Oldsmobile Alero reviews

2003 Oldsmobile Alero Driving Impressions

This is an enjoyable car, whether on a long trip or running around doing chores.

When driven hard, our GLS delivered good grip, more than we expected from such a high-volume family car. The P225/50R-16 Goodyear Eagle LS Touring tires that came on our car are part of it. The other part is that Oldsmobile's engineers have optimized the suspension system to deliver the ride and handling demanded by import-oriented customers. The front and rear suspension struts attach to the car through intermediate subframes, which allow the springs to keep the tires in firm contact with the road without transmitting a lot of harshness to occupants. An ultra-stiff floor pan allows for more compliant suspension travel in the interest of smoothness.

The large tires on the GLS impart a somewhat heavy feel to the steering, which, like most cars from GM, has a slight dead spot at straight-ahead. But overall the steering feels quick and precise. This steering response makes the driver feel connected to the road. The Alero is taut, yet remarkably free of rattles over potholes. A bit of road noise and vibration dampened our enthusiasm slightly.

The 3.4-liter V6 that comes on the GLS delivers good mid-range torque. That means you've got good power for making passes on two-lane roads. This V6 is also clean enough to qualify for California's stringent Low Emissions Vehicle rating, but with 170-horsepower on tap still makes for an entertaining driver.

The four-speed automatic transmission works well with the engine and offers smooth, positive shifts.

We haven't tried out the Alero's new five-speed manual transmission nor the new four-cylinder Ecotec engine, but we expect it to be a good combination. Getrag, a German manufacturer renowned for superb manual gearboxes, builds the gearbox, while Lotus and GM designed the new engine.

All Aleros come standard with anti-lock brakes and electronic traction control. ABS allows the driver to maintain steering control of the car during emergency braking maneuvers. Traction control reduces wheelspin under hard acceleration.

The traction control system uses ABS wheel-speed sensors that detect when the front wheels are spinning; torque is then reduced by upshifting the transmission, retarding ignition timing and, if necessary, cutting fuel to the injectors. Oldsmobile says this system has proven to be more effective than other traction control systems that use both power reduction and brake application to maintain control. A switch allows the driver to turn the system off if necessary, such as if the car is stuck in a snow bank.