2002 Oldsmobile Alero: Road Test
Archived Review
2002 Oldsmobile Alero ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $17,805 -$22,395
- Invoice: $16,648 -$20,267
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Oldsmobile Alero
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero help you decide if a 2002 Oldsmobile Alero is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| GL1 sdn, 4 cyl auto. | GLS cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 5 |
A brief test drive indicated the new 2.2-liter 4 cyl trades a little power for slightly smoother, quieter operation, but it should be strong enough for most driving situations. V6s feel gutsy; test V6 did 0-60 mph in about 8 sec--among the quicker compacts. But V6 Aleros suffer torque steer--pulling to the side--in rapid off-the-line acceleration. Automatic transmission changes gears smoothly, but manual has balky shift action.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GL1 sdn, 4 cyl auto. | GLS cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5.3 |
V6 Aleros averaged 21.6-23.7 mpg in our tests. The 4 cyl averaged 22.7 with manual transmission and 21.6 with automatic in tests of the similar Grand Am.
RIDE QUALITY
| GL1 sdn, 4 cyl auto. | GLS cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
Not harsh, but also not impressively compliant. High-speed stability is compromised over bad pavement.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GL1 sdn, 4 cyl auto. | GLS cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
Good grip in steady-state cornering, but unsure in quick transitions. Steering feels nervous on-center and artificially heavy. Braking drama-free with firm pedal feel, but stopping distances only average.
QUIETNESS
| GL1 sdn, 4 cyl auto. | GLS cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
Modest wind noise, but tires thrum on most surfaces. Both engines sound coarse in anything other than light-throttle cruising.
CONTROLS
| GL1 sdn, 4 cyl auto. | GLS cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Clear gauges, and major controls nicely grouped around driver. Buttons and switches are of lightweight plastic and don't move as smoothly as those in most rivals. Similarly, interior materials feel low-budget.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GL1 sdn, 4 cyl auto. | GLS cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.7 |
Good head, leg, and shoulder room, but seats too soft for best comfort or support. Outward visibility is limited rearward in coupes.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GL1 sdn, 4 cyl auto. | GLS cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4.3 |
As roomy as some midsize sedans and coupes, but seat has insubstantial padding. Entry/exit is a squeeze in Alero coupes.
CARGO ROOM
| GL1 sdn, 4 cyl auto. | GLS cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Trunks are wide and deep but don't extend far forward and have smallish openings. Split-fold rear seatbacks help cargo-carrying.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GL1 sdn, 4 cyl auto. | GLS cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 6 |
Strong V6 acceleration and a long list of standard features at competitive prices are Alero's virtues. It feels more mature than cousin Grand Am, but still can't match import-brand rivals in refinement, interior design, and materials. And the phaseout of Oldsmobile means poor resale value and low lease residual values.
Total Score
| GL1 sdn, 4 cyl auto. | GLS cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 47 | 46 | 54.6 |
Total Score: 47
Scores for all Midsize Cars
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
