1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Oldsmobile Alero. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Oldsmobile Alero.

1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero Review

Oldsmobile launched the front-drive compact Alero coupe and 4-door sedan for 1999, to replace the slow-selling Achieva. Basic design was shared with the Pontiac Grand Am. Both body styles came in base GX, better-equipped GL, and top-line GLS trim levels. GX and GL models used a dual-camshaft 4-cylinder engine. A V6 was optional for the GL but standard on GLS models. Only a 4-speed automatic transmission was available initially. All-disc antilock braking and traction control were standard. A tire-pressure monitor was standard on GL and GLS Aleros, and GLS coupes could have an optional performance suspension.

Year to Year Changes

2000 Oldsmobile Alero: A 5-speed manual transmission supplied by Getrag was available for 2000. "GL" models came in three levels: 1, 2, and 3, the latter equipped with the V6 engine. Manual shift was standard on GX and GL1 versions, with automatic an option. Three child-seat anchors on the rear parcel shelf were new this year. A new Sport package for GLs included the firmer performance suspension, previously reserved only for the GLS, including 16-inch alloy wheels and wider tires.

2001 Oldsmobile Alero: Alero's V6 engine was more widely available this year, newly optional for the GL and GL2, and additional standard equipment was installed. The GL3 edition was dropped. GX models gained power windows, cruise control and a standard CD player. The GL1 added keyless remote entry, while the GL2 gained a sport suspension and rear spoiler. In December 2001, General Motors announced that the Oldsmobile brand would begin a phaseout, but Aleros continued into the 2002 model year.

2002 Oldsmobile Alero: GX and GL1 models got a 140-hp 2.2-liter 4-cyl engine. It replaced the 150-hp 2.4, which had lower EPA fuel-economy ratings.

2003 Oldsmobile Alero: Available XM satellite radio and deletion of standard antilock brakes on lower-line models were the only significant changes for 2003.

2004 Oldsmobile Alero: Alero remains unchanged for 2004.

1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V6)	Engine noise (4-cylinder)

Quietness	Rear visibility (coupe)

Control layout	Rear-seat entry/exit (coupe)

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Although the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine delivers plenty of power, it lacks refinement, vibrating at idle and getting loud in hard acceleration. A brief test drive indicated that the 2.2-liter 4 cyl trades a little power for slightly smoother, quieter operation, but it should be strong enough for most driving situations. The V6 adds some welcome low-speed muscle and runs a lot smoother and quieter than the 2.4-liter. It's strong from a standing start and responds quickly for passing. Torque steer (pulling to the side under hard acceleration) came as a penalty for the zesty V6 engine, however. Aleros with the V6 averaged 21.6 to 23.7 mpg. Alero's automatic transmission is about as slick-operating as any, offering smooth, prompt downshifts with little tendency to "hunt" between gears. Manual shift adds a dash of sportiness, but does not shift as smoothly as the gearboxes in a Honda or Toyota. Capable road manners combine with comfort, as a result of the Alero's rigid structure and supple suspension. Still, despite good grip in steady cornering, an Alero cannot match import-brand sport sedans. Though it feels athletic in curves, Oldsmobile's compact is less nimble than, say, a Ford Contour SE. Steering feels artificially heavy and the car can feel unsure in quick transitions, though directional stability is great otherwise. Neither suspension rides harshly over bumps, but compliance and control don't really stand out. Wind noise is low, but tires thrum on all but the smoothest surfaces. Large, legible gauges and well-placed controls ease the driving experience. Front bucket seats are a bit narrow, with insubstantial padding and without much lateral support, but are comfortable anyway. Front head and leg room are good. Rear-seat space in sedans rivals some midsized cars, but entry/exit isn't so easy with the coupe. Visibility is good in sedans, but thick roof pillars impede over-the-shoulder views in coupes. A small opening and high liftover impairs trunk loading.

Value for the Money
Satisfying in ordinary use, the Alero behaves admirably on twisting roads and feels more mature than its Pontiac Grand Am cousin. Acceleration with the V6 is another "plus," but Aleros cannot match import-brand rivals in refinement. Value is enhanced by its long list of standard features.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Oldsmobile Alero GL1	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	6

Ride Quality	4

Steering/Handling/Braking	4

Quietness	4

Controls/Materials	7

Interior Room	5

Room/Comfort (rear)	4

Cargo Capacity	5

Value within Class	6

Total:	49

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Brakes: Pulsation felt in the steering wheel and brake pedal is caused by faulty brake pads and discs. Revised parts are available. (1999-2000)

Cupholders: The console cup holder is too small and a revised console is being replaced under warranty. (2000)

Paint/body: The rear spoiler gets distorted in the hot sun. Also, water gets inside requiring drain holes to be drilled. (1999)

Radiator: The heater hose may pop off of the heater inlet nipple because the original equipment hose clamp fails. (1999-2000)

Water leak: Water leaks under the door and onto the floor due to a bad door gasket. A countermeasure gasket is being installed under warranty. (1999-2000)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$500

Alternator	$380

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,170

Brakes	$430

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$905

Exhaust System	$455

Radiator	$475

Shocks and/or Struts	$895

Timing Chain or Belt	$505

NHTSA Recall History

1999-2000: Console cover may not stay closed in a crash.

2001: Owner's manual doesn't adequately explain child-restraint anchorage system. Dealers will send vehicle owners a supplement to their manual.

2001: When the vehicle is shifted from 5th gear into reverse, a shift inhibitor causes the transmission to be in 4th gear even though the lever indicates reverse gear.

2003: In hot ambient conditions, accelerator pedal arm may not return to idle position when gas pedal is released.

1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1999
Alero	$2,600-3,200	$1,900-2,400	$500-700
Alero GLS	$3,300-4,000	$2,600-3,200	$800-1,000

2000
Alero	$3,100-3,700	$2,400-2,900	$700-900
Alero GLS	$3,900-4,600	$3,200-3,800	$1,200-1,400

2001
Alero	$3,900-4,700	$3,200-3,900	$1,200-1,500
Alero GLS	$5,000-5,800	$4,300-4,900	$2,000-2,300

2002
Alero	$4,900-5,900	$4,200-5,000	$1,900-2,300
Alero GLS	$6,200-7,000	$5,400-6,100	$2,700-3,000

2003
Alero	$6,000-7,100	$5,200-6,200	$2,500-3,000
Alero GLS	$7,500-8,300	$6,800-7,500	$3,800-4,200

2004
Alero	$7,200-8,500	$6,400-7,600	$3,500-4,200
Alero GLS	$9,000-10,200	$8,100-9,200	$4,700-5,300

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door coupe	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	107.0	107.0

Overall Length, in.	186.7	186.7

Overall Width, in.	70.1	70.1

Overall Height, in.	54.5	54.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	3026	3077

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	14.6	14.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	14.3	15.0

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.4	38.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.2	42.2

Rear Head Room, in.	37.0	37.0

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.5	35.5

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

A 2.4-liter dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder engine, rated at 150 horsepower, went into the GX and GL editions. Either a 5-speed manual (starting in 2000) or 4-speed automatic transmission could be installed. Standard in the GLS and optional in the GL was a 3.4-liter V6, producing 170 horsepower and offered only with an automatic transmission. 2002 GX and GL1 models got a 140-hp 2.2-liter 4-cyl engine in place of the 150-hp 2.4.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc I4	2.4 / 146	150	155	5-speed manual: 22/31 4-speed automatic: 22/30	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

ohv V6	3.4 / 207	170	200	4-speed automatic: 20/32	4-speed automatic: 21.6

dohc I4	2.2 / 134	140	150	5-speed manual: 25/33 4-speed automatic: 24/32	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 Alero	1999 Alero

Front Impact, Driver	4	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero Review:

Oldsmobile Alero

Oldsmobile Alero Road Test

Oldsmobile Alero Reliability

Oldsmobile Alero Prices

Oldsmobile Alero Specs & Safety

Oldsmobile Alero Photos

Oldsmobile Alero Full Review