2003 Oldsmobile Alero Review
Price Estimate: $1,488 - $2,473





+2
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, poor resale value.
What’s new
Any music lovers out there? For 2003, the Alero expands its scope of available sounds by offering XM Satellite Radio as an option. It's the only Oldsmobile to do so.
Edmunds says
The Alero combines attractive styling, decent engines and extensive standard equipment in a crisp-handling package. Too bad this is Oldsmobile's last year.
For sale near Stanford, IL
8 listings
- $3,000great price$1,069 below market
- 133,318 miles
- 1 accident, 4 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 21 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- Sunshine Auto Sales (264 mi away)
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Menasha, WI
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (21 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1G3NL52F63C147339
Stock: 147339
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-16-2024 - 125,529 miles
- 21 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- Dales Auto Sales (405 mi away)
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Hutchinson, MN
""Low Miles"" 2003 Olds Alero GL 4 door sedan -- 125,xxx miles, 2.2 Ecotec 4-cyl, Cruise control, Tilt wheel, AC, CD, Rear Spoiler, Rear defroster, Po...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary Unavailable.
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (21 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1G3NL52F43C288100
Stock: 288100
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-03-2024
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Illinois
$170/mo for Alero GX
Alero GX
vs
$175/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 2003 Oldsmobile Alero has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
3 recalls found- Recall Number:
- 14V400000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 14350
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 6729742
- Defect Description:
- This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Defect Consequence:
- If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
- Recall Number:
- 07E021000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 742
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
- Defect Consequence:
- FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Corrective Action:
- DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
- Recall Number:
- 04V528000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 04092
- Manufactured from:
- 2002-11-01 to 2003-05-31
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 92863
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, 'ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS.' IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM MAY STICK AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE BRACKET AND NOT RETURN TO THE ENGINE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE OPERATOR LIFTS HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
- Defect Consequence:
- FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM AND REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
Warranty
5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 6 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
Oldsmobile Alero Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
seems reliable to me
5 out of 5 starsgeri7, 01/10/2012
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
I haven't seemed to have any serious problems with my '03 Alero, which is now at 201,700 miles.
Just some part that needed to be replaced, which included my fuel pump, but that was my fault, because I hated so much to stop and get gas, and my gas will always be on empty. And a harmonic balancer and something that has to do with the drivebelt. But that was just very recent. So, I have to … say, my car has served me 'very well'. But, 3 of my windows don't work anymore.
But I can live with that. Those aren't the parts that matter anyway. Very satisfied with my car. Oh, love the stereo.
8 years with a used Alero.
4.38 out of 5 starsmlrobards, 11/13/2013
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 4dr Sedan (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
I purchased this car when it was 5 years old, that was 8 years ago. I have had only one major issue with it. The drivers side window regulator has gone out and cost too much to replace. Never had issue one with the motor, struts, electronics
(other than the regulator) If you treat this car right it will not let you down. Keep up with all regular maintenance and it will last … years.
Handles really well and an easy ride for long trips. Before you buy any new car make sure it was taken good care of.
If it wasn't, walk away.
Absolute Base Model Review
4 out of 5 starsJohnny, 10/18/2015
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GX 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A)
2.2L EcoTec engine is decently powered for being in a bigger sedan. The instrument panels are very basic like just the bare essentials. Radio is different from the other models. its actually different from the one shown in the owners manual. The window clips that hold the window on a non-power window do become very fragile in advanced age. Only 2 major issues that have happened was … transmission lines busting and brake lines busted all in spots which were difficult to repair by myself. There is one nagging issue but is very common and that is the security lock out upon start. The other slight issue is simply the road, between noise and comfort of ride. As the driver i have never had an issue with comfort in the front seat. My passengers tell me the front passenger seat is fine but the back feels like you are dragging the road. I would say this could be suspension. However, i replaced the whole nine yards of it, making it brand new parts. One major recommendation with an Alero (and any car for that matter), is to always do the regular maintenance because as it wears out, the way the car runs and rides becomes rough in this car. I know this due to the Condition of it when I purchased the vehicle in 2012.
Up In The Air
3.63 out of 5 starsmlzebe, 06/08/2008
2003 Oldsmobile Alero GLS 2dr Coupe (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
I bought my Alero last year with 72,000 miles on it. I was loving it I thought it was a all around good car. Well it was until I started having this problem with the security system. Sometimes when I turn the car off, and go to start it again nothing happens except for the dash light coming on. I priced to fix and was told about $300 to 400 to fix. Besides that and the air drafts it's a … nice car.
2003 Alero Highlights
Sedan
GX
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,085 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $170/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
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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