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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  Unlikely to Recommend - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Lucky - February 14 - 2:03 am

  I have a 2004 Alero v6 4 door. Let me put it this way, I have had the car for 6 years and there is a new problem every time I turn around. I have had the brakes and rotors replaced 3 times. The wiring harness behind the steering wheel was replaced once and needs to be replaced again. This car is a magnet for old people to hit. Now my car wont start. This has to be the worst car I have had. General maintenance isnt doing anything for this car.

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  Do Not Buy This Car - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By hatethiscar - February 8 - 2:03 pm

  I bought my Alero in 2002. The drivetrain has been fairly reliable except for some suspension problems. The real problem for me has been with the interior bits. Among other things, Ive run into: 1. Two speakers inexplicably stopped working. The worked just fined once I replaced them (with original wiring even). 2. The A/C controls are messed up. The fan will only work on the two highest settings. 3. It has a peeling dash. 4. I have four (count em!) non-working power windows. Ive had both front windows repaired multiple times, but they never seem to work longer than 6-8 months before failing again. This is, far and away, the most annoying problem Ive had with the car.

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  Olds Alero 2004 - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Jess - January 28 - 4:33 pm

  After having a Chevy 2001 Blazer this is the best car that I could have ever got with how expensive gas is. I bought it with only 9,000 miles on it and it now only has about 36,500 miles and I was the second owner of the car.

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  A truly fantastic American car! - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Peter_J - January 21 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I compared several cars when considering our next purchase. I was wanting to sell a Honda Accord that I had been talked into buying, and it turned out to be an expensive car to maintain and keep on the road as it got older. I looked at the Pontiac Grand Am, the Alero, and just to be fair, another Honda. The Olds was simply the best looking, best driving, most comfortable and well thought out car out there . . . and I love it!

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  My car is my baby. - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Happy Girl - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but good things happen in this car. It gets good mileage.

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  Not horrible, but personally would suggest one - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By m3t4lm4n222 - January 6 - 7:27 am

  I have had one of these cars for 7 months now. Got it at 75K miles ran pretty good, now at 86K miles and well..its not going to well. The engine burns oil already, the transmission shifts hard and slow(Checked the fluid, its fine) The ride in this car is well..bad. You can feel every bump, its loud, especially on the highway, expect to have to turn the radio up. The engine is very loud, and I have the 2.4L 4 cylinder engine and its also very slow, it literally sounds and accelerates as if it had a big diesel engine in it. It averages 19 City, 25 Highway which is pretty bad for a car..especially considering it has a 4 cylinder engine...Its also not very comfortable...

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  runs good, and lasts long - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By simmons1890 - December 29 - 3:16 pm

  everything in this car worked out really good. it runs great. ive never had any problems with it. before i bought it i heard it wasnt a good car to have. but i love it. the look is great to, its a nice car to have, im glad i bought it

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  Pretty Good - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Schmutz - December 27 - 2:00 am

  No problems to speak of, except when I ditched it. Cant expect a car to go 80 on snow and ice.

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  Great and then Dead - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By imok02 - December 24 - 5:42 pm

  I hadnt heard anything bad about an Alero when my mechanic tried to sell one to me. It was an 02 and I didnt have a single problem with it for 3 years. I lived on a steep, unpaved road and the car got me up even in snow. Then the check engine light was on and it started choking on its own oxygen intact and emissions problems and now it sits not able to pass inspection. So, you be the judge: is a 2002 supposed to live past 11 years and 155000 miles? It was fine and now dead.

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  Nice Car - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Pete - December 15 - 6:43 pm

  I have owned my Alero since 2001 and it had 37 miles on it. It has been a great car overall with very few issues other than the standard that any 7 year old car needs. It has been a good family car, commuting car and its fun to use the V6 to get up and go when needed. Gas mileage has averaged in the high twenties and even by todays V6 standards that still seems good to me.