
Base price: 2-door, $18,355–$23,005; 4-door, $18,335–$22,755
Vehicle type: front-engine, front-drive; 2- or 4-door 5-passenger sedan
Interior volume, F/R/cargo (cu ft) 50/41–43/15
Wheelbase 107.0 in
Length/width/height 186.7/70.1/54.5 in
Turning circle 35.1–35.8 ft
Curb weight 2950–3100 lb
EPA city/hwy mpg 20–25/29–33
Fuel-tank capacity/range 14.1 gal/282–253 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger airbags
POWERTRAIN
2.2-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-in-line, 140 hp; 3.4-liter pushrod 12-valve V-6, 170 hp; 5-sp man, 4-sp auto
SUSPENSION
F ind, struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R ind, struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R vented disc/disc
ABS standard
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OLDSMOBILE ALERO
Counting down to the disappearance of the parent division in 2004, changes to the Olds Alero are minimal for 2003: a new XM satellite radio option and three new exterior colors. This handsome compact-sedan family shares the same platform as Pontiac’s Grand Am. It’s offered in two- and four-door body styles, with four trim levels—GX, GL1, GL2, and GL3. The GX and GL1 are powered by GM’s 140-hp, 2.2-liter DOHC 16-valve aluminum Ecotec four. The GL2 and GL3 are towed by a 170-hp, 3.4-liter pushrod V-6, which is also a GL1 option. A five-speed manual is standard with the four-cylinder, but V-6 models are automatic only. We’re impressed with this car’s good looks, its agility, and its all-disc, anti-lock brakes. Aleros come well equipped: Even the base-level GX model includes air conditioning, an AM/FM radio, traction control, and a tilting steering wheel.
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