The Oldsmobile Alero is described by most of its critics and car experts as a satisfying car for ordinary driving. It has a few good features like its steering and handling capability and quick acceleration for some engine options. It is also feature packed considering the low price you have to pay for it. But it never did go beyond ordinary, and never did it fully match its more popular Japanese rivals.
The Oldsmobile Alero was introduced by General Motors late in 1998 as a 1999 year model. It was actually a long delayed replacement to the Oldsmobile Achieva, which was last manufactured in 1997. It is based on an improved and extended General Motors N Body platform and shares its chassis and most mechanical and body parts with the Pontiac Grand Am. Although similar, the Oldsmobile Alero proves that it is more capable and refined than its Pontiac cousin.
The Oldsmobile Alero was available in three trim levels when it was introduced for the 1999 model year. These trims were the base GX, the more equipped GL and the premium GLS trim. Engine options include a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine that was standard on both GX and GL trims while a 3.4 liter V-6 unit was standard on the top-of-the-line GLS trim. The 2.4 liter unit was replaced by a less powerful but more refined 2.2 liter I4 unit in 2002. A 4-speed automatic transmission unit was the only transaxle available upon introduction, but a 5-speed manual appeared the following year.
Like its predecessor, Oldsmobile Achieva, the 4-cylinder engine of the Oldsmobile Alero was quick to accelerate but lacks refinement. The 2.2 liter unit that replaced it was smoother and more refined but lost some power. Still, the engine of choice would be the V6 which proves to be competitive against the performance of rival Japanese compact cars. Unluckily, models with this engine, along with the rest of the Oldsmobile Alero line-up, was dropped in 2004 when the Oldsmobile brand was eventually dropped by General Motors.
A satisfying car for ordinary use, any ordinary car buyer, except for those who really want their car fast and powerful, would love the Oldsmobile Alero. If you want it to perform better, you can always install in it high performance Oldsmobile Alero parts like engines, body panels, lights and car accessories. Every Oldsmobile Alero part also has an equivalent replacement part that may sometimes perform even better than its stock parts.
"UNIVERSAL 3-POINT RETRACTABLE SEAT BELTS, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE, SOLD AS PAIR -- This Seat Belt May Require Modification Or Other Adjustments To Your Vehicle Upon Installation, 1-3/4 in. Width x 131 in. Full Extended Length, Comes With Center Push Buckle, Without Air Bag Sensor"
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