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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  my car - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By rachel miller - August 23 - 1:33 am

  This is the first Olds. Alero that Ive ever owned and I love it Ive had it two years and its an excellent car and its fast Ive modified the motor a little and put new exhaust on it

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  Beware-o Alero 2001 GLS Sedan - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Den1 - August 14 - 4:23 am

  I have had numerous problems with this car, the most expensive of which is the coolant system leaks due to poor design at GM. Theres a class action lawsuit on this because it is such a consistent problem on these engines (3.4 Liter). If you have this engine, it will develop leaks. It cant possibly do otherwise since the coolant actually erodes the gasket material. Its simply a matter of time. Now with the wheel and brake problems and the numerous small issues, I have to say this would be a terrible choice as a used vehicle. If you like your money, stay away from it.

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  piece of junk!!!! - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By jason5280 - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for two years, Ive replaced the starter, struts, battery, both windows (tracks and motors!!!!!). Now the head gasket is bad, (antifreeze leaking in the engine). Stay away from this car, it seemed like after I hit 65k miles, it took a nose dive.

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  Long term owner / teen driven - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Dean - August 3 - 6:50 pm

  This car was bought for my carpool use. I put 60K miles on it in 3 years, mostly highway. Typical hwy 29 mpg (4 cyl) typical city 21-24 mpg. At 64K miles I turned it over to my then teenage druggie Daughter who thrashed it and abused it with her druggie friends for 4 more years. It became a transportation car and lets go to a rave car. I was overseas. The car was trashed. Now she is grownup and wised up and is fine. Car has 146K miles on it and the only thing that has gone wrong is the manual remote drivers mirror cable broke and the ignition switch broke. Other than that, just the usual brake work, fluid changes, (inc auto trans) and tires. Daughter is still driving it.

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  Domestic Sleeper - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By D Mac - July 30 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought the GLS 4 dr sedan w/ all options and the car is awesome. We have found the domestic sleeper to foreign competitors. Handles like a 4 dr sports car w/ luxury amenities. Although car hasnt been broken in yet

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  Cute and Peppy! - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Nikkkii - July 26 - 2:00 am

  The Alero is just cute cute cute! Love the sporty exterior (mine has a spoiler) and the euorpean styling. Ive always driven Toyota/Nissan sports cars and this is my first American choice. I love the appearance, handling and that it doesnt demand as much attention as my past cars which Ive worried would be stolen. Peppy little car that hugs corners well, what more can you want?

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  Mels Alero Review - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By MELISSA - June 25 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a reliable, comfortable, good looking, decently priced car the Olds Alero is definately an option. I absolutely loved mine. Unfortunately I was recently in an automobile accident where the car rolled. I will say that the Alero held up to my standards and kept me safe. If I would have went with a smaller car or a different brand, I dont believe I would have survived. Another car would have flattened in that situation. I am highly considering purchasing another Olds Alero. It looks good, drives good, and is a safe sturdy vehicle.

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  Bad Brakes - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By jtskitty - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Overall I have pleased with the vehicle. The main problem I have experienced has been the brakes. We had to replace brakes & rotors at only 30,000 miles and they still make a grinding noise with the new brakes. This is a definite manufacturing/design flaw on Oldsmobiles part. Brakes are not something you should short change on a car. This is a definite safety issue. The second issue I have is that the service engine soon light came on & wont go off. The third issue is a lagging starter. Sometimes it works beautifully & then others I have to prime it to get it to start.

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  Been a Great Car - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Stephen - June 6 - 1:00 am

  I bought my Alero used (it was a rental car) with 18,000 miles on it in 2001. It now has close to 130,000 miles on it (02/06). Ive replaced the front brakes a couple of times and I had to replace the fuel regulator at about 102,000 miles. Aside from that and the recall on the soldering of the Hazard button I really cannot complain about this car. I drive 40 miles each way to work and regularly drive 180 miles each way to my parents house on the weekends. I get 27-28 miles per gallon on every tank of gas. My only complaint is the sun visors. I dont like how they come down and stick out.

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  Another great Olds - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By zelda - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I have owned/driven most America makes & models over the years, but most have been Olds. While I have had lemons with other makes, never with Olds. This is another great one. (I also have a 2002 Bravada) Will probably hang on to these until Im too old to drive since they will no longer be made.