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 Alero - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Ruth - August 2 - 10:00 am

  It is a decent car for the money. It is fun to drive, but definitely not luxurious. I have the v6, so it has tons of pep. A lot of road noise on the expressway and you feel every bump in this vehicle. My car has a very long crank, which can be embarassing. (GM says its normal) And the suspension doesnt feel like it is built for a v6.

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  2000 Alero GLS Sedan - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By GLS Owner - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Within the first 9000 mile iI realized that I cant get more than 24 miles to the gallon and my rotors were warped, although I had plenty of pad left.After 4000 more miles(twice) I turned them at my own cost. Then had to replace them all. My right side driver seat bolster pulled off so I am driving around with a metal bar against my back.The problem is WARRANTEE and SERVICE no car is perfect!

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  Sporty, sporty, sporty - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Monet - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It knocks the Honda Civic, which was my last car, right out of the running. The spacious interior, the cocpit feeling drivers quarters, and convenient placement of the ac/cd/radio is great.

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  Keep the Alero - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Ray Sarchet - July 23 - 5:56 pm

  Its a darn good car, comfortable, affordable with good fuel economy. Its the kind of car America ought to be driving!

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  Problems never end - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By melrosedave - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I do love the look of the car, but I have had to call AAA four times in the eleven months I have owned the car. Its either the alternator, battery, electric system or emissions problems.

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  Car has been great so far - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By BJ - July 9 - 10:10 pm

  I have had the ignition problem but seems to have gone away after taking all keys off except house key and ignition. I have 120k on it and have only replaced front hubs at 86k and fuel pump at 96k. Everything else works great and I love the rds stereo system. I use synthetic oil and have had the car since it had 56k on the odom. I get 26 in town and 34 on the highway with the 2.2 4cly as long as I drive it easy.

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  Whats wrong with the Brakes????? - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Astrodude - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Lets face it. Ive read all the reviews from others and there are serious brake problems with this car that must be manufacturing issues. I have had warped rotors 3 times within 70,000 miles and the first time was at only 19K. I think a recall is in order for the brakes. On a positive note, the interior of this car is awesome. Ive never had a car with more comfortable seats. Im somewhat disappointed with the gas mileage too.

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  Alero - An Awesome Car - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mike - June 24 - 2:13 am

  My 1999 Oldsmobile Alero is a jewel. I love the ride. It hasnt had any engine problems. I used to have a Mitsubishi Eclipse and I am glad that I traded it in for an Alero.

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  WOE MULE!! - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By inkeyjr - June 14 - 10:00 am

  I have been an Olds owner for exactly one year and 3 weeks and already I have racked up a ton of miles. The car is addictive to drive and the acceleration is awsome. Only one thing, the interior is mighty cheap as well as a few minor electrical problems that have started to occur when I hit the 50,000 mile mark. Overall, Id say that this vehicle is great engine wise) however it is not intended for people who want to steer away from speeding tickets.

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  Junk... - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Renter132423 - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Rented one. my daily driver is BMW 330xi. I like the looks especially the rear end lights. Got in, wow - sucked. Too much plastic feel. Handling is crummy. Motor poor for V6. GLAD GLAD I can recommend anyone NOT to buy one of these. Look at a Honda or Toyota before this thing... terrible. Sorry.