2004 Oldsmobile Alero: Road Test
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2004 Oldsmobile Alero ▼
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- MSRP: $18,485 -$23,335
- Invoice: $17,283 -$21,118
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Our road test for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero help you decide if a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GL1 sdn, 4-cyl auto. | GLS cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 5.2 |
Acceleration is only adequate with the 4 cyl, but V6 feels gutsy; our 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 acceleration. Automatic transmission changes gears smoothly, but manual has bulky shift action.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GL1 sdn, 4-cyl auto. | GLS cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
V6 Aleros averaged 21.6-23.7 mpg in our tests. The 4 cyl averaged 22.7 mpg with manual transmission, 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 | 6.1 |
Good grip in steady-state cornering, but unsure in quick transitions. Steering feels nervous on center and artificially heavy. Aleros with ABS exhibit drama-free braking with firm pedal, though stopping distances only average.
QUIETNESS
| GL1 sdn, 4-cyl auto. | GLS cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.8 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Clear gauges, and major controls nicely grouped around driver. Buttons and switches are of lightweight plastic, 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 | 6 |
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 | 4.5 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 6 |
Strong V6 acceleration and an acceptable list of standard features at competitive prices are Alero's virtues. But it can't match import-brand rivals in refinement, interior design, and materials. Plus, the phaseout of Oldsmobile means poor resale value and low lease residual values.
Total Score
| GL1 sdn, 4-cyl auto. | GLS cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 49 | 49 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 49
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