Oldsmobile Alero
24.3 MPG The 2004 Oldsmobile Alero is EPA-rated at 24.3 MPG combined (20.7 city / 30.3 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 617 gallons, $1975 a year in fuel, or $0.132 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1999–2004 run it averages 22.9 MPG, improving by 2.8 MPG over 6 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.103 | $1029 | $1543 | $2058 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.123 | $1235 | $1852 | $2469 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.132 | $1317 | $1975 | $2634 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.144 | $1440 | $2160 | $2881 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.165 | $1646 | $2469 | $3292 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.185 | $1852 | $2778 | $3704 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.206 | $2058 | $3086 | $4115 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 24.3 MPG | 20.7 | 30.3 | $2583 | 369 | 3 |
| 2003 | 23.7 MPG | 20.3 | 29 | $2650 | 378 | 3 |
| 2002 | 23.3 MPG | 20.3 | 29 | $2683 | 383 | 3 |
| 2001 | 22.3 MPG | 19 | 28.3 | $2800 | 398 | 3 |
| 2000 | 22.3 MPG | 18.3 | 28.3 | $2783 | 399 | 3 |
| 1999 | 21.5 MPG | 18.5 | 27 | $2900 | 415 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Oldsmobile Alero ranks 107 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Saturn Ion (24.4), BMW 335i (24.5), Cadillac CT4 AWD (24.5), Dodge Omni (24.5), Plymouth Horizon (24.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 369 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Oldsmobile Alero get?
The 2004 Oldsmobile Alero is rated at 24.3 MPG combined by the EPA — 20.7 city and 30.3 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 22.9 MPG, ranging from 20 to 27 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Oldsmobile Alero cost in fuel per year?
At 24.3 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 617 gallons — roughly $1975 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.132 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2004 model is $2583.
Has the Oldsmobile Alero become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 21.5 MPG in 1999 to 24.3 in 2004 — an improvement of 2.8 MPG, or 13% across 6 model years.
Is the Oldsmobile Alero efficient for its class?
It ranks 107 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 2.3 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.