The
1999 Oldsmobile Alero is poised to help Olds continue its comeback partly by doing the tough job of attracting people oriented toward import cars.
Many Americans don't include any U.S. automaker on their shopping lists because they assume domestic autos possess mediocre designs and marginal quality many such cars had in the 1980s and early 1990s.
However, the solid, refined Alero will come as a surprise to such people if they check out this car when it goes on sale next month. Olds is looking to sell 130,000 Aleros a year, and just might do that if the marketing is right.
The stunning, but slightly flawed, large Aurora luxury sedan debuted in 1995 as Oldsmobile's first new high- profile car to help turn around its once-faltering operation. The Aurora was followed by the mid-size Intrigue--a popular import-fighting sedan that arrived as an early 1998 model.
The compact, front-drive Alero replaces the bland, slow-selling Achieva and resembles the handsome Aurora. The Alero shares its basic design and many components with the recently introduced 1999 Pontiac Grand Am, but has a personality that is more upscale and less aggressive.
The Alero comes as a coupe and sedan in three trim levels, with base prices ranging from $16,325 to $20,875. Those are competitive prices, considering the car's strong performance and long list of significant standard items.
Even the base Alero GX coupe and sedan have air conditioning, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, AM/FM stereo, power door locks, traction control, tilt steering column, rear defroster and split folding rear seatbacks that increase cargo space.
The mid-range Alero GL models add items such as cruise control, AM/FM/cassette and power windows and mirrors. The top-line GLS coupe and sedan get a smooth 3.4-liter V-6 instead of the 2.4-liter four-cylinder standard in other Aleros--and remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette with a compact disc player, power driver's seat and posh leather interior.
Alero options include a $595 sunroof, $190 rear spoiler and a $250 sport suspension for the GLS coupe to sharpen handling.
The 150-horsepower dual-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder is noisy when pushed, but provides decent acceleration. The smoother, quieter V-6 produces 170-horsepower is the one that powers General Motors front-drive minivans.
The pushrod V-6 propels the Alero to 60 m.p.h. in just 7.8 seconds and allows fast merging and passing on highways. It loafs at 1,800 r.p.m. at 65 m.p.h., which makes for relaxed vacation drives. Both engines are hooked to a smooth, quick-shifting four-speed automatic transmission that is one of the best from General Motors.
The V-6 is optional for Alero GL models, with a stand-alone price of $765. However, a GL buyer almost is forced to order a $1,350 option package to get the V-6. Besides the engine, the package contains 15-inch aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, power driver's seat and fog lamps.
The four-cylinder is economical, with ratings of 21 m.p.g. in the city and 30 on highways. But the V-6 isn't far behind, at 20 and 29.
Four tall adults comfortably fit in the quiet interior of the Alero, which has easily read gauges and a nicely designed dashboard with smooth controls. The handbrake's location between the front seats provides a European-car design touch. And the GLS interior looks lush, with all that leather.
A dashboard-mounted ignition switch makes it easier to start the car, and the rather soft front bucket seats offer good support. But the rear seat is set so low that shorter occupants may get a closed-in feeling. And the backseat's center section is too hard to be comfortable for even short trips.
The trunk is large, but its rather high opening doesn't facilitate loading cargo. The lid pops up well out of the way to prevent head-banging.
A rigid body, supple all-independent suspension and fairly long 107-inch wheelbase give the Alero a comfortable ride and athletic moves, although rough surfaces elicit some steering wheel shake.
The power steering is precise, but the brake pedal has a firm feel that takes getting used to when modulating brakes during fast stops.
The Alero definitely is a contender. But Olds now must lure potential buyers to showrooms to try out the car.