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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  GM could have made this a better car - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Caffeine - May 10 - 10:00 am

  For the price I paid, this is about what I expect to get back. It car will do the job get from A to B nicely. Howver, comparing to Camry and Accord I also drive, it does not give me the same level of confidence at higher speed (or more aggressive driving style). Although this car looks sporty, you will definately feel the body roll on turns. The brake is just poor. In all, I am more willing to drive my 84 Dodge Colt at 100 mph under strong cross wind then this Alero (under the same condition).

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  Not bad, for a First Car. - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Kimberly - May 7 - 5:57 am

  My Alero was my first car. I drove it for over a year before it finally went out on me. While I drove it, it was fine. The wheel baring was bad, made a horrible sound when I made left turns. Acceleration was okay, and shifting gears was fine. My back windows would fall down over time (meaning within a couple minutes of driving) and I had to hold them up with door stops. My driver window didnt roll up or down, and my passenger window worked when it felt like it. Overall it wasnt bad for my first car, but it definitely had its problems. But once it was done, it was done. My timing chain went out and it was too expensive to fix, so I ended up scraping it. Got $25 for it.

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  Aleros are really death traps - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By sherri bett - April 25 - 5:30 pm

  I would have my brake pedal go to the floor with no warning. Once this happened I quickly released the pedal and then the pedal worked. Except one time. I was going down a steep hill, and when I put my foot on my brake pedal, I felt NOTHING! Talk about having my heart fall into my stomach, it scared me to death!! I pushed harder and harder on my brake pedal but nothing happened, and when it hit the floor, my life flashed in front of my eyes! I pushed and pumped my brake pedal but nothing happened, my brakes were failing!! I just went into shock when I touched my brake and felt nothing. I was almost at the guard rail, I pumped them one more time and they finally came back and I didnt die

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  200k and no major repairs - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Nathan - April 25 - 1:09 pm

  engine and trans going strong at over 200k. had to repair a rocker arm in engine as only major repair and it was only $300. weakness is wheel bearings but are easy to change. comfortable driver seat. good power in v6 and 27-28 mpg avg for my 90 mile commute with 70% of the commute on freeway at 70mph. nice padded interior vs the cheesy plastic interiors on new cars. Wish I could buy a new one.

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  GL2 - Great Buy, Fun to Drive - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By paulc - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Have the pretty loaded Gold 4 Dr. GL2 that comes with the 3.4 6 cyl. engine, which Edmunds did not list. Bought it in April of 2004 used after finding it on the internet at Sandberg Olds in Seattle. It was a great deal too good to pass up at $8,995 with less than 30K miles, almost new condition as it was a former rental car. Drives and handles very well, hope its reliability holds.

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  Not a good domestic purchase - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By eric - April 15 - 4:06 pm

  Dont buy an Alero. I have had the following problems with it: dash bubbling, intake gasket leaking, blower motor resistor, water pump, both windows have problems, etc. It really is ridiculous, if you look at the reviews for 99 2-door Accords people have no problems. Overall, Aleros are quite unreliable with both big and little problems. But for the price you really cant beat it. The Alero has never left me stranded or broken down on the road. Most issues are well known and if you need a cheap $3,000 car you cant beat an Alero.

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  Dont Love It As Much As BMatheis - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Jagster - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Although I love my car, the doors leak during hard rain and has been in the shop over 8 times for them to try to fix with no resolution. My brakes/rotors have been worked on twice, were replaced the second time before the vehicle reached 26000 miles! I will not buy another GM vehicle, but I have to admit that I love my car... its my first new car and Ive gone through too many of the same problems in less than 3 years of ownership.

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  Fun to Drive in Good Weather - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Jerry Elliott - March 30 - 9:26 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle for 3 years and had no maintenance problems except the usual tires, brakes, and battery changes. The front suspension was a bit squeaky the first year or two but seems to have settled down. The biggest drawback has been this cars performance in the snow. Though it is FWD, the Enhanced Traction System (which can be turned off with the push of a button) actually makes it more difficult to control the slippage and power of the vehicle. Overall, the vehicle is a little noisy, but fun to drive, even on long road trips.

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  Luv my Alero - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By brenda23 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Alero...been driving Aleros since 1999. I love the stylish looks and feel of this car! It zips around town (3.4 6 cyl) with ease and love how it handles, especially on tight curves. Like the dashboard layout - easy to reach stereo and controls. Quality car!

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  Keep looking. - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Keith Colledge - March 27 - 5:47 am

  119K when I bought it, so far I have redone the rear brakes, one wheel bearing, numerous lights, major and with no warning oil leak,thermostat, tie rod end,and battery. Im told it needs a rack and pinion, ($800) and the crankshaft position sensor keeps malfunctioning. All in 3 years, 17K miles.