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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  A fun car overall - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Jak75 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This has been a fun car to drive, however, the reliability of the vehicle is questionable. In the two years that I have owned this vehicle, there has been approximately $4000.00 in repairs that have been necessary on internal components.

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  A rental unit got me hooked! - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By ajw - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I drove this car for 8 hours straight... and felt absolutely no fatigue... that rental car made me go out and by my 99!

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  Nice Reliable Car - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By dustin - February 7 - 12:33 am

  I put over 120,000 miles on my Alero in a very short amount of time. Its engine was running great when I traded it in. I did not have problems with anything except for the brakes, I do all highway miles, and had to replace my breaks twice. I would have kept my car longer if it wasnt for the breaks wearing down so fast. The power windows often go out in these cars as well. My friends windows went out on his 99 Alero three times. It has a very strong running engine. Its quick and fun to drive. It gets decent gas milage with a lot of passing power for a car in this price range. Overall I was very satisified and would have bought another one if GM would have kept making them.

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  Done with GM - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Terry - January 28 - 8:20 pm

  I bought my 2001 Alero brand new and have had too many service issues with this car. Brakes, water leaks, windows, rear defroster, blinkers, security system. I will never buy another GM product again. This was my first brand new car and all the used cars I had previous to this one had better service records. What bothers me the most about this car is that GM/Oldsmobile really did not step up to the plate on this car. I even wrote to Oldsmobile headquarters - they only gave me some free oil changes! The only reason I keep this car is that its paid for, but thinking of trading in before it gets too bad. Shame on you GM and Waliers in Keene NH!!

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  Reminds me of a T-bird - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Smack - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Alero GLS 2dr with sunroof, leather, 17" aluminum wheels, and sport tires. It reminds me alot of a Ford T- bird because of the sound of the engine. Personnally though, I like a quiter ride like my 94 Grand Prix which I think rides smoother. Still the Alero has more power and performance capabilities.

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  Olds Alero GL Sedan - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Alero GL - January 26 - 12:56 pm

  This car has been a great family car that is fun to drive. Mine has the sun and sound package, which is a sunroof and upgrade CD/cass/am/fm radio. These features make the car joy to drive.

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  Olds Alero is Great! - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Matt Terpstra - January 21 - 10:00 am

  the alero is an awesome car for the money. great looks and a blast to drive. too bad theyre going away.

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  DONT GIVE IT UP, OLDS! - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By BIG D - January 21 - 10:00 am

  THE ALERO IS THE WICKED TWIN SISTER OF PONTIACS GRAND AM. ALERO HAS ALL THE PERFORMANCE FEATURES OF THE GRAND AM, AND LOADED WITH LUXURIOUS IMENITIES.

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  Good as a Honda for thousands less - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By holly - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Alero after three years of debating between it and a Honda Accord. Though I have to admit the Honda seems more refined, it wasnt $5000 more refined than the Alero. I enjoy driving this car because of the big 16 inch wheels, the torquey V6, and the excellent 8 speaker sound system. Once I heard about the free 5 year warranty, it just didnt seem worth pursuing the Accord anymore. The only thing I would like changed about the Alero is the transmissions aggressiveness. At highway speeds, a downshift requires a substantial stab of the gas pedal. Overall, I love this car and plan to keep it for 200k miles.

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  THICK STEERING WHEEL; FAT RIDE! - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By JOE SPINELLS BRO - January 21 - 10:00 am

  BUCKLE UP, AND HANKER DOWN. THIS 4 DOOR, ROAD ROCKET IS A LOADFULL OF FUN.