The 3.4-liter V6 that is standard on 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, but we expect it to be a good one. Getrag, a German manufacturer renowned for superb manual gearboxes, builds it, and a new plant in Italy produces the transaxle. This new 5-speed manual gearbox should make the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine an attractive alternative to the more expensive V6.
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. Next Page