1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero - Consumer Guide Automotive

Category	Oldsmobile Alero GL1 Rating (See All Ratings)

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 Score:	49

Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category

Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model

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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 >

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