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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  cool car - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By knn - September 30 - 10:00 am

  its reliable and good for a first time cheap car. cheap and reliable. Ive had no problems with it except a brocken oil sensor and a leak on the door all of which were covered in the warranty

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  alero "the family car" - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mcky09 - September 24 - 10:00 am

  the title says it all. this car has a mature feel throughout every aspect.the ride is very nice and has the power to pass if necessary. maxes out at 97 mph. this is the car to grow old in. and im only 20 with no family. why do i have this car?

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  Cant part. Its my baby! - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Love it! - September 23 - 5:56 am

  I love my car! I have had it going on 3 yrs and wish it would last forever the way it has been running. From the start I bought it with less then 6,000 miles ( which I must add got an AMAZING deal on it). The only thing I can say so far that has gone wrong is recently (at 50k) my blinkers have been not working ( I think its just a short in the wire?). Other than that, besides retards parking next to me and putting dings in the car, its great! I love this car and would keep it forever but we are looking into possibly selling it to get a newer, AWD crossover (at least my husband keeps telling me we are selling it but we will see about that). Like I said its my baby!

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  great car - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Mark C234 - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Its an all around great vehicle and fast being a V-6.

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  Leased Alero - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Alero Driver - September 15 - 3:43 pm

  I leased my Alero in July 99. It has the GL1 package and have found it to be a good solid car but nothing exceptional. The heat and a/c did not work on the 2 low settings after a year but other than that I have had no major problems. The gas mileage is not that good - I drive in the city mostly - around 18 miles to the gallon with the 4 cylinder. Resale value poor.

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  Fun to drive but its the little things - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Eric - September 15 - 6:00 am

  I bought the car about a year and a half ago, and had the brakes done and found out i needed a wheel bearing. Less than a month later it went out again and I needed to get two more after that. Many of the fuses have gone out also (horn) and the lights like to burn out in a short amount of time. License plate, side markers and blinkers.

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  It was a good car when I was 18! - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Steph - September 11 - 10:53 am

  I have had this car for 5 years now. So far I have replaced the brakes/roters every year. I had to replace the radiator in 04. Recently it has been constantly overheating. I went in today and they told me the head was cracked and the pistons were loose! I have put more money in repairs then what I bought it for! Off to the dealership to by a different car!

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  My Alero - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By smlzau2fan - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I have found the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero 2 door GL Sedan an absolutely wonderful buy. Its nice and roomy, comfortable, very driveable, and very eye-catching with or without spoiler or other add- ons. Overall Ive found this car to be quite a nine.

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  Good for the money - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By lalalolo - September 10 - 5:33 am

  Well, you could buy an ugly early 90s import, or an Alero for about the same price. For me, theres no contest. Id take my Alero. Unless you plan on driving it for the next 15 years, it is an excellent car for the money.

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  Good American Car - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By msarif - August 30 - 4:40 pm

  I have a GL3 sedan. I was surprisingly pleased with the engine and transmission performance of this car. I have almost 40K miles and encountered several problems. Front brake pads/rotors were replaced 3 times; engine coolant leaked 3 times; emergency brake doesnt engage; fan didnt work on low settings; glove compartment light mechanism broke; radio antenna came lose; sensors freeze during cold; power window motors are too weak in frozen weather. This car fish-tails too easily in emergency maneuvers and cornering. The resale value is horrible.