2003
Oldsmobile Alero

Starts at:
$18,085
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn GX
    Starts at
    $18,085
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 4-cyl
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe GX
    Starts at
    $18,085
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 4-cyl
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe GL1
    Starts at
    $20,035
    24 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 4-cyl
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn GL1
    Starts at
    $20,035
    24 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 4-cyl
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe GL2
    Starts at
    $21,585
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn GL2
    Starts at
    $21,585
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn GLS
    Starts at
    $22,685
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe GLS
    Starts at
    $22,935
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero

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Expert 2003 Oldsmobile Alero review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Oldsmobile’s most popular model has been the compact front-wheel-drive Alero coupe and sedan. Both are offered with a four-cylinder or 3.4-liter V-6 engine and either a manual or four-speed-automatic transmission. The Alero’s engines and basic design are shared with the Pontiac Grand Am, but each model has considerably different styling.

Three new body colors and the addition of an XM Satellite Radio are the only significant changes for the 2003 model year. The Alero was introduced for the 1999 model year. According to GM, the Alero is expected to remain in production until sometime in 2004, even though the Oldsmobile brand is being phased out.

Four Alero models are available: GX, GL1, GL2 and GLS. Its rivals include the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and the two-door Toyota Camry Solara.

Exterior
The Alero’s styling has been one of the main points used by Oldsmobile to differentiate it from Japanese-brand automobiles. Both the coupe and sedan share some design themes with Oldsmobile’s full-size Aurora. The Alero has more rounded fenders and quarter panels, as well as a low-nose/high rear-deck profile.

Both body styles ride a 107-inch wheelbase, measure 186.7 inches long overall, stretch 70.1 inches wide and stand 54.5 inches tall. They are available with 15- or 16-inch tires. The coupe models sport a rear spoiler.

Interior
Each body style has a five-passenger capacity and features front bucket seats. Because the coupe’s rear seat is narrower than the sedan’s, three people in the backseat is a tight squeeze. Trunk volume is 14.6 cubic feet, but the rear seatback folds to expand cargo capacity.

A CD player, tilt steering wheel, air conditioning and power door locks are standard in the base GX. The GL1 and GL2 add fog lamps, remote keyless entry and power windows. Topping the line is the GLS, which gets GM’s OnStar communication system, CD and cassette players, power mirrors and leather seating surfaces.

Under the Hood
A 140-horsepower, 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine is standard in GX and GL1 models and optional in the GL2, which is the performance-oriented Alero. This engine teams with either a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission. Only the automatic transmission is available with the 170-hp, 3.4-liter V-6 power plant, which is standard in the GL2 and GLS and optional in the GL1.

Safety
Traction control and daytime running lights are standard. Antilock brakes are standard only on GL2 and GLS models.

Driving Impressions
The Alero is light on its feet and very easy to steer, but handling talents are closer to average. Calling the Alero “average” is a good way to describe this car — it’s a cut above in some areas but nothing special in others.

The four-cylinder engine delivers rather snappy performance, especially with the manual transmission. The Alero’s ride quality actually beats that of many cars on the road. Even the performance suspension in the GL2 model absorbs its fair share of bumps.

Space is ample in the coupe, and the slide-forward passenger seat helps pave the way to the rear, which has more room than many two-door models on the market. The four-cylinder engine growls a little, but not enough to be annoying.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2003 Buying Guide
Posted on 2/10/03

2003 Oldsmobile Alero review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Oldsmobile’s most popular model has been the compact front-wheel-drive Alero coupe and sedan. Both are offered with a four-cylinder or 3.4-liter V-6 engine and either a manual or four-speed-automatic transmission. The Alero’s engines and basic design are shared with the Pontiac Grand Am, but each model has considerably different styling.

Three new body colors and the addition of an XM Satellite Radio are the only significant changes for the 2003 model year. The Alero was introduced for the 1999 model year. According to GM, the Alero is expected to remain in production until sometime in 2004, even though the Oldsmobile brand is being phased out.

Four Alero models are available: GX, GL1, GL2 and GLS. Its rivals include the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and the two-door Toyota Camry Solara.

Exterior
The Alero’s styling has been one of the main points used by Oldsmobile to differentiate it from Japanese-brand automobiles. Both the coupe and sedan share some design themes with Oldsmobile’s full-size Aurora. The Alero has more rounded fenders and quarter panels, as well as a low-nose/high rear-deck profile.

Both body styles ride a 107-inch wheelbase, measure 186.7 inches long overall, stretch 70.1 inches wide and stand 54.5 inches tall. They are available with 15- or 16-inch tires. The coupe models sport a rear spoiler.

Interior
Each body style has a five-passenger capacity and features front bucket seats. Because the coupe’s rear seat is narrower than the sedan’s, three people in the backseat is a tight squeeze. Trunk volume is 14.6 cubic feet, but the rear seatback folds to expand cargo capacity.

A CD player, tilt steering wheel, air conditioning and power door locks are standard in the base GX. The GL1 and GL2 add fog lamps, remote keyless entry and power windows. Topping the line is the GLS, which gets GM’s OnStar communication system, CD and cassette players, power mirrors and leather seating surfaces.

Under the Hood
A 140-horsepower, 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine is standard in GX and GL1 models and optional in the GL2, which is the performance-oriented Alero. This engine teams with either a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission. Only the automatic transmission is available with the 170-hp, 3.4-liter V-6 power plant, which is standard in the GL2 and GLS and optional in the GL1.

Safety
Traction control and daytime running lights are standard. Antilock brakes are standard only on GL2 and GLS models.

Driving Impressions
The Alero is light on its feet and very easy to steer, but handling talents are closer to average. Calling the Alero “average” is a good way to describe this car — it’s a cut above in some areas but nothing special in others.

The four-cylinder engine delivers rather snappy performance, especially with the manual transmission. The Alero’s ride quality actually beats that of many cars on the road. Even the performance suspension in the GL2 model absorbs its fair share of bumps.

Space is ample in the coupe, and the slide-forward passenger seat helps pave the way to the rear, which has more room than many two-door models on the market. The four-cylinder engine growls a little, but not enough to be annoying.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2003 Buying Guide
Posted on 2/10/03

Available cars near you

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Safety review

Based on the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
1/5
Side rear passenger
4/5

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
3 years / 36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Consumer reviews

73% of drivers recommend this car
3.8 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.8
Interior 3.5
Performance 3.5
Value 3.8
Exterior 3.8
Reliability 3.7

Most recent

  • By Martha from Alachua, FL
    Owns this car
    May 1, 2025

    I've had my 2003 Alero for 3 years.

    I've had my 2003 Alero for 3 years. It's beautiful, runs so smooth and is clean and comfortable at 220,000 miles. Made in America. I have replaced a battery, a window, a thermostat, a belt, and wipers. I think people who had troubles, beyond what one would expect from a 22 year old car, may not have found good mechanics. If you can find an Alero 6 cylinder in good, clean condition and have a trustworthy mechanic, get one for fun.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Sandy from Fredericton
    Owns this car
    September 14, 2023

    My car had done well.

    I bought my 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2nd about 7 years ago. It's the best car I have had so far. I've done 80,000 on it without hardly any issues. It only needs the usual maintenance that you would expect, but nothing major. For a 20 year old car it does great. I bought it for $2,000. It has a few electrical quirks, but nothing to stop it running. What I like best about it that if anything does need fixing, it's usually simple and the parts don't cost the earth. I've had a few offers for it, but no, I am keeping it!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Jmac from Portland, Maine
    Owns this car
    March 4, 2021

    Best used car I ever bought!

    I bought my 2003 alero in 2017 with 75000 miles. I do regular oil changes. It took 3 yrs before I had to spend a dime on maintenance. Finally had to buy a motor for the automatic window. Drives smooth and steering is superb. Only downside is the mpg could be better.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    15 people out of 15 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By LilJessee from Pigeon forge, Tn
    Owns this car
    May 11, 2019

    One of the best cars I've ever owned.

    This car meets all of my needs. Has plenty of leg room in the front and back. My favorite feature would have to be the radio.i love the sound system.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By TheBilo from Vancouver, BC
    Owns this car
    March 22, 2019

    Great highway car, reliable if well maintained

    Just drove about 2800km from Saskatchewan to British Columbia in a GL1 with the 3.4L V6. It handled winter road conditions quite well, even loaded down with all my stuff. The interior design is pretty good but cupholder placement was not great and the tilt steering doesnt adjust quite high enough for me (Im tall). Ive owned the car since 2016 and have never had any mechanical issues other than routine maintenance like spark plugs and oil/filter changes. As a highway car this vehicle is excellent. Cruise control works well and is conveniently located. It also has enough power that if you need to pass all you have to do is tap the accelerator and youre gone. Rides like a dream over bumps and potholes, steering is a bit numb though. It will cruise at 120km/hr (75 mph) all day with no problem. The only work Ive had to put into it is regular maintenance. Oil change, fuel filter, spark plugs and wires and a new air filter (K&N). Its been very reliable, starts easily every time even in -30C winter conditions and never overheats. I hit the speed limiter on a back road in SK once, a base model camaro (my buddy) wanted to drag and this car blew his doors off, no sweat. Im currently sitting at about 240000km (150,000 miles) and shes going strong. I expect that if I keep up on the maintenance schedule I could easily get 400,000km (250,000 miles) out of it. Great little car, fun and comfortable to drive and reliable.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By EmmaT from Chicago il
    Owns this car
    March 17, 2019

    This car has been very good to us.

    This car met all of our needs while we used it. We decided to buy a newer car & you can’t beat the price! Drives pretty nice for the most part.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Manless from Quebec canada
    Owns this car
    January 8, 2019

    Most promblmatic car I’ve ever owned

    Just replace basically all the front end and now it’s making a winding/ grinding sound in drive and my cig lighter keeps blowing worse then my 1998 Chevy cavillers and hundia accent
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By AdamBombsAway from Syracuse, NY
    Owns this car
    January 4, 2019

    WTH WAS GM THINKING

    Bought this car from an elderly gentleman who had been losing his site so he bought the car brand new for his aides to take him to his appts. I purchased it in 2013 with 18,000 miles on it. Wow what a great deal I thought. This car has had issue after issue. Heat and ac stopped working had to get fix twice, random accelerations, fluctuating rpms? Random stalling, misfires, both front wheel hubs have gone twice. Most recently (because of GM deciding on a sealed transmission where to check it there’s no dipstick, there’s an oil drain plug on the side of the front axle that you unscrew to check level/color)blew the axle shaft seal wife went to leave no gears had the cv shaft seal fixed, had the tranny serviced, had to replace whole steering components in front end because of this. Car now has no reverse idle issue is back. DID I MENTION IT ONLY HAS 89k on it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Tweety from Baltimore
    Owns this car
    April 2, 2017

    Not a very reliable car

    Hello I've had my 2003 oldsmobile Alero and I've had a lot of problems with the rack and pinion. Thus last go round I was told that the bolt where the rack mount to the frame has rusted and caused the bracket to brake. There needs to be a recall on the rack and pinion.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By The Happy Hubby from Dallastown, Pa
    Owns this car
    March 22, 2013

    Wife wrecked her Alero

    In June 2007 my wife and I puchased for her a 2002 Silver Olds Alero and she absolutly loved the car. But in the winter of 2013 she hit some black ice while on her way to work one morning, she spun off the road and hit a small diameter tree, she was not injured at all due in part to the well engineered constuction of the Alero, it really took a hard hit, and even though my wife was not hurt, the Alero that she named Buster was totaled. Buster was Busted. When we started talking about replacing Buster I asked her what she was thinking, she replied, I want another Buster. So I looked at different website and found what we were looking for on cars.com. There it was a 2003 Silver Olds Alero. The same identical car just one year younger and with 30,000 less miles on it. I went and checked it out and because I did all the maintenace on the 02 I already knew the car inside out. It passed my inspection and we purchased the car for Ben,s Platinum Motors in Hanover Pa. we got an excellent deal and the difference in price from what the insurance paid us was only 400 bucks, so for only a few hundred we have another Buster or as she calls him, Buster Jr. The Olds Alero is an excellent value with very nice styling and plenty of V6 power. In the end, my wife loves her new-er car and that makes me one happy hubby.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Texas_Investigator from Houston, TX
    Owns this car
    July 7, 2012

    The Alero is a solid car.

    I have owned my 2003 Alero GLS for six years now. I bought it used. The main reason I chose the Alero was it handled great; and the one I picked had a very clean, and quiet, running engine with reasonable power. The interior is a little cheap; but if that's what your looking for go buy a Lexus or something. The only mechanical problem has been the fuel pump. The tires seem to wear out a little faster on the Alero than the other cars I have owned. Seriously, the tires get bald quickly on an Alero (I drive a lot more than the average person however). I have had a few electrical problems with it over the years, but nothing serious -- the factory radio quit on me. It is a little annoying not being able to turn the headlights off sometimes, but again no biggie. It gets reasonable gas mileage as well. I bought it with approx. 35,000 miles on it. It now has over 200,000 miles and still starts right-up and drives like a new car. I wish they still made this car, it was a good one. On a final note, many of my street-racing, "fast-and-furious", friends would praise the Alero back in the day. They would always remark that it had one of the fastest four-cylinder engines available for under $20,000 (I believe only the Acura Integra is faster). Having owned one for many years now, I can verify that it is indeed fast for a four-banger.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By oiece of junk car from dartmouth Nova Scotia Canada
    Owns this car
    October 17, 2010

    junk vehicle

    this vehicle sholud have a recall as they have an electrical problem. Vehicle takes 10-15 minutes to get started in mornings. Replaced fuel filter 2 times and the egnition module Still nothing
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    2 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero?

The 2003 Oldsmobile Alero is available in 4 trim levels:

  • GL1 (2 styles)
  • GL2 (2 styles)
  • GLS (2 styles)
  • GX (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero?

The 2003 Oldsmobile Alero offers up to 26 MPG in city driving and 33 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero reliable?

The 2003 Oldsmobile Alero has an average reliability rating of 3.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2003 Oldsmobile Alero owners.

Is the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. 73.3% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.8 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.8
  • Interior: 3.5
  • Performance: 3.5
  • Value: 3.8
  • Exterior: 3.8
  • Reliability: 3.7
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