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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  My Oldmobile Alero - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Kedibee - February 11 - 9:00 pm

  I bought this car in 2006 with 63,000 miles on it. I have driven it for exactly two years now and have changed both bearings in front two times. Right now, it looks like I need to change them again. I will be driving it for straight 1700 miles, of course with sleeping breaks as long as 6 hours. I will know after this trip if this car is truly a good one.

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  Update from original post - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By jtrujillo86 - February 8 - 10:50 am

  After owning this car for nearly 2 years, I thought I should write an update. I am still in love with her! Ive added a front strut tower bace and it makes the "fun to drive" factor increase by 10! In the area of quality, Ive had to have the wheel bearing and the power steering pump replace, both under warranty. The wheel bearings are common issues on these cars, but the pump was just a fluke with mine. Anyway, even at nearly 50K miles, I am still as happy with it as the day I bought it...I am saving up now to get a REAR strut tower brace.

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  Do Not BUY THIS CAR! - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By redlovely1 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I was in love with my Alero when I first bought it. However, its safety rating dropped and my auto insurance increased. Also it has this annoying clicking noise behind the hazard switch that the dealerships could not fix while it was under warranty and I took it 3 times. They kept changing the hazard switch, but the clicking continued. This car had lots of power, but with high miles (mine had 77K) it is worth $1 and starts having problems other cars would have at 100K +. Brakes were an issue.

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  8 years with a used Alero. - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mlrobards - December 26 - 5:54 am

  I purchased this car when it was 5 years old, that was 8 years ago. I have had only one major issue with it. The drivers side window regulator has gone out and cost too much to replace. Never had issue one with the motor, struts, electronics (other than the regulator) If you treat this car right it will not let you down. Keep up with all regular maintenance and it will last years. Handles really well and an easy ride for long trips. Before you buy any new car make sure it was taken good care of. If it wasnt, walk away.

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  Alero 2002 - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By spanish56 - November 7 - 10:33 am

  vehicle is a reliable, economical commuter car and made in the USA

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  Over 220,000 and still running strong - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Curt - November 2 - 3:06 pm

  I brought this car in 04 used with only 30,000 miles. Now its 2010 with 220,458 and still running. Just minor repairs (oil change, minor tune-up, brakes & tires). Im still shocked over how reliable this car is.

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  For the money it is worth it! - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By jreynard - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in a haste. The car has been worth every cent that I paid. The features are nice for the price. The ride is quiet and the car is mechanically sound. The steering is a little disconnected but you still have a decent sense of the road. I enjoy the layout of the controls. They seem to have put a little extra thought into the lay out in the cabin. I enjoy my car and it has been good to me.

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  Up In The Air - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mlzebe - September 20 - 11:43 am

  I bought my Alero last year with 72,000 miles on it. I was loving it I thought it was a all around good car. Well it was until I started having this problem with the security system. Sometimes when I turn the car off, and go to start it again nothing happens except for the dash light coming on. I priced to fix and was told about $300 to 400 to fix. Besides that and the air drafts its a nice car.

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  Not too many problems... - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mynameisalreadyinuse - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I havent really had too many problems. In fact, the only ones Ive had were minor. I did have one that upset me, though. Both of my fog lights shattered and I needed to buy new ones. Other than that, my car still looks new and runs great (for having 50k miles on it)!

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  Nice car for the $$$ - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By oleo - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used and the price was easy on the wallet for what i got its a good buy.