2001OldsmobileAleroOldsmobile Alero2001 Oldsmobile Alero GX SedanSedanSedanFWDLansing, MIA five-speed manual transmission is now available with the four-cylinder engine, an eight-speaker premium sound system is now standard on the GLS (optional on GL), a refined ABS system and 16-inch wheels are now standard on the GLS. Sleek styling, brisk performance and handling, ergonomically designed interior, well-equipped standard model.Hint of cheapness to interior bits, unrefined engine noise intrudes into passenger compartment, numb steering.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. Both a sedan and a coupe are available, with your choice of three 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. Like big-brother Intrigue, the Alero is entertaining to drive. GX and GL models come with a 2.4-liter, dual-overhead-cam, four-cylinder engine that makes 150 horsepower. A four-speed automatic is standard with a five-speed manual optional for those who prefer to row gears. Optional on GL and standard on GLS is a 3.4-liter V6 that makes 170 horsepower mated only to the automatic. Both engines now meet low-emission vehicle (LEV) standards. While neither engine is particularly quiet during operation, they both deliver spirited performance. Alero employs what Olds engineers call an Active Response System (ARS) to increase driver enjoyment. ARS is simply a combination of 16 desirable attributes, such as a stiff body structure, four-wheel independent suspension, all-speed traction control and four-wheel disc brakes with improved-for-2001ABS. As part of an optional sport package for the GL or GLS Sedan, the firmer-riding suspension rolls on upsized, V-rated, 16-inch performance rubber. 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. But side airbags, offered by some under-$20,000 competitors from Toyota and Chevrolet, aren't available or planned. On the minus side, the cloth upholstery isn't very attractive, 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, won't embarrass the owner when pulling up to a swanky restaurant, zooms confidently along when the road turns twisty, and won't break the bank when the payment book arrives in the mail. However appealing, it will need continuous refinement and a reputation for durability to avoid the destiny met by previous small Oldsmobiles. Chevrolet CavalierHonda AccordMitsubishi GalantPontiac Grand Am336,000336,000336,0006100,000NANANA42.4 litersInline150 hp @ 5600 rpm155 ft-lbs. @ 4400 rpm186.7 in.70.1 in.54.5 in.3026 lbs.107 in.38.4 in.37 in.53.6 in.52.6 in.50.9 in.51.5 in.42.2 in.35.5 in.14.6 cu.ft.StandardStandardNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableStandardNot AvailableRating = GoodRating = GoodAverageAveragePoorMarginal14.3 gal.22 mpg / 32 mpg21 mpg / 29 mpg315 mi. / 458 mi.300 mi. / 415 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$16,091$17,2107.35%$575N/A3% of the Total MSRPGX COUPE (4A): 2.4L I4 DOHC SMPI 16-valve engine; 4-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; 600 amp battery with run down protection; 105 amp alternator; front-wheel drive, traction control, 3.42 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; touring ride suspension, front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rear independent multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs; power rack-and-pinion steering; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 14.3 gal. capacity fuel tank; front license plate bracket, side impact bars; front and rear body-colored bumpers; body-colored bodyside molding; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen fully auto headlamps with daytime running lights, delay-off feature; additional exterior lights include underhood light; driver's and passenger's manual black folding outside mirrors; 15" x 6" steel wheels; P215/60SR15 BSW touring A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; air conditioning, rearheat/AC ducts; AM/FM stereo radio with RDS, clock, seek-scan, speed sensitive volume, single CD player, 4 speakers, auto equalizer, theft deterrent, window grid antenna; cruise control with steering wheel controls; power door locks, power remote hatch/trunk release; 2 power accessory outlets, front lighter element(s), smoker's package; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, low coolant, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low tire pressure, low washer fluid, service interval; driver's and passenger's front airbags; ignition disable; tinted windows; variable intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's and passenger's seat includes 4-way adjustment, easy entry; 70/30 folding rear bench seat with fixed headrests; cloth seats, cloth door trim insert,full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats; interior lights include dome light with fade, illuminated entry; steering wheel with tilt adjustment; dual vanity mirrors; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, mini overhead console with storage, locking glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, instrument panel bin, 2 seat back storage pockets; carpeted cargo floor, cargo light; chrome side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and body-colored door handles.
GL1 COUPE (4A) (in addition to or instead of GX COUPE (4A) equipment): Power rack-and-pinion steering with vehicle speed-sensing assist; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored folding outside mirrors; 6 speakers; remote keyless entry; panic alarm; tinted windows with driver's 1-touch down; driver's seat includes 2-way power adjustment, 6-way adjustment, lumbar support; premium cloth seats; dual auxiliary visors; driver's and passenger's door bins and cargo net.
GL2 COUPE (4A) (in addition to or instead of GL1 COUPE (4A) equipment): Sport ride suspension; rear wing spoiler; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; 16" x 6.5" silver alloy wheels; P225/50SR16 BSW performance A/S tires; leather-wrapped gearshift knob and leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment.
GLS COUPE (4A) (in addition to or instead of GL2 COUPE (4A) equipment): 3.4L V6 OHV SMPI 12-valve engine; 3.05 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; touring ride suspension; rear wing spoiler; P225/50SR16 BSW touring A/S tires; cassette player, single CD player, amplifier, 8 performance speakers; warning indicators include low oil level, low tire pressure; driver's seat includes 6-way power adjustment, 8-way adjustment, lumbar support; leather seats and leatherette door trim insert.
SEDAN (4A) (in addition to or instead of COUPE (4A) equipment): Child safety rear door locks.