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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  seems reliable to me - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By geri7 - March 13 - 11:16 pm

  I havent seemed to have any serious problems with my 03 Alero, which is now at 201,700 miles. Just some part that needed to be replaced, which included my fuel pump, but that was my fault, because I hated so much to stop and get gas, and my gas will always be on empty. And a harmonic balancer and something that has to do with the drivebelt. But that was just very recent. So, I have to say, my car has served me very well. But, 3 of my windows dont work anymore. But I can live with that. Those arent the parts that matter anyway. Very satisfied with my car. Oh, love the stereo.

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  Poor Choice - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Erika - March 8 - 4:53 am

  The car had 74,000kms when I got it. When it got to about 98,000kms it started to have numerous problems. First thing that went was the slave cylinder only we were told it was the master cylinder. So $1600 later it had a brand new slave cylinder, master, and clutch. There was no problems till about 103,000kms one of the cylinders stopped firing, When the spark plugs were changed the car reacted badly, I guess only GM parts will make her run. Other then those two recent problems, it drives very well and is good on gas, with premium. Buyer be aware of what your getting, do you research first!

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  Alero: Four Years Into Ownership - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By chamescalvin - February 16 - 2:00 am

  After four years, it still looks good and drives well. Driven only 24k miles, mostly short trips to work. So far corrective maintenance has been minor. Ive had the PS pump adjusted once, the rotors turned once, one battery replaced, the drivers side power window motor replaced, and rear door upholstery repaired. I was surprised by the problems reported at this website by some of the other owners. The V-6 provides strong acceleration, the car handles well, and I find it quiet and smooth. Driver visibility is excellent. The cars exterior looks solid. The interior looks fine at a glance, but the dash and door materials are cheap.

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  2000 Alero GLS - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By JP in MO - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Much to my surprise, this Alero has great acceleration and passing speed. The ride is smooth and relatively quiet, except for a few interior design flaws within the speaker panels in the doors. Overall, I am very pleased and still find myself excited to drive it either around town or on a long trip.

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  GM trash - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Malone - January 25 - 9:00 pm

  I may run out of characters so lets get started. 3 wheel bearings at $150 a pop each, rear defroster broke at 90k, still not fixed, ABS sensor malfunctioning, still not fixed, 4 sets of brakes and rotors and two sets of calipers, fuel pump and sending unit, $425. Clunking in the front end leaning towards rack and pinion, cant wait for that bill. The drivers side door window fell off yesterday. Tie rod last month. 2 fuel injectors. I love the USA, but this will be the last American made vehicle I will ever purchase.

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  Sporty Ride - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By RKP - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great ride, sporty and great acceleration for a 170 HP engine. I like its cornering ability no push in the tight corners. Layout is good, night lighting excellent. The ride is solid Excellent handling capability. I am very satisfied mechanically but am looking for a softer and more plush ride.

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  LOVE THIS CAR!! - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By alerolova - January 16 - 9:26 pm

  I was a little worried when i saw this car in my drive way after my parents searched for something after i was in a car crash. I read a lot of reviews and found nothing but horrible reviews nightmare stories and a lot of $$ signs. so after driving it for a while something happened, the hub bar. went bad...but since i work at a dealership...i got the parts for mad cheap thank god. i replaced the shocks and im telling you the car runs like new. amazing. so then i cleaned the engine valve and the injecters...and it starts every time, no clicking...no problems at all. i love the car i love how it handles and its fast. great on gas. so hey a lil investigating goes a long way...only 500 spent. :)

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  CAUTION! - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By CAUTION!!!! - January 16 - 3:00 am

  Bought my Alero because I had rented one once and fell in love with its performance and ride. It is really fast for a coupe. If you are considering buying one from a dealer you better get the extended warranty! I have replaced the rotors on the front (big problem with Aleros). The lower intake gasket leaked so that screwed up the antifreeze. The resistor that controls the blower motor burned out. There is a rattling noise in front suspension that I cant seem to find. Fortunately I got the extended warranty! Id be out a few thousand if I hadnt. Depreciation is ridiculous! Paid $11,000 for it in 2002 and its now worth $6,000 retail/$4,000 trade. I owe $8000.

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  I love my car!!! - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Avalon - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my Alero! Since the first year they came out I had my eye on them and finally I was able to buy one. Its sporty looking, yet good for the whole family! It treats me well and I plan to do the same to it.

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  An excellent value - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Chris P. - January 11 - 10:00 am

  After first renting an Alero a year beforehand, and enjoying the experience, I decided to buy one. After driving the car for an average of an hour each way to work for several months, I have found the car to be excellent --- very comfortable, powerful, excellent handling, yet quiet on the highway. And, so far, it hasnt needed any trips to the repair shop (except for oil changes).