47/100
2004Compact CarsRegular

2004 Oldsmobile Alero

EPA ID: 19643
23
City MPG
27
Combined MPG
27MPG· Average
33
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2004 Oldsmobile Alero achieves an EPA-estimated 27 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2.2L 4-cylinder engine paired with a manual 5-spd, this compact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2004 Alero produces approximately 329 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Alero performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,200, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $250 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassCompact Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine2.2L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionManual 5-spd
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions329 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,200
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $250

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
26.6
Impact vs EPA
+$27
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$534/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$14,000
43.7%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$9,722
30.4%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,900
24.7%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.2%
Total 5-Year Cost$32,022

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #14V400000·2014-09-08
critical
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

Campaign #07E021000·2007-04-27
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Oldsmobile Alero configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,200
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $250

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City23 MPG
Highway33 MPG
Combined27 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

65.8 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 81 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 5.5 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.