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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  Looks nice on the outside. Poison inside - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Kmarz555 - June 8 - 5:10 am

  Where to start? Within the first year I owned it; the entire transmission went out. Luckily, the warranty covered that. However, the abs system on this thing is the worst Ive ever seen. The ABS light always comes on, they want hundreds to fix it. The worse though is the knock sensor issues. I spent $2000 to fix it once, as soon as I got it back, it went out again. I took into the dealership for that one repair alone over 10 times! They still cant figure it out--the service manager claims its a manufacturing defect. The front CV joints sound like theyre about to fall off--every time I turn I hear a loud rubbing noise (Those have been replaced too). Overall, Ive suffered too long...

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  GM Strikes (Out) Again!! - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Sharrrona - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Alero with the highest of expectations. The car is very aestetically pleasing and is fun to drive. Unfortunately that is not enough to make up for the GM reliability. The sticker priceon my car was $22,000 and I paid $18,000 and thought I was getting a deal. 3 years and $6000 in repair bills later, I beg to differ. Please steer clear from this and other GM Products!!! Great car if you have the occasional grand to put in it.

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  Its been good to me! - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By chridan - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This car has been great! Have had it almost 4 years and havent had any problems with it.

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  jojo - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By auntjojo - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Its a good little car ,but i have had clogged fuel injectors at under 14000 miles ,also a defective battery replaced. The interior design was a bit chintzy some cup holders and small plastic parts pop out of place easily.I like the design of the outside but i am very mad that it didnt do well in frontal crashes (poor rating) i would have reconsidered the purchase if i had this info before hand!

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  The performance is horrible! - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By oklahoma man - May 18 - 12:26 am

  This is a nice car. However, the performance stinks! It takes forever for the the throttle response to kick in. Its like they took this heavy car and put a go cart engine in it! Its loud but not powerful at all! Barley gets up to speed on the highway. I tried to go around a Sunfire and couldnt even do it! But every time I turn the key I know it will start. Oh and the handling is terrible too. And they dont make any performance or upgrades for this car! Nothing!

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  My First Car - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By survboiurbvs - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car. I have always drove my parents cars which are both German and cost a lot more than my Alero. The Alero is not a sports car, but I like it a lot. The steering is great and its fun to drive around town and on short road trips. Mine is one and a half years old and has 45,000 miles and it works great.

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  Excellent! - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Witchbaby - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car and found that it was the size and reliability that I am looking for. I love it!

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  pros and cons of the alero - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By sazisarah - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Love the way the car looks , although it is alittle slow on intitial take off but does fine when passing

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  first olds buyer - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By satisfied user - March 26 - 10:00 am

  own a final 500 edition.only three weeks old, fun to drive.Nice interior,quick for small six cylinder.GM making mistake discontinuing this car.

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  Fun but junk - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By jnichols77 - March 24 - 9:36 am

  I purchased my Alero used four years ago and have put on 60,000+ miles on it. It has a peppy 6 cylinder engine, the transmission is great, braking is good, and driveability is good. Its interior quality and build is terrible though. I have replaced the driver window hardware twice, replaced both engine head gaskets, rear door rubber, etc. There is nothing major wrong, but all of the small things add up. I love the car for commuting but cannot trust it anymore on the interstate. If the interior had better quality materials and the overall build quality was better, this would be a great car. Without these, this an average car with better alternatives from imports.