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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  Not to happy - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By jasonvqmzm2 - July 25 - 9:51 am

  Bought the car this year, 2014. Had 144k miles on the car at purchase. Fuel pump went out at 146k and found it had been replaced before. Now, the anti-theft system is kicking in when going down the hwy and killing the engine. Ignition switch is jamming up and have to wiggle key to turn and start the car. Being told now that the ignition lock cylinder can fail causing anti-theft system fault and no start conditions. Have towed car home twice in last month because of this problem. GM wont issue a recall on this because they claim it isnt a safety issue. What is safe about your engine cutting off, going 70 mph on the interstate?

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Geografer - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Had nothing but problems with this car since day 1. Back rotor brakes have been resurfaced 4 times (only 28K miles on car) and already need to be done again. There are random electrical problems (blinkers will randomly quit working while driving but turn the hazard lights on few seconds they will work again/radio will not turn off after car is off, keys out and doors open and will stay on constantly until suddenly going off as it should) that they cant seem to find an explanation for so cant fix. I bought this car because it claimed to be low maintenance but has been anything but. It has been in for repairs at least 6 times a year.

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  My new car - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By toronto30 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Awesome!!!

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  Worst Car Ever Owned; A Real Lemon - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By joners - July 11 - 9:09 am

  Paid 8,000 for car and put 3,000 into engine, mostly seals, major problem in coolent system, cracked engine block, the list goes on and on.... this was the worst engine GM ever built, I dont reccommend it. Replaced fuel pump, then it was needing repairs twice a year. Joined a class action lawsuit and GM got out of it by filing bankruptcy. If your buying an Alero plan on spending alot for repairs, due to cheap parts and a poorly running engine.

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  alero review - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Aida Reyes - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is quite strong. I was in an accident with a Chevy Tahoe that broadsided my alero on the passenger side and the Tahoe went away hurting. My alero was messed up inside but I was able to walk away a little banged up, but alive. Good car.

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  3 Year Update from 11/09/03 Post - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By us_blueskirt - June 14 - 12:50 am

  The milage and performance has dramatically decreased over the last year! The only real issue outside of that was a problem with the flasher system, which was fixed by a factory recall on the assembly. I cant really complain about the performance...Its got just over 165,000 miles on it. The performance didnt waiver until it hit around 120,000 miles, but its been downhill since then. I keep up with all scheduled maintenance and it seems to work for this car. It is very reliable...I still take long trips on a regular basis!

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  Nice cheap car - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Justin - June 10 - 2:46 am

  This cars nice. 3.4L v6 it has plenty of power. Good gas mileage 22 city 30 highway. I wish it had ABS or ETS but oh well. Good trunk space. Smooth drive. Poor quality though considering almost every 60degree v6 has a failing lower intake manifold gasket. I replaced mine once I got it around 77000 miles.

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  nice car for the money - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By baddog - June 1 - 10:00 am

  like the way it looks mine is RED and looks great. Nice car for the money. wish Olds didnt end.

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  Not Impressed - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Tony - April 27 - 9:53 pm

  If you happen to purchase this vehicle and their is a option to get an extended warranty I would highly recommend it. Very unhappy with the mechanical problems. At 58k I had to replace both front wheel bearings. Blower switch would only operate at high speeds. Replaced thermostat. The big one was at 78k the head gasket had to be replaced. Thirteen months later had to replace another front wheel bearing, ($500) out of my pocket because the warranty expired. The best investment in this vehcile was paying $35 dollars to transfer the original warranty to my name. Design of the interior isnt to bad except for cup holders in front. Gas mileage is good for a 3.4L, 26 city 31 hwy.

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  2003 Olds Alero - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By alero_blues - April 15 - 10:00 pm

  I bought this Alero in 2004, for 12K being a year old with only 23K on it, seemed like a good deal. Still paying it off today, have had the front rotor replaced, brakes, tires, battery, fuel pump and windshield replaced. The only problem I keep on having is a small water leak into the fuse box from somewhere around the windshield area, had it replaced, was good for a year, then it started leaking after a 3 day rain. By this point I am tired of dealing with the cost of trying to find the problem and just want a car that doesnt leak. I love my Alero, but i need something that is a little less water loving. Great design, like the seat and stereo set up, even though car is compact and comfy.