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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  2001 Olds. Alero review - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By TONY - February 17 - 10:00 am

  The car has been in for warranty repairs about 5 times for different failures, incl. the rear speaker, oil leak at the intake (2 times), spark plug wire, warped brake rotors, and warning brake light stays on. I currently have 55K miles on this car and it came with a 60K ext. warranty and I have used the extended warr. several times. The 3.4L 6cyl. is underpowered compared to my 1995 Grand Am w/ the 3.1L 6cyl. If I had to do it again I would not buy this particular vehicle.

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  fun but not reliable - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By a - February 10 - 5:20 am

  Nice ride, very quick 6 cyl, got new rack and pinion, bad starting noise and hesitation, new power steering pump, new e-brake, new speakers and ignition parts many times. Very good sounding speakers. New alternator. New head gasket. No more american for me. Dont look in the future to see Aleros go 200k miles.

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  dress her up AND take her out!!! - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By swede1978 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Always had a pick up truck, one day saw the Alero on a lot.... went home with it, never looked back. Has the "moxy" i like on the highway and handles tight like a tiger. OH YEAH- nice fuel economy too, real relief when at the pumps, especially compared to a pick up truck @16MPG or less and Alero @ 34+hiwayMPG! Has plenty of room for stuffs in the trunk with folding rear seats. Ive convinced 3 of my friends to get one and my Mom too. Excellent sound sys as well that appeases the music connoisseur.

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  Glad I bought the Extended Warranty - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Bill - January 29 - 4:40 am

  I bought this car with 12K miles on it. Came off of a fleet lease. No problems the first year. In the 2nd year had to replace right front wheel bearing, 6 months later the left front wheel bearing 35k miles on it. At 55K had to replace the fuel pump and some additional parts associated with the fuel system. At 74k had to repair and replace many parts of the air conditioning system. Good thing I had the extended warranty total repairs come to $4800. This car is a glorified Grand Am. Will not consider another GM vehicle after this car experience. Hello Honda/Toyota.

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  2003 Alero - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By GrammaB - January 27 - 4:26 pm

  I bought this Alero from a dealership as a used vehicle with 11,000 miles on it. The fuel pump died at 58,000 miles, and the brakes had to be replaced once. All other expenses were my fault. This has been a great car. Gas mph averages about 24-26 mph, a bit more on highway. It has about 66,000 miles on it now. Sure am sorry GM discontinued Oldsmobiles! I am trading for a Chevy Malibu, hope I am not disappointed.

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  So near and yet so far - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By rdeschene - January 24 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I both love this car - torquey V6, good handling and steering, about 30mpg(US) hwy, very comfortable front seats, good visibility, nice styling with the rear spoiler, decent price as a 1yr old car. What has been disappointing are the mechanical failures which I KNOW GM knows how to prevent -- I didnt have any of these problems with my previous Corsica. At 107,000km we have replaced both front bearings, the fuel tank sender, the interior fan resistor and the button on the auto shifter TWICE. I am quite certain GM knows how to make front bearings that dont wearout in 100,000km. Theres no excuse for it and it makes me hesitant to buy GM next time.

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  A Lemon! - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Meeme - January 22 - 9:10 am

  I have had this car for ove a year now and I have put so much money into it that if I saved it all I could have paid this car off.. The pass lock locked my car first. 3 mechanics couldnt figure out what was wrong. All together $1000 fixed the problem. My Ford that I paid $1000 didnt give me as many problems as this! Brakes, bearings, spring coil, A/C, drum and the pass lock. All together well over $5000 put into it already! It makes me sick to my stomach. I will never again get an Oldsmobile! No wonder they shut down their production. The sound system is great but I would rather have a reliable car instead.

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  Love it! - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By TashaKathryn - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Alero 5 days ago. I really like it and it feels durable. Has nice features and looks sleek. Hoping the car with be dependable and last.

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  I wouldnt suggest it.. - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By wreckedher - January 17 - 1:39 am

  An Oldsmobile Alero was my first daily driver. It had 88K miles on it when I got it. The first thing I noticed was that the car shifted hard. Even if it shifted from 2nd to 3rd at a measly 2300RPM the car would jolt when it shifted. The second thing I noticed was that the car rode horribly. I got complaints from passengers all the time. The 3rd thing I found out is that my engine was burning 3 quarts of oil at 91K miles. The vehicle started every time I got in it without issue, but the car itself just wasnt great. It drove, rid and acted like a $1000 car. In the end I sold it for $2500 then paid it off so I could buy a $2000 car and have no payments. Havent been happier.

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  Its not a Honda - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By A-guy - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car new and have had my share of ups and downs. Fortunately, the car had been under warranty. for my share of problems: Warpped rotors, leak in windshield, buckled material on the dashboard, leak in pass/rear door seal, rt ft shock mount. * never stranded. Now I am worried about what is to become of this car for the next few years. Not to mention the value. The rapid depreciation is main reason why I still own this car, the other reason is that, aside from all of the problems, I really love the car. There is something about it that allows me to look past the problems. Hopefully I will not have any major issues to change my mind.