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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  New Owner in Maryland - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By JessinMD - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Bought it 3 weeks ago,so far I like it except... Top of the list: Cupholders,who designed this so I can get a wack at them.Just me or do you have to take the car out of park to get a big cup in the holder? Shakes at 80mph. Oops then again Im not suppose to go that fast. The trunk, could have not spent a few more dollars on the parts.Those little fake me out screws just dont cut it.Most have fallin out, the others wont stay in.Think its a decent car,then again its my first car of course its decent.Crossing my fingers that I dont have horror stories like the other reviewers.

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  Buy Toyota - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Donewithit - April 10 - 2:00 am

  3 years owing this car, thank God it had a warranty. Power window motor went out, strut became unattached, paint peeling, hazard button fell through the dash, doors required realignment, noisy, and cruise control stopped working. If you enjoy visiting the dealer then this car is for you. My car has two days left on the warranty and Im getting rid of it now.

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  Love the car! - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By AliK - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Went from a VW to this and Im glad I did. Its sporty and a very reliable car. For a smaller car there isnt that "tin" sound when you close the doors. The acceleration is great.

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  Alero is an Arrow - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Sharkey - March 24 - 10:36 am

  I love my Alero. All is good with the car. If there were one thing I could change on it, that would be the road noise. I am running Goodyear Eagle GT,s, and the road noise is a little high. Other than that, the car is GREAT !! The handling is quick and precise. The trunk has lots of room ! Seats are great. I guess there is one other thing I would change, and that is the headroom. I am a little tall though. But with the seat adjustment, I can lower the seat to a comfortable possition and all is good. Two of the best features of the car are its suprising power and its AWESOME looks. I DO LOVE THIS CAR !!!!!

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  Great Looks/Perks bad Design - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Marc - March 20 - 5:53 pm

  Bought the vehicle off of my parents. Since new, the car had to be taken itn for repairs about 2-3 times a year. It has gone through about 4 wheel bearing, 2 sets of struts, new Drive/Pass seatbelts, 2 resistors for the blower, intake gasket issues twice and replaced the alternator after 90,000 miles. There were other issues but these are being pulled from the top of my head. The good looks on the out and inside are very nice, the drive and handling are excellent and the stock sound system is better than anyone would expect. One should expect problems with this car, but as consumer reports is showing this is expected from most GM vehicles. I would not recommend this car.

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  Former Toyota Owner - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By S. Racer - March 11 - 1:33 am

  My first car ever was a 72 Nova SS. The mechanic saw this car more than I did. This experience made me vow to never own an American car. Ive owned 4 Toyotas, including an MR2 (best car Ive ever had). When the Alero came out, I had to go back on my vow. I currently am driving a slick looking black V-6 coupe. Only major problem Ive had was a power steering leak. Besides this, my Aleros quality build has been much better than what I expected. The power under the hood is scary (Im thinking about getting a radar detector). Seating is good in the front AND the back. The styling is terrific! Beware: This car drinks gas like crazy. Besides this, its a very fun & cool car to drive.

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  I agree - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By chairmanfat - March 9 - 4:56 am

  All the same problems: brake rotors that are worthless, a recall on the turn signal problem, and a rapid depreciation but I like the car. Weird. When I think of the crap I could have bought for same money ( I went in with a budget and stuck to it) I really like the car. I wont buy from GM again though. The last American car I owned was in 1984. There just isnt any excuse for the problems they have with this car. They must do it on purpose, seriously. They cant be this stupid.

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  Nice Car - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By lbsorensen - February 28 - 6:10 am

  I bought this car 6 years ago. The kids were much smaller then. Now that they are leggy teens, the back seat is small for 3 of them. But I find that the car is a great family vehicle. nice body style, and fairly peppy.

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  solid - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By vinmore - February 15 - 10:00 am

  very easy to drive. zero problems.

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  Will keep it forever - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By ckpzone - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I love how this car drives. It has great pickup, and feels really safe. The cupholders are annoying, but that is the only thing I dont like. The stereo system is great, and gas mileage is okay. I love the way the seats open to the trunk. All in all, this is a great car. I would buy it again.