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:

• 

  Buyer Beware - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Mel - July 1 - 12:40 pm

  I have had this car for less than two years. During this time I have replaced the alternator, water pump, driver side window motor, sensor on engine, ABS sensor,wheel bearings,repair emergency brake, coil for spark plugs, brakes and rotors. It is low mileage for a 1999 - only 68,000 miles. Each time we repair it, we think well be okay for a while. I am tired of the cost and am searching for another reliable car now.

• 

  Down with the quickness - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By ken - June 30 - 7:56 am

  I bought my alero in march of 05, it had 73,000 miles now in Oct of 08 117456 no problems replaced front brakes a year ago tops, and one tune- up. V6, power everything 0-60 5.4sec pretty impressive. rides a little rough I thought mine did great in the snow. Unplowed country roads after 8 inches of snow never got it stuck. it is a glorified grand am i would definitely own another one

• 

  Straight Up Lemon - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By reddstunta - June 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is junk and was made too fast. The only good thing is that I have not had any motor problems. The inside is garbage, my top light just fell down, my driver side window borke twice, sometimes it does not crank, the rubber around the windshield is continuing coming up. The worse of all the dash board is coming up and look all wrinkle. This car is a lemon and practically worthless. It had a nice body style and outer appeal but it toatal garbage. I will never buy another. I hate this car, there is a new problem with it constantly.

• 

  Great Value - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By bulls - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Great Value (factorty rebates plus GM card and drives smoothly. Good power, nice handling, big trunk

• 

  Absolutely Abhorrent - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mattoxa - June 12 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car brand-new. It has had multiple mechanical problems. A design flaw that allows engine coolant to leak on the manifold has been the most expensive repair in a very long list of problems. We recently were in an accident that resulted in a total loss of this car. The air bags failed to deploy in a frontal collision raising concerns of safety. The manifold problem was at 62,000, replaced ignition switch at 63,000, replaced bearing at 62,500. Car totaled at 65,000. These were the major problems. There isnt enough space to write all the minor problems with this car. I would not recommend that you buy this car.

• 

  Alero Update - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Alero Boy - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new 2/2003 to replace the 2000 Alero that I had. It doesnt feel as stable as the old 2000. Now Im having problems with the ignition: the key hesitates to go in & is difficult to remove. Of course this happens after the 36k of the warranty. (I gave back the 5yr/60k mi warranty for a $1500 credit). With rebates & discounts, I saved about $7k on this car, but I still couldnt trade it in as I owe 14500 & its worth about $11k as I have 40k mi on it. Does anyone else have no traction on wet roads? I did a 180 into on on-ramp one morning while going 15mph. I think its the Goodyear Eagle LS tires, but cant afford to replace them.

• 

  The Contender - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By MrMac - June 3 - 2:00 am

  This is an interesting vehicle. The dealership wont be getting repeat business. The car was delivered with 1200 miles on the odometer and no explanation. The rear passenger-side door has a power window switch for non- existant pw. The salesman didnt know anything about the car, even got the radio wrong. The car is beautiful inside and out. Gray is a little plain but workable. The stereo keeps getting better. Handling is very good for a car this size and price. Interior room is outstanding. Seats are comfortable. Equiment level is high for a stripper. Washer sprayers and hand brake have already gone out. Fix on brakes didnt take.

• 

  You will be sorry if you purchase Alero - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Stevfonso - May 29 - 10:00 am

  After one week of ownership car was back to dealer for 7 problems. Everything was not fixed or problems have returned. Dealership has the worst customer service I have ever experienced. When you experience several problems from your Alero, dont expect any help from the No Customer Service Assistance Center. Beware of the brakes, steering wheel shakes and vibrates in your hands. GM knows about this problem, but who knows what they are doing about it? The V-6 is only good for low-end power. The gas mileage is horrible for this size car 23mpg while driving mostly on the expressway.

• 

  My experiance with this car. - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By dom52 - May 23 - 2:15 am

  Well, i thought this car was pretty cool when i bought it. The interior was super clean, and drove great! Well, until my car would randomly shut off on the road. It happened at least 4 times, brought it to the dealer and they said they couldnt diagnose the problem. Turns out it was the ignition failure(GM recall, but this was over a year ago when this started happening). I then traded this car in, because i just couldnt trust it. Other than that it was a decent car.

• 

  This sad old Alero - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Brian - May 20 - 12:00 am

  This is the worst vehicle that I have ever owned. Thank God we bought a extended warranty. The starter went bad, fly wheel cracked, passenger electric widow stopped working, leaked gas from the engine, power steering started to leak, oil was getting into radiator, passenger door leaked when it rained, passlock theft security went bad. We traded car off before the extended warranty was up. Vehicles like this make you really think about ever buying a GM vehicle again. You pay good money for a vehicle and this is what you get.