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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  Absolute Base Model Review - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Johnny - April 8 - 11:58 pm

  2.2L EcoTec engine is decently powered for being in a bigger sedan. The instrument panels are very basic like just the bare essentials. Radio is different from the other models. its actually different from the one shown in the owners manual. The window clips that hold the window on a non-power window do become very fragile in advanced age. Only 2 major issues that have happened was transmission lines busting and brake lines busted all in spots which were difficult to repair by myself. There is one nagging issue but is very common and that is the security lock out upon start. The other slight issue is simply the road, between noise and comfort of ride. As the driver i have never had an issue with comfort in the front seat. My passengers tell me the front passenger seat is fine but the back feels like you are dragging the road. I would say this could be suspension. However, i replaced the whole nine yards of it, making it brand new parts. One major recommendation with an Alero (and any car for that matter), is to always do the regular maintenance because as it wears out, the way the car runs and rides becomes rough in this car. I know this due to the Condition of it when I purchased the vehicle in 2012.

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  Hunk Of Scrap! GM are theives to have even marketed this DEATH TRAP!!! - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By alderozrjunk - March 29 - 8:20 am

  This is the worst POS on the planet. This was Oldsmobiles last car before they went belly up and I now know why. I bought it used three years old and have had nothing but problem after problem from the front bumper to the rear bumper. Too many problems to name but I will say this. The guy who sold me this POS knew what a Death Trap and it was when he sold it and got his eyes blackened and a broken nose in return after it landed me in the ditch over a mechanical issue that was recalled by GM! I bought it used so there was nothing I could do about it as the "class action lawsuit" in which the lawyers got everything and the owners got nothing was resolved. I WILL NEVER BUY A GM PRODUCT AGAIN!

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  Very disappointed in my alero - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mad alero owner - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I was so excited when I bought my very first car, my Alero. One month later, i had to replace the security feature, 6 monthes later, my dash started to wilt from the sun (even with a window cover). Now, almost 1 1/2 years after my purchase, I have to have a cover for my dash because it looks so bad AND I have to air up my tires at least 2x a week because they keep losing air. Had it checked out and checked out again, they keep saying nothings wrong. Not even halfway in to my payments and Im looking for a new vehicle. I know one thing, it will not be an Alero.

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  What a deal..... - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By vodie - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I needed to replace a mini-van that was worn out and I was plain tired of minivans. Honda Element... too wierd, Honda Civic..too small, Accord...too $$. I have owned a couple Hondas and they have the occasional quality issue anemic heaters etc. A used car lot had a Buick Rendez. and noticed a dozen 2004 Alero program cars. They were clean, comfortable, and CHEAP. I got an 6cyl, with ABS, power seat, CD and wing. Hey this is comfy and I was out the door for $11000 and they took my Chevy APV with a bad tranny on trade. The Alero is nice, ABS is good compared to the unrefined ABS Chevy put in the APV in 1995. There is a fit problem with the center dash vent. I am HAPPY and NOT car poor.

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  maybe mines a lemon? - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By texweber - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Id had my eye on Aleros for quite awhile, and was very impressed with how affordable they were and the features that were included. I have a 2000 model with about 65K on it, and unfortunately have spent too much money on all kinds of maintenance problems. Less than a year into the buy I had to have the rotors and tires replaced, and a year after that Im in a world of hurt with a new thermostat and potentially a gasket leak. Its fun to drive, and Ive been more than happy with it up til recently, but dont have a lot of faith in it anymore. Maybe its just the V6, but I cant keep gas in the thing either.

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  Excellence with the Alero - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By nosralj - March 25 - 2:00 am

  After leasing an Alero in 99, I bought another 4 door GX in 2002, but this one was a manual. This car was a steal and with the rebates I was able to get it for $17k. The car drives beautifully and gives off a solid feel. I had minimum problems only having problems with the backseat door paneling pealing due to the extreme Arizona heat. If Im ever in an accident, I have the confidence that the other car wont punch a hole in the Alero like paper machete. With its sporty exterior and manual transmission to boot, provides me the pleasure of driving a sport car at a reasonable price. Great car.

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  GLS is the best - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By goin comando - March 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is fabulous. It handles beautifully, its comfotable, sporty, and fast. NONE better...

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  I love it! - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By MFB - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Between the GM Mastercard rebate and the dealer discounts, I could have bought two-three Aleros for one import. This GLS with the handling package, radio upgrade, minus the tail fin is a clean looking flawless fun to drive car. I cruises the turnpike at 80 with power to spare and plenty of comfort. With the 5 year GM warranty it will be hard to find an excuse to trade it early. This is the best car I have ever owned!

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  60000 and Counting - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By wkinkaid - March 15 - 5:16 pm

  After renting an Alero, we decided to move away from Ford for a while and bought a 2002 GL1. This car was solid until 40K. I feel things like the steering rack, gaskets, struts, brakes and fuel pumps shouldnt fail until 100K or more. Just glad we bought the extended warranty this time. Too bad for us the value has went down and we are forced to keep it. GM shows that being the biggest doesnt mean being the best.

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  I wish I loved this car - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By latoja - March 15 - 2:53 pm

  I really wanted to love this car. I bought this car new and unfortunately have a lot of problems with it. Replaced the brakes 4 times in 6 years. Because of the rim material, the tires dont seal tightly and they leak air - windshield started cracking under the top seal. The driver side window motor stopped working. Now the directional makes the clicking noise ALL the time when I am not using it. Coolant needs to be replace often. "Service Engine Soon", "Anti-lock break" and "Trac control" lights are always on. Was told it was because of a bad wheel sensor, so I replaced it, but the lights remain on. Engine started knocking at 100k miles. Paint is chipping