The Oldsmobile Alero was the last compact car introduced in the spring of 1998 for the 1999 model year. The Oldsmobile Alero was built in Lansing, Michigan. The Oldsmobile Alero successfully replaced the Achieva and Cutlass. The Oldsmobile Alero was available as a 4-door sedan or a 2-door coupe. The Oldsmobile Alero used the same chassis and many parts, including engines, with the Pontiac Grand Am. All Aleros came in base GX, mid-level GL, or high-end GLS trim; GL trim was split into three levels: 1, 2, and 3.
In 2001 the Oldsmobile O4 concept car was unveiled, designed by Bertone. This model was an open top 4-seater with European styling, powered by the latest Ecotec I4 engine. The name symbolised "Oldsmobile 4-Seater" as well as implying the year 2004 as a planned date for production. Oldsmobile ended in 2004 and the O4 concept car never came out as the second generation of the Oldsmobile Alero. The production of the Oldsmobile Alero ended with a special Final 500 Edition, that featured custom graphics inspired by vintage Oldsmobile logos, dark cherry metallic paint, and a plate featuring the car's number out of 500. The last car of the Alero Final 500 was signed by all the employees and is the last car manufactured by Oldsmobile.