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:

• 

  Alero Good With Exceptions - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By TheDarxion - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I like the Alero for all aspects except two: 1) Front brakes and wheels. My Alero has had two brake jobs and a replaced hub assembly (wheel bearing) in 30,000 miles....and GM only warranties the break pads (at $70) for 1 year / 12,000 miles. 2) Poor city, rural (not highway), and winter MPG...22 MPG winter, 26 MPG summer on country roads (22 miles home to work), 33 MPG hiway. Not sure what gives here. So, if you are willing to put up with continued brake and wheel work (as I discovered has happened to many others) and lower MPG (except on the highway), this car is good....but dont buy it new...poor resale value.

• 

  KICKS! - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Bekki - December 15 - 8:43 pm

  This is an awesome car, turns heads, cause its red and sporty! Excellent body and interior, the GLS is the ONLY way to go!

• 

  Nice ride - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By andreah - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 3.4 6cyl,and it is powerful, the car is really smooth, and a big improvement from my 1986 olds calais, I LOVE the two tone interior, that ismy favorite part of the car, the speakers are nice too, also the windshield wipers fascinated me by how the washer fluid comes out of the wiper arm, also impressed with transmission, doesnt require care until 100,000 miles supposedly, well see

• 

  "Braken In My Alero" - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By joanbrad016 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for a full year now. Strong points include powerful acceleration, great handling, attractive looks, and an overall fun to drive machine. In general, I have found that GM struggles with brakes,and this car is no exception. The rotors first warped at 9K, again ready to be re-surfaced at 18K. This annoyance is offset by a great package, otherwise.

• 

  Put the brakes on... - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Andrea Nel - November 13 - 3:56 am

  Fun car to drive, stylish, roomy in the front, and love the air flowing to the back seat and removable ash tray that turns into a cup holder. This car was so close to my dream car until the mechanical problems started. Replaced brake rotors twice, water pump, and now am experiencing problems with the fan and the annoying blinker switch noise (anyone who has one knows what Im talking about), problems with starting the car due to a electrical problem all before 75,000. My extended warranty ends at 85,000, and Im sure Ill make use of it. Not the most mechanically dependable car I ever owned. Very nickle and dime on the mechanics...

• 

  cars - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By rbp - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I like the car alot, I have rented it a few times and always try and request it again at times i cant get it--i wonder y. I have had the Grand Am and the Malibu,. I like the Alero alot better

• 

  No surprises - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By rhammel - November 2 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Alero brand new off the lot. It is a 4dr GLS V6 w/Sun & Sound pkg & has a sweet looking maroon paint. It is a sharp looking car. Its peppy & gets decent gas mileage. Ours had very good fit & finish & thus far (approx. 26K miles), we have had no major problems, though I think the brakes will need replacing soon. The front end is pretty low. My wife has already beat the heck out of the black rubber/plastic thing under the front by hitting curbs & tire stops. My wife complained about the moonroof rattling (I never noticed it), so Arnold Palmer Olds replaced the cover. No other problems with the moonroof.

• 

  A little short on quality - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By rmc - October 15 - 2:00 am

  The good: torquey engine, handling, braking (but see below); exterior paint/finish/styling; sound system. The bad: front brakes replaced at 28K miles-- rotors warp easily & sound creaky; interior material cheap/unrefined; poor seal on drivers side door caused sound system to short out on wet days; hazard switch went through dash (the last straw). Overall: A pretty good car with nice features that lacks refinement & compromises a little too much on quality. Was not sorry to let mine go after 56.5K miles.

• 

  dont do it - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By ready to get rid of - October 5 - 10:00 am

  At 9000 miles, brakes went out on me three times. Had to replace brakes a rotors. At 23000 had to replace fuel pump, at 31000 replaced power steering pump. Doors stay messed up, have had three of the four doors fixed at different times. Fuel gauge is off, have to find a station at little over quarter tank. Drivers window wont roll down, already fixed passengers window in back also.Its gonna cost over three hundred dollars to fix the window. Pass side door stays stuck now. Door locks possessed, they click locked unlocked on their own continuiously, have to take out the fuse to get them to stop. Lots of road noise also.

• 

  Underrated - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By jflakne - September 22 - 2:00 am

  For me, this car is near perfect. Nicely balanced between performance and economy. Good acceration, decent handling (though a bit below the Mystique I owned previously), good gas mileage, seats four comfortably yet is small enough to maneuver easily in city traffic (and fit in my 50 year old garage!). One of the best cars Ive owned in over a half century of driving. Too bad they have been discontinued.