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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  Functional - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mngolf - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a pretty dependable car. In 80,000 miles, theonly problems Ive had were with the power steering. Both times were covered under the initial 36,000 mile warranty. Other than that, Ive only replaced the brakes and tires. The car handles very well, but gas mileage has decreased over time. My only complaint is that the resale value is horrible. You cant get anything for the car, so you probably have to drive it forever.

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  alero - 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
  By marymezzarobba - October 21 - 10:00 am

  very dificult to see out all over

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  Annoying Problems - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By AJB - October 1 - 1:46 am

  I have owned my Alero for a little over a year. The car is a solid drive, fast and fun, but I have been plagued by annoying problems. For example its been in to the shop four times for the "service engine soon" light coming on. Turned out to be the O2 sensor each time, not particularly expensive but annoying just the same. Also the brakes are always noisy and seem to wear out quickly.Even with new rotors I still feel like it grates and grinds too much. The power windows have also caused a problem recently. Great looking car and real fun drive, but having previously owned a Japanese car, I think Ill head East again next time I buy. Make sure you like your dealer....youll be back.

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  Still Lovin it... - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By ang - September 21 - 10:26 am

  So, I bought this car for its looks. Im still loving it. I had to replace its brakes and rotors, my husband says I ride the brakes though. Also, I had to get a new water pump in 2004. To get to the point...I have three young kids and am a full time student, this car keeps up with all of us and has never left us on the side of the road! We do live in a hilly area and sometimes find that the tranny slips going up steep hills. I too love the automatic lights and convenient map lights. Oh, when I got this car it was missing the hazard lights? Im not sure what that was all about.

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  Pretty good at first..... - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By mjr - September 3 - 3:00 am

  I bought my Alero with about 24,000 miles on it. In about a month I had to return to the dealership for four new window assemblies and window. This was an obvious design flaw, but they claimed it was a fluke (4 all at once...). Also, the front wheel bearing went, blower motor, and a few other things. I bought a 75,000 mile warranty for it, and of course, with 75,252 miles the other front bearing goes bad. I take it back to the dealership for the noise. They come out and tell me that its the bearing, alternater, lower intake manifold gasket, both lower control arms, both upper strut mounts. I was given a rediculous quote to fix it all. Im not sure what to do, but I would recommend avoiding picking one of these up.

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  257,000 miles and going - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By 257,843 miles going - September 1 - 12:10 am

  I bought this car at 19,543 miles. True, all cars will have problems. In the last 7 years I have had to replace head gaskets, Fuel Pump, Tie Rod Ends. Only major issues. Overall, its an ok car. As of today it has over 250,000 miles. Its hard to believe from an Alero but YES.

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  Good Lookin Out - 2001 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Big Red Alero - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Nice car for the money. Bought mine used about a month ago and have had no problems since(knock on wood). Was not the first car that caught my eye but once i took the price and standard features into consideration, looked like i was lured, and the bright red really stands out when clean.Looks really sharp from the front but the back could use a little work. Overall i am pleased to be an owner of one of the last oldsmobiles.

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  Great Car, so far. - 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
  By Chris - August 24 - 9:20 am

  I purchased my car from a private dealer that buys wrecked vehicles at auctions and repairs them. The fact that it had a salvage title made me a little weary but I couldnt complain for $4500 and only 32k miles. The only problem Ive had so far is the wheel bearings at around 45k miles, could be from wreck. Although the motor is strong for a 4 banger it could use a little more power from the get go. A little tip for the gas mileage, buy a k&n air filter and use Lucas fuel injector cleaner every oil change, I was getting about 28 mpg average and now 33 mpg average. I have had a problem with hydroplaning in heavy rain even with brand new tires maybe because the car sits so low to the ground

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  Just bought my 1999 Alero - 1999 Oldsmobile Alero
  By riker93 - August 20 - 2:32 pm

  I just bought my 1999 Alero GL, with only 105,000 miles on it. Got a good deal at a local dealership. The car is in great shape, and so far in the month that Ive had it, theres been no problems, and I hope it stays that way. Too early to tell though. It gets excellent gas mileage, and with the hot weather were currently having, the a/c puts out very cold air. So, as long as it keeps running the way it does, Ill be happy. Keeping my fingers crossed.

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  My Expensive Mistake - 2000 Oldsmobile Alero
  By sam2000 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I liked the features and styling when I bought this car, but the build quality has turned out to be very disappointing. The rear rotors are scored deeply with plenty of pad remaining. Had to have all the windows replaced due to the glass getting scratched every time the windows were lowered and raised. Cruise control switch went bad. Power window switches went bad.... three times. Many minor electrical problems. Dash board also had to be replaced. No problems with the power train so far (45k mi.), but I dont trust the car anymore after so many problems; and with the awful resale value, I cant afford to get rid of it.