1999 - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero Pre-Owned

GM's Loss is Your Gain

With the phasing out of Oldsmobile this year, one of GM's most intriguing divisions, excuse the pun, will be no more. Gone will be its midsize Intrigue, as well as the

Some of Oldsmobile's recent models were among the best GM cars available in last five or so years. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

flagship Aurora, Silhouette minivan, Bravada sport utility and entry-level Alero.

While no current Olds stirs up passion among enthusiasts like the Cutlass 442s of days gone by, I thought some of its most recent models were among the best GM cars available in last five or so years.

The Alero was among this group, sharing its underpinnings and drivetrain with the outgoing Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac Grand Am, now the G6. While nowhere near as engaging as the

The 1999 Alero was miles better than the lame duck Achieva that preceded it. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

new Pontiac, the 1999 Alero was miles better than the lame duck Achieva that preceded it when it came on the scene in autumn of 1998, and arguably the best entry-level GM model of the era.

Right from the beginning Oldsmobile offered a sedan and coupe variant, allowing it to compete head on with foreign and domestic midsize models in both categories. And it is a shame that it was often overlooked, when up against the Accord, Camry, and class, as it offered plenty of eye catching style, including the largest taillights in the business, a welcoming if not high-grade interior, lots of room and fairly trustworthy performance. OK, Oldsmobile's entry car wasn't without its faults, but reliability was at an acceptable rate and pricing, well it was and still is on the underside of low.