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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  cheaply made - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Joe - May 16 - 7:26 pm

  This car is good looking and has a lot of pep. Unfortunately out of view the car is cheaply made. I bought the car with about 50k. The car was a one owner and well maintained so I expected only normal maintenance, but not so. The latest expense, the power window mechanisms have to be replaced,lf an rr, along with the lf window because the clamps that hold the window to the up and down track came off. This latest cost $530. Cruise control switch, front wheel bearings power steering problems in the past. The car has a lot of road noise and the dash is cracking. Ive been a GM fan for years but now I finally understand why so many people buy imports.

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  Driving Performance of Olds Alero - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Earl B. Stiff - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The Olds Alero is a smooth riding car with ample speed to move you down the hiway. Power brakes (antilock) have been very helpful in avoiding near accidents.

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  Lovin the Olds - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By ashleylpn - April 27 - 10:00 am

  From the first time I drove an Alero I loved it. I did test out some other cars to get an idea of what I wanted but there was just no question.

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  So far so good - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By sharon - April 24 - 1:33 pm

  My alero 2003 has been so far pretty good. Going on a 2,000 mile trip within the next couple of days. Only problem I have is front driver side tire seems to have problems - rotate every 2,500 miles and gas mileage not the greatest. Used to buy Fords but they have the worst paint jobs in my opinion. Rust out. Chevs never have rusted; my dad always bought Oldsmobile so thought I would take his advise.

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  99 Alero - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By CLP - April 24 - 10:00 am

  This car has been great engine-wise, but began having interior problems less than 3 years after purchase. Dashboard is peeling away and molding on drivers side is warping. If you are thinking about purchasing this car, be sure you dont live in the Southeast because you may end up experiencing the same type of interior problem. In my experience, Oldsmobile will not repair the defect for free because the mileage was over 36,000 (although it hadnt been 36 months) and I got the short end of the stick. I wouldnt want this to happen to someone else.

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  Love it - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By SMK - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new and love it as much today as I did on the test drive. Im now at 119,000 miles and the only repairs I needed was to replace the bearings in the front (common with this vehicle) twice within the first year under warranty. Other then that it is a great car that is very fun to drive.

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  Do your research before purchasing - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Craftina - April 1 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car when it was already a year old with about 36K miles on it. About 2 months after we got it, the radio has this problem where it wont stay programmed. We have to turn it on every single time we turn the car on. The dealership didnt know why it was doing that, so it never got fixed. It just left my familystranded on the high way after the fule pump went out in the middle of Alabama (we lived in NC. That among various other repairs needed that I dont have room for. Just do your research.

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  This car is terrible... - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Jason - March 28 - 11:10 pm

  I inherited this car when I got married and started pumping cash into it immediately. Things that are wrong: 1. 3 fuel pump replacements 2. constantly blown fuses 3. window motor replaced 4. brakes constantly replaced (1.5 times a year) 5. lights burn out regularly 6. hazzard switch short.

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  COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By PWB - March 5 - 2:00 am

  IN 99 PAYING OVER $18K FOR A CAR YOU WOULD EXPECT ALITTLE BETTER, BUT NOT BAD. DID HAVE ALOT OF PROBLEMS: LIGHTS ON REAR VIEW MIRROR WOULDT GO OFF, FAN WOULDNT WORK UNLESS ON HIGH, ROTORS AND BRAKES SHOT AT 18K MILES. BUT MAYBE MY FAULT FOR BUYING FIRST YEAR MODEL. VERY BAD RESALE VALUE. ALMOST HAVE TO GIVE AWAY. IF YOUR BUYING GET THE V6. THIS IS THE BEST THING ABOUT THE CAR!!

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  oldsmobile alero - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By juanv87 - March 3 - 5:19 pm

  seriously i dont recomend this vehicle to no one i bougth my car in 2010 since them i bee having too many problems this is the worse car ever, they should have a recall for this vehicle