2002 Oldsmobile Alero Review
2002 Oldsmobile Alero Review
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Used Alero for sale
Appraise This CarOldsmobile Alero types
- Coupe
- Sedan
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sleek styling, brisk performance and handling, ergonomically intelligent interior, well-equipped standard model.
Cons
- Hint of cheapness to interior bits, numb steering, resale value may suffer.
What’s new
The biggest news for the 2002 Alero is an all-new four-cylinder engine on GX and GL1 models. Redesigned 15-inch wheels, a revamped interior console and two new exterior colors round out this year's changes.
Edmunds says
The Alero combines attractive styling, potent engines and extensive standard equipment in a crisp-handling package.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Oldsmobile Alero GX 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$182/mo for Alero GX
Alero GX
vs
$187/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Introduced to the public at the 1998 North American International Auto Show, the Oldsmobile Alero was an instant hit with the automotive press and consumers alike. For 2002, both a sedan and a coupe are available, with your choice of four trim levels and two engines. While the Alero is technically a replacement for the Achieva, this stylish compact is light years ahead of previous attempts by the division to build and market a small car.
GX and GL1 models now feature an all-aluminum 2.2-liter DOHC four-cylinder that generates 140 horsepower. With twin balance shafts to smooth out vibrations and offering much improved fuel economy, this engine is a welcome improvement over the previous powerplant. A four-speed automatic is standard on all models with a five-speed manual optional on models equipped with the new four-cylinder. Optional on GL and standard on GLS is a 3.4-liter V6 that makes 170 horsepower but is offered only with the automatic. Both engines now meet low-emission vehicle (LEV) standards.
Like big-brother Intrigue, the Alero is entertaining to drive. It employs what Oldsmobile calls an Active Response System (ARS). ARS is a combination of 16 desirable attributes, such as a stiff body structure, a four-wheel independent suspension, all-speed traction control and four-wheel disc brakes intended to deliver a safer, more enjoyable driving experience. If that's not enough, the Alero can be ordered in GL2 trim that includes a sport suspension, high-performance 16-inch tires, fog lamps, decklid spoiler and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. New for this year is a Sport package for the base GX model that specifies the five-speed manual transmission, 15-inch alloy wheel, a decklid spoiler and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Inside, the Alero is a four-fifths version of the Intrigue. Well laid-out with seating for five, this car has features such as air conditioning, power locks, rear window defogger and split/folding rear seats all standard. A revised center console with more storage and a cupholder have been added this year, but unfortunately side air bags are still not available. We're still not fans of the cloth upholstery , and the leather looks and feels too much like vinyl for our tastes.
Overall, the Alero is a stylish, powerful sporting car that is willing to play if you are. It can serve family duty when necessary, zooms confidently along when the road turns twisty and won't break the bank when it's time to make the monthly payments.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Oldsmobile Alero.
5 star(46%)
4 star(26%)
3 star(17%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(5%)
83 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
runs great even after 155,000 miles if you take care of it
superstar1213, 07/19/2014
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 2dr Coupe (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
I have 175,XXX miles on my Alero and it is running great!! For those of you who are talking crap about this car is obviously not taking care of it very well. If you take care of a car and maintain it, it will last a long time. I know a man who has a 1989 gmc safari van with almost 500,000 miles on it and still drives it to work every day! Take car of your vehicles and they will run … forever!
4.13 out of 5 stars
A good first car, does have some known issues.
n8ech, 09/18/2011
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
We have two Alero's in our family. Our daughter drives an 01, and I just pickes up an 02 for our son.
The Alero is a decent sized comfortable car with quite a few amenties for the money.
We paid $4800 for the 01 with 74k 1 owner, and $3700 for the 02 with 55k one owner as well
I should add the 02 has some hail damage and needed the lower intake gasket replaced.
Both have leather and a … power driver seat.
Given a choice, the 3.4L V6 is the better engine even considering the gasket issue. I am getting 30 mpg highway
4.63 out of 5 stars
2002 Oldsmobile Alero 2.2l 225,000 !
zyborg, 06/28/2008
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL1 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
I bought the car new in 2002, retailed for $17,450 came with the new ecotec 2.2 L with manual transmission, standard ABS, 4 wheel disk brakes, 4 wheel independent suspension, AC, CD Radio. After rebates and previous olds rebate purchased for $11,400. After 225,000 the 4 cyl engine still runs like new. I beat the crap out of the suspension with my daily commute gravel roads, potholes, … high and low speed driving, bent a couple of rims. I love cornering in the car. I leave trucks and others behind. The car is well balanced with the 4 cyl 5 speed manual handles like a European car. Thats because it was designed for the European market.
1 out of 5 stars
rides great.. WHEN ITS NOT NEEDING REPAIRS.
laura t, 06/22/2017
2002 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
BEWARE!! There are SO many issues with car that just about every one ever made seems to have. Warning indicator Lights on dash are always ON - Electric Windows always breaking & costly to repair. Rear Exhaust manifold gasket will go before 60K miles (& more than once from what ive been told).. I have only 55K miles on mine and am currently saving for this $700 repair now.. Also car … having a starting problem again.. 110th time.. have replaced battery, alternator, starter, and still wont start. ALSO beware the "pass-lock" system.. shuts your entire car down for 10 min at a time and actually SHUTS YOUR vehicle down from stating for exactly 10 min,,. and you never know when it will happen..GM SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THIS ENTIRE LINE BACK IN 2002-2004 WHEN IT SETTLED IN COURT A CLASS ACTION SUIT BUT DID NOT ISSUE RECALLS ON ANYTHING EXCEPT THE IGNITION SWITCH!
2002 Alero Highlights
Coupe
GX
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $17,805 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $182/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver1 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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