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:

• 

  Dont even hesitate to buy one. - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By PatrickD844 - July 27 - 6:53 am

  I have owned my 2004 Alero for just over 3 years now. I bought it barely used with 15k on it, and now it has about 58k. It has been an exceptional car, starting every single time, and never letting me down. The only times its been in the shop have been for maintenance/wear and tear items. A very well made car, and well worth the money I paid for it.

• 

  My 2001 Olds Alero - Reposession - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Cedar Park - July 26 - 3:33 pm

  I bought a 2001 Olds Alero GLS in 2005. Ive seen the complaints about Aleros and I have changed or repaired things. My repo had 87K miles when I bought it in 2005. Now 127K. Ive replaced or repaired the following items: Motor performance computer, interior computer, remote keyless receiver, replaced fuel intake gaskets, replaced A/C compressor, plus I removed the AM/FM/CD radio and bought two extra ones off e-bay ($9.00 each). I cobbled best parts off two and put on the best one. Sold the others on e-bay for $45. Thats about it. I did all of the work and bought all parts on e-bay or discount GM dealer on-line for at least 50% discount. 26-32 mpg. This car just keeps running. No oil use.

• 

  Nice Investment - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Drew Anderson - July 20 - 1:23 pm

  I bought my Alero brand new, and loved it. I got it fully loaded so it makes the car a lot nicer. The only thing thats ever gone wrong for me was the Trans and I had a clogged cat. I replaced the Trans and just put a straight pipe over the cat so its all good. Still love this car and everything i got with it.

• 

  No more GM cars! - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Luke - July 10 - 12:26 pm

  Bought this car used at about 60,000 miles and have put on another 60,000 driving to school/work. Driving and fuel efficiency arent bad (although theres a big difference between winter and summer MPGs), but maintenance is a constant headache. I was actually vindicated to read on some of these other reviews about problems Ive had: the leaky gasket issue, wheel bearings, starters, etc. Overall a sub-par vehicle which was obviously designed to last about 70-80 thousand miles and then be thrown away. Next car: something dependable like a Toyota or Honda - if my Alero is still worth anything at trade in when I can finally pay off the loan, that is.

• 

  Grreat car - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Duaner1955 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Have had the vechile for a month now, and its been great. Extremely happy with the very peppy 4-cyc engine and great gas mileage.. 35+ so far. Love the look and feel of it, as it handles like a sports car. Should have bought it a year ago, instead of putting more money into my old caravan.

• 

  Worst ever - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By MaineOwner - July 3 - 4:20 pm

  This is seriously the worst car Ive ever driven. I have owned my car for a few years now and i cant stand it. I have problems with EVERYTHING! The security is a pain because it always thinks Im stealing my own car and blinks security lights all the time. Every time i get in the car to drive it a new light on the dash board comes on. The only thing i like is the gas mileage and the way it handles on the road. The back seats are the most uncomfortable seats youll ever sit on, and i have had problems every winter with the anti-lock break system. Oh and i run out of gas all the time because it says i have 1/4 a tank of gas, but it is really empty. So i end up running out of gas completely.

• 

  Best and Worst of Both Worlds - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Olds5 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The car is a bit of a heart-breaker. Its a beautiful car both inside and out. It does handle well and got though the past winter (2002-2003)ok. The engine is the albatross around this cars neck. A manifold seal has failed twice causing damage to the engine.The car is showing the same symptoms at this writing. Also, the power windows have gone off track at least once. If I had to to it again, This would not be the car I would choose.

• 

  Not bad at all - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Russ Hoss - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Other than the driver seat feeling like its broken, I LOVE the car. I put about 400 miles a week on my car and its really fun to drive. Actually, my wife has taken it from me and she is a diehard Honda fan.

• 

  Im going to miss this car - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By chris - June 2 - 10:00 am

  My wife bought this car Brand New from the dealer. weve had it for 10 yrs now and its been wonderful. Very few problems the fuel pump went at 70k which i hear is very common, and weve replaced all the power window switches. everything else is great, very fun to drive and very roomy. Im trading it in and Im going to miss this car.

• 

  Ignore the naysayers - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Jeff - June 2 - 12:43 am

  I bought this car at 38,000 miles and put 53,000 miles on it. It has needed the kinds of repairs every car needs - a new thermostat, starter, and a power-window motor. I also had to get new wheel bearings for the front wheels. The one bad thing is the rims. 3 of them are bent, but I do live in New York City. Everyone says theyre pretty cheap though. Otherwise, its a fun, zippy car to drive and the GLS model with a moonroof and spoiler is a good looking car.