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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  Great car! - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By kr - September 10 - 10:23 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for almost 8 years. I bought it in 2001 and it only had about 9000 miles on it. It was previously a rental car out of the state of Washington. This car still runs almost like new! I change the oil every 3000 miles and do basic maintenance (very minimal). This car has had a security problem (fixed for about $300.00 with no other problems), and also has had the rotors replaced 2x but I guess that should be expected with 180,000 miles. This has been a GREAT car and I would highly recommend it. I am even considering buying another when this one finally quits.

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  Alero Happy - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Vipersaint - September 8 - 1:26 pm

  Car is a nice size and handles exceptionally well for a sedan. Reasonable acceleration(this from a former Viper owner). Have heard of issues with brakes but no problems yet as of 31,000 miles. Reliable. Leather is cheap and will tear. Nevertheless, can recommend this car to anyone.

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  Bought Two Of Them - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By FLORIDA JOE - September 5 - 9:33 am

  My daughter and sister each had their cars totalled. I bought low mileage used Aleros for each of them. At less than 11K for such a feature laden car you cant beat them. They both looked like new cars with very low mileage. They love their new Aleros and I feel good that they are in a dependable car.

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  Reliable and surprisingly long lasting - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By benjito - August 21 - 5:41 pm

  This car now has 208000+ miles on it and it still runs great. All of the motor mounts have been replaced, but it still vibrates like crazy when its in drive and the brake is on. I am afraid it may be the transmission, but at least I get a full-body massage at every stoplight. The interior keeps threatening to fall apart. I keep making small repairs to the brackets that hold the drivers side mirror adjustment and the ash tray beside the steering wheel. The trac-off light is quite a pest though and it [the car] sometimes hesitates or skips when the driver accelerates. Very good handling and pretty decent spunk to the engine. Overall way worth the money, I would recommend this car to anybody.

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  Inexpensive and Pleasing - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Foxy - August 20 - 10:33 am

  The standard 2.2 L engine in the Alero has a bit of torque and is peppy and fun to drive. The Alero coupes appearance is classy, yet sporty enough to be an attractive car. Ive owned my Alero for three years, and while its not an envy-worthy car, I get great gas mileage, and its been VERY inexpensive to maintain. I have had ZERO major problems with my car. Ive only had to repair the lifter on the automatic window. Probably my fault it broke. I paid $10K for my car when it was a year old, and my payments are very low. Id recommend the Alero for anyone (like me) whos fresh out of college, has a limited budget, and needs NICE, affordable transportation.

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  Fun, Looks great & only small problems - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By ibjeepr - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car used with 33000 miles on an impulse when I was actually looking for a used suburban. I havent regreted it. It is one of the nicest looking cars out there,is fun to drive and has had only a couple insignifigant problems. I drive 400 miles every other weekend and enjoy it. I drive hard (just ask my poor passangers)and havent seen the rapid brake wear even the mechanic told me to expect.

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  Thank god for warranties - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Tickedoff - August 11 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2000 gls, brakes are horrible, windshield leaks, problem w/turn signals (would not turn on until hazzard switch pressed several times) Not to mention its not worth anything!

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  so good I bought a second one - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By tuckbar - August 10 - 6:26 am

  my wife and I leased a 99 alero when they first came out. although we bought the base model, (with the 4 cyl.), we both enjoyed driving it! So much so, that I bought an 02 with all the options(except leather). The 6 cyl motor & performance suspension options make this car perform better than most of the japanese cars that I test drove. the price was also thousands of $$$ less!

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  Just the facts.. - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Dean Morales - August 9 - 11:03 am

  I bought the car as a commuter and daily drove it with 2 passengers for 3 years. I drove it on vacations and cross country. It handles well, (better than an Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, (my car pool partners vehicles and got better mileage) I see no difference in the quality and reliability. Its north of 89,000 miles now and is my daughters college and roadtrip car. Zero problems in 5 years...

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  HIGH MAINTENANCE! - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By JO - August 4 - 12:03 pm

  Im the 3rd owner of the alero that I purchased from my parents in 01. They found it to be very uncomfortable & difficult to get in & out of. It was one of many issues that I would have with the car. Ive owned it now for 8yrs & every year Ive had to put $ into it!I lost count on how many wheel bearings have been replaced.Ive replaced engine; airconditioning unit; gas tank; alternator; starter; just to name a few. Currently; the engine is knocking; the car screams with ac or heat on; needs u joint; gas guage doesnt work. Its been very high maintenance & I would not recommend it.