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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  1999 Oldsmobile Alero - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Shanaenae - October 14 - 10:23 pm

  I bought this car over a year ago without an engine, as the teen who owned it before me was hard on the car. After replacing the engine, the car has been fine, except for a little problem. IT FOGS! This car is great in the summer, the AC works like a dream, but in the winter, if there is more than one person in the car, or the heat is on, the windows fog so that you cannot see out of it. I have to roll down the passenger window, thank goodness its auto, to see into that mirror. Once it starts to fog, you either have to turn off the heat to prevent it, and hence be cold, or turn on defrost all the way. It is so annoying, and dangerous! Otherwise, the breaks squeak, and at least its am American vehicle.

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  Too many flaws!!! - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By grimbaldi - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Alero GL equipped with the 2.4L engine 2DR with approx. 19,000 miles on it as a program vehicle. Within the 1st 6 months of owning this vehicle I had to have the following items fixed/replaced: Replaced Struts Reseal rear windshield Re-mount trunk Deck lid Drivers side window fell into door (broken power window mech.) Had to replace Rotors @ 38,000 miles Aside from these problems the car has not been too bad thus far. Engine & road noise is a considerable detriment to this car. Also the deflation of the cars value has been extremely disappointing!!! This car becomes practically worthless not long after owning it.

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  Would not pick this one over again. - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By jnell - October 10 - 7:41 pm

  I have owned this car for almost 2 years now. I bought it with around 80,000 miles on it. It now has 110,000 miles. And I would not do it again. About a month after I bought it the front wheel bearings went out. I have also had problems with the drivers side window - had to replace the motor. The head gaskets have had to be replaced and the brakes react terrible if it rains or snows. Needless to say this has not been anything like what I thought. None of the repairs have been anything close to cheap or acceptable. I would not recommend it to anyone, especially for young driver. Aleros are very questionable cars, its a 50/50 chance - you either get a good one or a very rotten lemon.

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  Lemon - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Lemon - October 7 - 7:10 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my Alero. In the last five years, I have had to replace my blinker, gas cap, entire clutch system, steering wheel pump, cruise control switch, and rear defroster. I also had a bolt break causing my front passenger wheel to fall of, luckily I was going slow enough that it didnt cause serious damage and I was not injured. And most recently I found out I have a leak in my cooling system.

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  Great car for less! - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Espfire - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I feel the Oldsmobile division has taken a major criticism for a lineup that rivals Buick and Pontiac. Redesigned cars from the year 2000. The models have been safe, reliable and have outstanding body designs. Though a little behind in overall quality from Toyota and Honda, it really outshines Ford and the previously mentioned GM divisions. It will be a shame to see Oldsmobile go. People were catching on to the new look and feel of Olds and now GM simply gave up on a lineup that was making headway in a full market.

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  nice car - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By car guy - September 22 - 10:00 am

  steering is totally numb. No feedback. The ride quality is good but needs better geometry when cornering. The car is great for traveling. Killer A/C

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  Excellent Car!!!!!!!!!!!! - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Jarrett G. - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I love hauling my family around in this sporty car. The styling is great. I love the fact that I can wok on my car with minimal difficulties.

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  Recommended to ALL buyers!!! GREAT CAR! - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Lolo D. - September 19 - 10:00 am

  These cars are easy and fun to drive. I had my Alero for more than a year, its a 1999. It has 71,000 miles on it and runs great. I can change the oil, brakes, and perform maintenance to my car very easily. Also, these cars are easy to "hook up" because there are cheap after-market parts everywhere. I would RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE.

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  SO UNHAPPY - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By SRUBISH - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE THIS CARD 6MONTHS AND HAD IT BACK TO DEALER 8 TIMES. AXEL REPLACED, BOTH BEARINGS, BELT AND BELT ASSEMBLY, BRAKES TWICE, ROTARS ONCE. 02 SENSOR, GAS CAP FROM VAPOR LEAKS. I ALWAYS LOVED THESE CARS UNTIL I OWNED ONE.

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  Alero: A Lemon for Every Regreting Owner - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Mr. Nvrownaoldsagain - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I have about 34K on this car it is my wife’s. It has been in the shop WAY too many times for minor repairs. Although once for the transmission slamming into gear when we were moving cross country. The paint is falling off the door trim and its been 2 months and the dealer can not get the part from GM? It had 3 mirrors put on the drivers side because of shaking and they cant fix that. When it is not in the shop it does ride nice, is comfortable and stylish. But its poor build quality makes us despise the car.