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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  1999 Alero 4 door / 4 cyl GL - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By JCD - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car longer than any other vehicle Ive owned, and still love it. Yes, thereve been issues w/the front rotors but was handled under warranty and havent had the brakes touched in over 20k miles. And the blower motor resistor has been replaced twice (1 under warranty, the other out of pocket). The cup holders arent the best, but hey this isnt a luxury car either. I wont be looking to replace this vehicle for another 3 years, and wished the Olds Alero would still be around then.

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  College Car - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Starrz - April 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Alero brand new (7 miles) and Ive had a great experience with it. I havent had any major mechanical problems with it and its still running strong. It has adequate power along with good gas mileage. Id recommend this car to anyone looking for a reliable car.

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  I love this car! its sporty,and with the 2.4L do, - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Larry Keyes - April 21 - 1:47 pm

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  WWooooooooHoooooo!!! - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Giorgio - April 17 - 11:23 am

  I found me a 2004 Alero GL with the 6-cyl. engine with only 29,000 miles for about a little half the price of retail when new. What a deal! It took me a whole month to find the one I wanted and its worth every penny! This car is a lot of fun to drive and is a good looker too. This what I want to be driving now and not the regular brands that everyone else is driving out there for a lot more money. Couldnt be happier, best car decision Ive ever made. Made in America baby!! Whooohooo!!

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  nice car but bad breaks and wheels - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By sonya - April 10 - 2:00 am

  had the car for 2 1/2 yrs constantly having troubles with breaks, just replaced last spring now we have to do again, cost $320 per side for new wheel barrings,ita nice handling car, but as i said seems to have a lot of front end problems.

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  Bucket of Bolts - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Dave - April 7 - 4:56 pm

  Whoever designed this car never drove it. It has poor quality, features that were poorly designed, and poor fuel economy for a 4-cylinder, manual transmission car. The engine has a fair amount of power, but the cockpit layout is not convenient. There is a sensor in the stereo that increases volume with speed, but there are no pockets in the doors for maps. It gets the exact same gas mileage that my 92 Grand Am with the 3.3L V6 and 3 speed auto transmission got. The interior feels cheap and pasticy (a hallmark of GM cars over the last 20 years). When the car was 40 months old (and the warranty expired) the emergency brake lever stopped working and the intermittent wipers went on the fritz.

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  Basic GM Econo-box - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Jeff - April 7 - 1:10 pm

  I purchased this car in 2005 with about 20,000 miles on it. It was an ex-rental from California. I now have have about 63,250 miles on it and it has/had some problems. The passlock had to be replaced ($460), the suspension starts squeaking annually and I have to take it to the dealer to get it lubricated, and the CD player only takes CDs when it wants to. The 3.4L V6 is nothing to write home about either at 170HP. Based from what Ive read, Ive been lucky with this car. My dashboard hasnt started peeling and I havent had to replace any pumps or bearings. Although functional, the interior seems cheesy. Also, this car cant handle in the snow. The rear end gives out even with good tires.

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  Excellent Camry/Honda Fighter - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Sam - March 30 - 10:43 am

  Great

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  Dissatisfied - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Disappointed Buyer - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new and it was the first time that I ever bought an American made car. I have been displeased overall with this car. I have had so many minor issues with this car (leaking sunroof, leaking rear passenger door seal, broken drivers side sun visor clips, sqeaky breaks, fasten seat belts light malufunctioning, just to name a few.) I would encourage any consumer to think think twice about purchasing this vehicle. Did I mention that the Olds line of cars are no longer going to be manufactured?

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  good car - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Dana - February 19 - 9:50 am

  I bought this car 2 years ago used and it has not failed me yet. After I first bought it I had it checked by a mechanic and the only problem was a small leak in the transmissions right axle but the dealership fixed it for me after ordering the part and I havent had any problem since. Great car.