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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  Great College Car - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By luminesa - January 8 - 10:00 am

  My parents and I bought this car for my use during college. It gets wonderful fuel mileage, which is great for all of the driving I do. The space available to load my luggage in is also wonderful. The body of the car is very stylish--great for a young student.

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  Alero Fever - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Alero Kurt - January 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Alero purchase. We also own a 2001 GL2 Sedan. I love both cars as they are both GL2 sedans; however, the 2004 is missing many features that were standard in 2001 (lighted rear view mirror, vanity mirror on passengers side, no sun- glass storage compartment on the ceiling (just an empty hole), 2 less speakers (only 4 was 6) but same radio, no flip up drink cover next to driver and no cargo net or ancors in the trunk. I know its the last production year but please remember I am a loyal owner and paying good money for a car that looks exactly like the 2001, performs like the 2001 but is missing tons of little extras. OUCH!!!

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  Happy Owner - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By HavJon - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car, oil leak around pan gasket when first purchased, fixed under warranty and no more problems. Mech. strong and requires very little maintance.

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  Disgraceful - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By TKincaid - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I gave this car poor on its rating to get back at Oldsmobile for not fixing my Alero. The Aluminum Wheels make a grinding/humming noise. Oldsmobile has not had enough complaints for a recall so turn off the radio, roll up the windows and listen as you drive at 10 to 15 mph. Olds. does not deny that this is a problem but will not stand behind their product. There are 3 types of wheels and the aluminum ones are making the sound. Let Olds. know or write BBB. This is no way to treat a customer.

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  Junk - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By oldsjunk123gfy - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Garbage. Power windows broke. Rotors warp every 10,000. Trans problems. Steering column problems.

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  i feel safe in this car - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By justjess26 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Last week, I got in a bad accident in my Alero. I was hit in my drivers side door by a truck and my car ended up being totaled, as the accident was very bad. However, it is amazing that I walked out of the accident without any injuries. Both of my airbags deployed, my car did not roll over, and it kept me from getting hurt. There was another Alero owner in the parking lot and he said that it was good to know that the car could protect so well, and that the airbags work, etc. I agree, and would have no problems getting into another Alero.

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  An excellent automobile - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By TERRIFIC - November 17 - 10:10 pm

  I love my Alero. It has the 4 cylinder redesigned engine and I could not want more. The ride is very comfortable and the highway driving is exceptional. It hugs the road and "drives itself." Ive never had a better steering car. GM got it right with steering ratio, turning effort, return, etc. its the best. Low noise level at highway speed is exceptional. NO wind noise. All around a great car. Also,factory speakers sound great, no need to upgrade.

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  i love my Alero - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By michelle - October 24 - 9:46 pm

  I recently had a baby and feel so safe in my Alero. I wish now I would have purchased a sedan instead of a coupe, they look just as good as the two doors. I love my car, it is the best decision that I have ever made.

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  I love my Alero - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Squashtowner - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Only real problems...crappy BF Goodrich (Garbage?) tires. They are noisy. And, the front pads wore out at 35000 km.

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  Love This Car! - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By luv_alero - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 2000 Alero for 2.5 years and absolutely love it! It handles beutifully and really hugs the road. The interior is comfy and quiet. Very smooth ride. I was in a fairly bad front end accident (+/- 30-35 mph) two years ago. I was very pleased with the safety performance of the car. Even after the accident, Ive (surprisingly) had absolutely no problems with it. My lease is up in 6 months and I am torn between getting another one or not since GM is closing Oldsmobile. Too bad, they had a wonderful product with the Alero.