistor under warranty, and a small screw cover fell off, but other than that, smooth sailing for daily driving and road trips after 70k miles. This car handles Chicago winters well with its wide tires, front wheel drive, traction control, and ABS. Still in love with it!

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  Wonderful Car - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Zam4psu - August 26 - 2:00 am

  My mother purchased a 2000 Alero GL2 almost 4 years ago and I loved it so much that when I finally needed a new car I went right back to the dealership we always go to and purchased one for myself. My 2003 Alero GLS 2-door is a wonderful car that rides, drives, and performs beautifully! I did try several other cars out before I made my final decision by the Alero was the only car that I completely happy with every aspect of it. Too bad GM has decided to take eliminate Oldsmobile, I would definitely have purchased another new Alero in the future!

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  Problems with Security System - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By voiceinharmony - August 22 - 9:20 am

  I bought my car used with 25K on it. It has great power when you drive it but does not give very good gas mileage, about 28 mpg. After it hit 60K I started having problems with the Security System. Basically, my car could start. I was able to find out in the Manual that it has a Pass Lock Safety Lock. So in order to start the car you have to leave it on for 10 minutes on the ON ignition key. So far Ive heard it may take $300 to fix the problem. I also have a click, click sound on my signals that wont go away.

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  Had to have it - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mando172000 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS SO MUCH FUN TO DRIVE, MINE IS RED AND I GET COMPLIMENTS ALL THE TIME. IT LOOKS VERY SLEEK AND HANDELS WELL. IT IS SPORTY AND COMFORTABLE AT THE SAME TIME. I AM VERY PICKY ABOUT CARS AND I WOULD BUY IT AGAIN.

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  oldsmobile - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By keisha 101 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  i love the car it is build exstrodinatley and it drives great it hardly ever need tune ups or anything iot is g reat car and i recommend it to anyone

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  YOULL BE SORRY............I WAS !!!!!!! - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By kuld@N.J - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Where do I start???It all started at 7000 miles.Matter a fact,it is still going on.The car was to the dealer about 13 times already.The problems were;check engine light(dealer said it was only gas cap problem,The next day I broke down on the highway.It turns out the guts inside the catalitic converter broke apart.It took 9 trips to the dealer to figure that one out and a lawyer.When that went so did the muffler.The light came on again,this time oxygen sensors blew.From there on the car has been back for a alternator,door gasket,gas cap problems and a fan motor next week.

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  I love it but need something bigger! - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By amys alero - August 5 - 8:43 pm

  I bought my Oldsmobile Alero used with 15,000 miles on it. It has great power with the V6 engine! I love the look and the drive. The gas mileage is about 20 mpg around town. It seems I stop twice a week for gas! The trunk space is huge! Has a great factory sound system. It is comfortable on long rides! The only problem has been with the CV joint (it still need to be replaced). It causes an annoying knocking if I am on a bumpy road or turning. The interior quality is ok, except for the power source cover is made of weak plastic and has broken from use. It hangs off if opened. I need a bigger car for my larger family! This car does not have much backseat legroom due to long legged drivers. When people tell me my lights are on I love to say "Thats Ok. They go off automatically!"

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  Love this car - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Ananuri - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the price. Ive got mine for over 2 years now, and love it. Yes, I needed to change rotors during the first month (done under warranty, got brand new ones), but after that it has been excellent. Car looks great, V6 is excellent, and with 16-inch alloy weels and wide tires, it has better moves than many other, more expensive vehicles. I dont believe they are closing Oldsmobile.

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  Headache! - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Michelle - July 28 - 12:43 pm

  Needless to say, this car is starting to spend more time in the shop than on the road. I just got a new transmission but this jerking issue still persists. The brakes continue to be a problem. We have had to fix the window on the driver side and recall for the hazard lights. This good looking car is a real mess! If anyone has the opportunity to by an Alero, run the other way. There is a good reason why they stopped making this car!