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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  Good solid vehicle - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By B-randie - July 18 - 5:56 pm

  Ive had this car about 2 years now and I bought it used. Ive had minor problems that are quite normal with it, most of them come from normal use. The gas mileage is really good especially in a car so affordable. I really recommend this car to anybody and everybody. I feel so safe when Im driving anywhere. I do a lot of traveling to see friends and Ive never owned a more reliable car.

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  Good value for money - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Ian - June 21 - 9:10 am

  Our Alero V6 is excellent value. We paid $10,700 when it was 15 months old and had 22,000 miles. It has lots of features, such as traction, ABS, CD player and I like the way the lights come on automatically too. My biggest gripes are the parking brake which has no adjustment for the cable,and which I personally feel should be used to protect the auto-box parking pawl, and the over-gearing, a typical GM trait. For a 3.4, it loses power dramtically at the slightest onset of a gradient. Lower gearing would make the performance more reachable and save me having to change down to maintain my momentum. However, you get what you pay for and the Alero is excellent value and has been pretty reliable.

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  All About Alero - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Alero Owner - April 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. The only thing that has happened to it is the leather wrap around the hand brake needs to be re-stitched. There have been no mechanical problems at all. Not much leg room in the back, especially with for kids in car seats. They will probably get their legs broken if we get in an accident. Other complaint is the small gas tank. Only holds fourteen gallons. Most I can go without having to re-fill is a little over 300 miles per tank. Around town, only about 270 miles per tank. Great car if you dont have kids.

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  174,000 miles and still going - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
  By danroberts1964 - April 13 - 5:20 am

  I bought my car used 2 years ago and it now has 174,000 miles on it and its still going strong. Only problems I have had was the fuel pump and the alternator went out. Oh and the pass key thing had problems but there is a easy fix for that if you Google it and it consists of a inexpensive diode being soldered into the wiring. Would I recommend this car even with the high miles mine has.... You bet I would.

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  About to retire black beauty after 291,000km - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mcalpine - March 21 - 1:29 am

  I bought this car years ago used from a car dealer in Scarborough. It was very cheap (probably because of 5spd gear box and dent in hood) and my expectations were quite low. I just needed a car for the winter. It lasted a LOT longer than one winter. The 2.4l engine feels gutless in normal driving but when you put your foot down it picks up the pace nicely, albeit with plenty of noise which seems to be typical of GM four cylinders. I have full records of what has been replaced from new: Connecting pipe, small vacuum hose, blower motor resistor, rear window heating module, rear speakers, all struts/shocks/springs, gas cap, brakes x3 with new calipers, emerg brake cable, drivers seat back.

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  Two-Faced - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Chris - March 18 - 1:36 am

  Ive had this car for approximatly three months now and shes been trouble at some points and a joy to drive during others. Ive blown a window regulator, have the hazard switch short, and have a gasket leak (oil leaking from car). If you can pick one up thats free of problems, by all means, do so. Its a truly fun car to drive.

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  Watch for the brakes and windows... - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By butterfly5180 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  LuV Car! I practically kiss gnight, but experienced a few problems. The car after 2 yrs Ive had new windows due to scratching, warranty fixed. However, when brakes need replaced do IMMEDIATELY. Had to wait 2 wks brakes had 1% on pad the other nothing left. Braking was metal 2 metal there is metal ALL OVER vehicle. My chrome rims scrubbed still hasnt removed rust color spray from rims. Unhappy becuz its all over exterior of car as well, spent 3-4 hours scrubbing and cant get all off. Windshield is fogged needs replaced, upset I take care of vehicle car seems ruined. Also the seek button paint has worn off immediately.

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  seems to give me no problems - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By alero 03 - March 9 - 8:13 am

  I bought the car with 25,000 miles on it, and i seem to have no problems now with 43,000 miles. New brakes would help. But i love my car, very reliable!

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  solid car - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Jeff L. - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I have put 80,000 miles on my Alero and have had no problems with it at all.

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  2-Year Review - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Vicky - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I would not recommend this car. I have driven nothing but oldsmobile but next time will switch to Toyota. Customer Service should be called NO customer service as they could care less about you once you have driven off with the car and it is yours. Gas mileage is horrible, steering wheel shakes and brakes make a noise when you back up when you first start up the car. I will tell everyone to stay away from oldsmobile!