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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  Do Not Buy - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By deeprig9 - March 24 - 12:39 pm

  I bought in 2002 with 38k m and now (2011) has 214k. Pwr Windows break constantly. Intake and Head gaskets go constantly, can limp it along 10k miles at a time with sealer additives, if you are poor and dont mind being stranded constantly. Clearcoat starts peeling all over car around 90k. CD/tape stop working at about 70k. Any work that involves the belt must be done by mech, due to motor mount running through the belt = drop engine ;( The performance on the V-6 is actually really good, when its running correctly. Security feature will disable your ignition constantly. These complaints apply also to Grand Ams and Aleros from 99-2002. "Dex-Cool" systems= stay away.

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  Great mid size car .. Severely under rated - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Ed - March 8 - 10:11 am

  After 12 years I would still rate this car from personal experience, an excellent vehicle .....

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  Nice Car - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Gardner - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for a Subaru....I liked the AWD, Was won over by the alero when i found out about the 5 speed and the gas mileage. I have grown to like this car much much more every day. I wish the interior styling was more like the new German style interior quality. fake and chinsy looking

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  goodbye to the almighty alero - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By manda - February 14 - 10:26 pm

  I have had my Alero for 2 years now. It was my 1st car and at first I loved it. The sound system in it is great but thats about it. I have had to replace both front bearings on it every 6 months and is crazy expensive to do being a college kid. It was a good 1st car to me but I need something more reliable.

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  Love My Coupe! - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By ms.cheski - February 1 - 6:20 am

  I have had this car for about 18 months now and love it! This car had nearly 77k miles on it when purchased and were up to 106k. I have the V6 motor and it has some serious power. Gas mileage isnt spectacular, but were not too ginger, either. Around town we get 22-24, highway weve gotten up to 27 when shes all tuned up. Its solid and does well in the snow, too. There have been a couple issues with tie rods and once our rotors were practically rusted through- but I think they were cheap parts as we have not had the problem again. There is some issue with a few sensor lights coming on even tho nothing is wrong-I just ignore it. Only trading in because Im pregnant and we need four doors.

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  Tale of an Alero - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Radkor - January 16 - 6:06 am

  I bought my 00 Alero w/32000 mi in May 01 as an rebuildable. This car has been great! 37mpg. Fuel regulator replaced under warranty, Frt brakes & rotors rplcd at 50k, rears at 70k, tires every 55k. Replaced poorly designed pass dr window regulator for $70 via boneyard. $80 flasher was to be rplcd under warranty but GM stopped that because it was a rebuilable. I love that car, everyone thought the factory 8 spker CD was aftermarket, it is that good! I was never tired after 9hr drives, and I have a bad back. I beat that car, I learned how to do 360s in the Red Hot Rod, what my kids called it. drove 4yrs. Its my daughters now.

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  2000 alero after 11 years - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mountaintop1 - January 13 - 7:48 pm

  This has been a great car, great mileage, and very little problems. 108000 miles so far, cant complain I will be buying a new car soon, I hope it will be as good.

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  112,000 Miles - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Josh - January 13 - 3:13 pm

  Well I bought my Alero two and a half years ago. Keep in mind that I drive this vehicle close to 140 miles a day, and close to 40,000 miles a year. I have replaced 5 wheel bearings, the fuel pump, fuel filter, coil pack, spark plugs, brakes (numerous times), warped rotors - for a total of close to $4,000 in repairs in two and a half years. Also the resale value is horrible. Dealers offered me $3,500 for a 2002. I still owe more than that. I am sorry to say that my next vehicle purchase will be a Toyota. GM has lost my business and probably will never get it back unless I buy a Corvette.